Everton could block Richarlison from joining Real Madrid this summer by setting Carlo Ancelotti an eye-watering asking price for the Brazilian forward, per TuttoMercatoWEB.
Ancelotti is eager for Los Blancos to reunite him with the striker after taking charge at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Italian is a great admirer of what Richarlison is capable of after his time at Goodison Park.
Richarlison scored 20 goals and offered five assists in 59 appearances under Ancelotti over his 18-months in the Everton dugout. Yet consistency was an issue, with the 24-year-old scoring four in four league games between February and March then none in his next 10.
Nonetheless, Everton are loath to see Richarlison follow Ancelotti to Real Madrid this summer. The Toffees are doing their utmost to block the 27-cap international’s path to the Spanish capital, and have set their former manager a whopping €90m (£77m) asking price.
The Galacticos are currently unable to afford the Toffees’ valuation and would have to sell players to complete any deal. Yet the asking price represents a potential drop, as Defensa Central previously claimed Real Madrid must pay €100m (£85.5m).
Ancelotti’s successor, Rafa Benitez, is also doing his part to keep Richarlison at Everton, per Fabrizio Romano. Benitez is in direct communication with Richarlison to try and convince the attacker to stay for another season. While Goal claim Ancelotti is doing the opposite.
And it seems Ancelotti is pulling Richarlison’s heartstrings better than Benitez, as Eurosport recently reported the Everton forward wants to go to Real Madrid this summer. So, a lot will hinge on what progress both sides can make while the forward competes at the Olympics.
Everton could block Richarlison from joining Ancelotti at Real Madrid
Everton have the advantage over Ancelotti and Real Madrid in their bid to keep Richarlison at Goodison Park. But the forward returning and handing in a transfer request after the Olympics could force the Toffees to reduce their asking price more than it already appears.
Benitez will want as much time as possible to find a replacement if Richarlison is heading for Spain. But the Goodison exit door, right now, is firmly shut given the Toffees’ valuation.
It is no surprise Everton want as much as possible for Richarlison, who cost £35m rising to £50m, though. The £90,000-per-week star can be instrumental and vital to how the Toffees operate when he is on form. Ancelotti also waxed lyrical over his ability while in charge.
“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.”
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