Everton are reportedly confident of sealing a move for Porto winger Yacine Brahimi.
Porto’s Yacine Brahimi (L) and Rio Ave’s Alhassan Wakaso in action.
According to The Mirror, whilst Porto winger Yacine Brahimi wanted to join a Champions League club, he is now open to joining Everton having been impressed by their ambition under Farhad Moshiri.
The Toffees made a bold move under new shareholder Moshiri, landing Ronald Koeman as their new manager in a shock move – and whilst Maarten Stekelenburg, Ashley Williams, Idrissa Gueye and Yannick Bolasie have all arrived. More spending is expected before Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
Porto’s Yacine Brahimi in action with Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta
A report from France Football on Saturday claimed that Everton were very interested in signing Porto winger Yacine Brahimi, but given his £51m release clause, they were attempting to bring the price down and lure him to Goodison Park.
Brahimi, 26, has hit 21 goals in two seasons for Porto since signing from Granada in the summer of 2014, with a move materialising after he dazzled for Algeria at the World Cup in Brazil two years ago.
Porto winger Yacine Brahimi celebrates
Primarily a left-sided player who can cut in on his right foot, Brahimi has pace but more importantly great dribbling ability and close control, bringing a certain spark to the final third – and Everton appear ready to splash the cahs on him.
Sky Sports claimed last week that, whilst talks with Porto were progressing well, Brahimi had set his sights on a move to a Champions League team, making a move to Goodison park seem difficult.
Porto star Yacine Brahimi
However, The Mirror now claim that, whilst that was Brahimi’s initial mindset, he has now changed his mind having been impressed by the project under Moshiri – and is open to joining the Toffees before Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
Everton are believed to be confident of signing Brahimi despite having a £25.5m bid rejected, which would be a huge statement of intent as the summer transfer window draws to a close.
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