The last summer’s transfer window was the foundation stone of the Carlo Ancelotti revolution at Everton. Now, the focus is to build on the foundation. The Toffees have a fair shot at securing European football for next season which means one extra competition and an extra number of games in a season. In order to play in four demanding competitions, Everton need to have reliable depth in every position which makes the upcoming transfer window more important than ever.
River Plate midfielder Nicolas De La Cruz is a player that Everton must look at. The Toffees have been linked to the Uruguayan previously but that is when the player had not agreed an extension with his current club. His deal was set to expire in the summer of 2021. Los Millonarios were finding it difficult to tie the 23 year old to a new deal as there were some debt issues between River Plate and his previous club Liverpool Montevideo.
The problem appears to have been resolved as De La Cruz has signed a new deal extending his stay at El Monumental till December of 2022. However, the Uruguayan has not ruled out a move this summer. The player himself admitted that he’ll consider offers that will arrive in the summer.
"We said that in the June transfer period, we were going to hear about many offers that, although they had arrived in the past, it was an atypical year due to the pandemic where European clubs lost a lot of money. So from June, we will listen to offers, but also, with the peace of mind that there is a contract until December 2022. (via TEAMtalk)"
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Nicolas De La Cruz dreams of Europe
The player’s progression chart is commendable and is easily one of the best South American talents in the circuit. He’s capable of playing in central midfield, left side of the mid, as an attacking midfielder behind the striker and even on the wing. De La Cruz is malleable and can adapt to the team’s shape and surroundings.
Last season, in 35 games for River Plate, the 23 year old scored 10 goals and registered 9 assists. He is getting better season by season and gaining confidence from his performances. He is arguably one of the best players in South America and is now eager to test himself in the European leagues.
"Today, I am happy and calm in River, and although I am looking to the future and I would like to make the leap to European football, I focus on River, in the competition that we started. (via TEAMtalk)"
De La Cruz is rated at £16.2 million by Transfermarkt but with consistent displays and attraction from the European sides, his value could skyrocket very soon. Everton can bolster a number of positions if they manage to sign De La Cruz. He’s versatile which means he can add depth to the midfield as well as on the flanks. He’s surely someone to watch out for in the upcoming transfer window.
Should Everton target Nicolas De La Cruz in the summer?