Everton has missed out on Everton Soares as the Brazilian joins Benfica from Gremio.
Everton has missed out on signing namesake player who has been announced as the latest signing by Benfica from Gremio for an undisclosed fee. Soares was a target for Everton with Carlo Ancelotti personally making a phone call to the Brazilian to let him know that the Merseysiders are interested in him and are working on a deal.
Everton Soares has seen his value quadruple after his exploits at Copa America 2019 scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists in the six Copa America games. The Brazilian took the world by storm as clubs took notice. A much anticipated move in the summer of 2019 never materialized to the big clubs. One season and a pandemic later, Everton Soares was again courted by the Toffees, Benfica and a few other clubs.
Marcel Brands is keen to add attacking outlets to the side and the 24 year old certainly did fit the bill. Everton Soares was the man that had even convinced Carlo Ancelotti and the Italian was open to the idea of having him in the team. The Royal Blues had an idea of the asking price and thought an offer of €25 million would do the job.
Liga NOS giants Benfica were also in the hunt and were offering similar terms to the Brazilian ace. A formal offer never arrived from the Toffees despite Ancelotti personally calling the 24 year old to seduce him to join Everton. The Royal Blues have missed out on signing the winger capable of playing anywhere in the front three.
✍️ Welcome, Everton! #WeAreBenfica pic.twitter.com/sOAsiLJlnG
— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) August 14, 2020
Benfica are on a roll, as they announced the signing of Soares, free agent Jan Vertonghen and Luca Waldschmidt. The Portuguese side have made some serious coups as they attempt to reclaim the Liga NOS title next season from FC Porto.
The Toffees missing out on Everton Soares may impact the transfer plans and perhaps it will be a shame for the Premier League fans as they’ll not be able to witness one of the most promising and threatening forwards in the world right now.
With the Brazilian out of reach, Brands is back on the drawing board, evaluating attacking options. I am confident that a deal for Wilfried Zaha can be struck but the club hierarchy will have to make quick decisions.