Richarlison has enjoyed a mixed first season in the Premier League with Watford – but that has not put off Everton, Chelsea or Manchester United.
The problem with having money to burn is that you often stop looking for bargains. Everton were once famous for snapping up little known talents from lesser leagues but, these days, they are ready and willing to pay top dollar for players who have already established themselves – and raised their price-tag to astronomical levels.
According to The Mail, Manchester United and Chelsea are joined by Everton in the race to sign Watford’s Brazilian winger Richarlison this summer, but The Toffees will have to pay £40 million as the 20-year-old is just 12 months into a five year deal.
The fact that Everton are in the race at all alongside two of the Premier League’s biggest and most reputable clubs shows how much things have changed at Goodison Park since Farhad Moshiri arrived as the majority shareholder in 2016.
But considering that Watford managed to snap up Richarlison just last summer for £11.2 million after he starred in Brazil for Fluminense, this should perhaps have Everton fans wondering what has happened to their famous ability to sniff out a bargain.
Director of football Steve Walsh was appointed to spot rising talents like Richarlison available on bargain fees – not players who have increased their price-tag by £30 million after one year in the Premier League.
Richarlison’s form might have dipped since the turn of the year but he is a real talent who could thrive for years on Merseyside. However, a £40 million move would prove just how different a club Everton have become under Moshiri’s reign – and raise further questions about the stature of player Walsh was hired to target.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
