Everton Soares has played his final game for Gremio, with teammate Pepe bidding an emotional farewell to the reported Newcastle United, Leicester City and Everton target, while speaking to Globo Esporte.
It is fair to say all eyes are on Pepe at the Arena do Gremio.
The 23-year-old winger suddenly finds himself under pressure to replace the seemingly irreplaceable with Everton Soares, perhaps the most influential attacking talent in Brazilian football, packing his bags and heading to Europe.
AreaNapoli reported in July that Newcastle, Leicester, West Ham and West Brom were keen on the £20 million forward, who has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo by ex-Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, has not given up hope of luring Everton to the club which shares his name.
The Toffees boss held talks with his long-standing target over the phone last week, according to UOL, though Benfica appear to be his most likely destination as things stand.
“Replacing someone like Everton is very difficult,” Pepe says after the 24-year-old was left out of Gremio’s 1-0 win over Fluminense.
“The guy was one of the best in Brazilian football. But coach Renato (Portaluppi) warned me to be ready because the opportunity was going to appear.
“We talked a little (on Saturday). He (Everton) said it is now up to me. I will try to do my best here to write my name in the club’s history.”
No pressure then, Pepe.
Speaking to Record over the weekend, Benfica boss Jorge Jesus confirmed reports that Everton were hoping to beat one of the biggest clubs in Portuguese football to the signature of a 2019 Copa America winner.
“It is true that I called the player. He is one of the important targets for Benfica, not only because of his quality – he is a starter for Brazil too. There was also interest from Everton and a German team,” Jesus said.
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