£5 million for one of the finest forwards in European football; a prolific, elite-level winger capable of finally ending that dreaded ‘Richarlison curse’?
Marcel Brands might prefer to do his business in the summer but winter is coming at Goodison Park, and Everton might soon be granted an opportunity they are in no position to turn down.
As you might have heard, the Toffees tend to come unstuck when Richarlison isn’t available. It is no coincidence that, after picking up 13 points out of 15 with the Brazilian at the start of this season, they lost all three games after he copped a three-match ban against Liverpool for a wince-inducing tackle on Thiago.
In fact, since he arrived at Goodison Park in 2018, Everton have not picked up a single point in all nine of the games Richarlison has missed through injury or suspension.
Despite the best efforts of Alex Iwobi, Bernard and Andre Gomes, Carlo Ancelotti does not have another left winger who can do what Richarlison does. That could change, however, if the Toffees reignite their interest in a man Everton were keen on over the summer (Calciomercato).
Memphis Depay has certainly come a long way since that ill-fated spell at Manchester United.
He has matured as both a player and a man, evolving into a genuine match-winning talent at Lyon to become undisputed talisman of not only the Ligue 1 giants but also the Dutch national team.
“He’s a world-class player,” former coach Bruno Genesio said, not inaccurately (Goal). “He allows us to unblock certain situations.
“He’s improved since he came to Lyon, notably in his consistency. He’s decisive and it’s what we ask of a player like him.”
You could certainly argue that Depay, who has scored 20 goals in 32 games since the start of last season, would actually represent an upgrade on Richarlison rather than merely a useful replacement for the seemingly irreplaceable Brazil international.
Depay is out of contract next summer and, with Lyon stuttering in France, the Dutchman agreeing fresh terms look about as likely as Steven Gerrard declaring his love for all things Blue.
What’s more, Mundo Deportivo suggest that Lyon, hit hard by an ongoing financial crisis which is engulfing French football, could listen to offers of just £5 million in January – £20 million less than the fee they were demanding over the summer.
Desperate times and all that.
Everton, of course, are not the only Premier League giant struggling for creativity at present. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have won just one of their last three games and are without a single goal from open play in six hours.
Depay was linked with the Gunners via Le10 Sport recently and, at £5 million, the Londoners can’t really afford to turn their nose up at such a bargain – particularly when the former PSV star would open the door for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to return to a more suitable central role.
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