Euro giants were ready to offer €90 million for Everton attacker with agent on standby
The already maddening transfer window which saw the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo move clubs would have further added drama had Kylian Mbappe moved to Real Madrid. In such a case, PSG were eyeing Everton attacker Richarlison as a replacement.
Mbappe is in the final 12 months of his PSG deal and his heart is set on a move to Madrid. The La Liga giants made a total of three bids in the final few days of the transfer window, a €160 million bid followed by a €180 million bid and a last one of €200 million. PSG rejected all the advances as the Los Blancos did not meet their valuation.
The Les Rouge et Bleu were aware of Mbappe’s desire and were ready to let him go but only if Real Madrid presented an offer that met their valuation. The Frenchman could now leave on a free transfer next summer. On the other hand, had Mbappe left PSG in the recently concluded transfer window, the Parisiens had to go out on in the market and purchase a replacement.
PSG had identified the player who would’ve replaced the 2018 French World Cup winner at Parc des Princes. Everton forward Richarlison was the player PSG would’ve gone after and already had a strategy and operation in mind.
PSG wanted Everton striker Richarlison as Kylian Mbappe replacement
According to Goal Brazil, PSG had already prepared a financial proposal for Richarlison. The Qatar-backed club would offer a humungous €90 million to Everton in exchange of the Brazilian’s services. However, they would have activated such an operation on the condition that Mbappe left Paris.
Furthermore, one of Richarlison’s agents, Renato Velasco, had arrived in Paris on the final weekend of the transfer window and was on standby. Had an irrefutable offer arrived from Los Blancos for Mbappe, Richarlison’s agent would have proceeded with negotiations.
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As the hysteria regarding Mbappe to Real Madrid kept on unfolding, Richarlison’s manager was in constant touch with PSG hierarchy outlining the terms of the deal and the offer that would be submitted to Everton. Richarlison would have earned a bumper salary though the numbers were treated in secrecy.
PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino as well as Richarlison had already given the approval for this transfer but convincing Everton was still a variable that needed to be addressed. His contract at Goodison Park runs till 2024 and he is one of the most enigmatic players in the current squad.
Richarlison had been linked with Barcelona a season ago but back then Carlo Ancelotti had convinced the former Watford star to stay and push for Europe. Sadly, the European ambition still remains unquenched and Ancelotti left too.
Doubts were again cast on whether Richarlison would continue at the club but manager Rafa Benitez insisted that the 24 year old is a firm part of his plans and is likely to remain at the club. The attacker’s desire to move to an elite club playing in UEFA Champions League is not a sign of non-commitment to Everton.
His dedication and motivation for the royal blue shirt have been unquestionable. He’s ambitious and wants to play in the best competitions. Everton have been craving for reaching Europe for an eternity now, this could be their final chance to show Richarlison that the Toffees can compete with absolutely the best, or else the 24 year old may bid farewell next season.
Realistically, Everton does not have a chance of competing with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea or any elite teams for titles. Reaching Europe is their best shot but that’s a long walk from here.
On the other hand, if PSG does arrive at the door with a similar offer next summer or possibly even more given that Richarlison has a stunning season, keeping in mind the player’s wishes, the Toffees would have a massive transfer war chest to rebuild upon. But for now, Richarlison is a royal blue and his charisma rattles the Goodison Park in vociferous noises.
Next. Complete Everton transfer window recap. dark
Will Richarlison stay at the club beyond this season?