Carlo Ancelotti has personally called Everton forward Richarlison while the Brazilian is on international duty to discuss a potential summer transfer to Real Madrid, according to Goal.
Richarlison is currently at the Copa America ahead of Sunday’s final against Argentina. The 24-year-old has scored once and assisted a goal at the tournament, which could now form the springboard for a career in Spain.
Ancelotti is eager to take Richarlison to Real Madrid after walking out on Everton for the Santiago Bernabeu hot seat. Conversations between Los Blancos and Toffees chiefs are at an early stage, but could return an offer over the coming weeks.
Richarlison shone under Ancelotti during the Italian’s time in charge at Everton as Marco Silva’s successor. He scored 14 goals and five assists in 52 Premier League appearances, while netting six across the cup competitions.
The £90,000-per-week winger also took Ancelotti’s exit poorly, per The Athletic, as Richarlison had a strong bond with the 62-year-old. It was the ex-Chelsea manager’s comments of fulfilling his ambitions on Merseyside that had kept him at Goodison Park, too.
But Richarlison has been doing some soul-searching since Ancelotti left Everton, and could consider joining him at Real Madrid. Defensa Central have also cited the Galacticos coach’s interest, and noted the Toffees have set a €100m (£85m) asking price.
Real Madrid boss Ancelotti backed Richarlison at Everton
Everton will be loath to lose Richarlison this summer, especially to Real Madrid under their former manager, Ancelotti. The Italian is not the only one keen, either, as Fabrizio Romano has claimed Rafa Benitez will try and convince him to stay amid building transfer interest.
But rival suitors could struggle to edge Ancelotti given the bond he struck with Richarlison while in charge at Everton. The Galacticos boss also lauded the Brazilian’s potential and backed him to become one of the best forwards in Europe.
“Richarlison is a modern striker, a complete striker, because he works really hard,” Ancelotti said, via the Daily Mail. “His physical statistics are really high, like a midfielder. But he has speed, and he is really clinical in the box.
“He is fantastic with the head and clinical in front of the goalkeeper, and his movement without the ball is really good. I think he can be one of the top strikers in Europe. I’m sure he can because he has all these kind of qualities and he has not [got] a specific position.”
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