Richarlison is likely to leave Everton in 2022, with Paris Saint-Germain still keen on a deal for the Brazilian after considering him as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, per Eurosport.
The Ligue 1 side explored Richarlison’s situation at Goodison Park late in the summer amid doubt in Mbappe’s future. Despite the Frenchman being a free agent in June, The Guardian reported Real Madrid offered PSG €200m (£172m) on Deadline Day to buy the 22-year-old.
Mbappe ultimately stayed in Paris, while Richarlison remained in Liverpool, but Eurosport expect both will likely move clubs next year. PSG knew it would be difficult to agree terms with Everton this summer given the late nature of their approach.
Paris Saint-Germain did, however, sit down with Richarlison’s representatives to sound out his interest in a transfer away from Everton. The 24-year-old moved to Goodison in 2018, when Marco Silva agreed a club-record £50m deal with his former side, Watford.
Richarlison seemed open to the switch, too. Eurosport reported that while he is happy at Everton, he would love the chance to play with his icon, Neymar. Carlo Ancelotti leaving to re-join Real Madrid this summer also opened his eyes to a future away from Merseyside.
His agents – who have close ties to the Parisiens’ board – even believe the 32-cap attacker would thrive in Ligue 1. But Everton were determined to fend off Paris Saint-Germain, as Ian McGarry claims they asked for £70m to sell Richarlison.
The Toffees’ resistance has proven worthwhile, with the attacker starting all three Premier League games under Rafa Benitez. He also scored the equaliser and assisted Dominic Calvert-Lewin in their 3-1 come-from-behind win over Southampton on the opening day.
Will Richarlison stay at Everton, despite Paris Saint-Germain interest?
Everton could struggle to retain Richarlison if he pushes to leave next year, with Paris Saint-Germain retaining their interest. Their fight would be even harder if Mbappe also leaves the Parc des Princes for pastures new in 2022.
Richarlison would know there is an opening in the French capital to play alongside his idol, Neymar, at domestic level. And with the World Cup next year, may be extra determined to develop a prolific partnership with his compatriot.
Everton at least have Richarlison under a long-term contract until 2024 after he signed a £90k-a-week extension in December 2019. The Goodison hierarchy will undoubtably be loath to lose the striker Ancelotti admires greatly before that.
“Richarlison is a modern striker, a complete striker, because he works really hard,” Ancelotti said, via Goal in March. “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 doesn’t have a specific position.”
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