Gremio president Romildo Bolzan has admitted that Everton Soares could be sold this summer with a replacement already lined up for a winger who continues to be linked with a move to Goodison Park, speaking to Alex Bage on YouTube.
In one of the most satisfying cases of nominative determinism since Rafael Scheidt lived up to his rather unflattering surname at Celtic, Everton could be on his way to Everton.
Carlo Ancelotti has contacted the Brazil international in an attempt to lure Everton to the club which bares this name, with Gremio’s president confirming the Toffees’ interest in his star man earlier this year (SGLR).
And with the global health crisis perhaps forcing the Porto Allegre-based outfit to listen to offers for the 2019 Copa America hero, Everton could be on his way to the blue half of Merseyside this summer.
As Bolzan himself admits, a departure is on the cards with 23-year-old Pepe lined up as a readymade successor for a man who looks ready to bring his explosive pace and right-footed thunderbolts to European shores.
“Both (Pepe and Everton) will not (will be sold). Who would be the most likely to go? Everton,” Bolzan admits.
“What would Pepe be? Everton’s successor. Naturally, Pepê would be his successor.”
Brazil supporters everywhere would have been wringing their hands in desperation when an ill-timed injury ruled Neymar out of the 2019 Copa America. But to say Everton stepped up to replace the influential Samba skipper would be an understatement.
Alongside the evergreen Dani Alves, he was the standout performer as Brazil ended their 15-year trophy drought on home soil, scoring a stunning individual goal in the final victory over Peru.
And a front three of Everton, Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin would be one to rival the red-clad superstars on the other side of Stanley Park.
Speaking to AreaNapoli recently, Bolzan warned that Gremio would not accept a penny less than £23 million for Everton.
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