Everton: £25 million outcast given green light to negotiate with Middle East club

Everton signed Allan in the summer of 2020 on the recommendation of then manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Brazilian midfielder had worked with Don Carlo at Napoli and the manager-player had formed an amicable relationship. On arrival, Allan provided much needed steel in the midfield, strengthening a weak area.

Allan sat just ahead of the rearguard, protecting the backline, putting in crucial tackles and making interceptions. The midfielder was one of the main reasons for Everton using the diamond midfield successfully. Allan was an integral part of Ancelotti’s squad. After the Italian’s departure in summer 2021 to Real Madrdi, questions arose over Allan’s future as it was essentially the manager’s pull that brought him to Everton.

Under Rafa Benitez, Allan continued to feature regularly but the injury concerns raised doubts over his regular participation. Frank Lampard preferred the experience of Fabian Delph over Allan in the final phase of the relegation battle, until Delph got injured. Allan underwent surgery at the end of the season and had a tepid start to the season, not getting any minutes in the pre-season.

Everton have been able to rejig their midfield with the new face of Amadou Onana and one familiar face in Idrissa Gueye. The midfield arrivals have pushed Allan down the pecking order, with the 31 year old yet to make a Premier League appearance this season.

Allan could leave Everton

He has entered the final 12 months of his Everton contract. There have been no indications of the Toffees offering him a new deal which leaves Allan open to leaving the club. The European transfer window slammed shut on September 1 but the Middle East transfer window remains open until October.

According to Football Insider, UAE Pro League side Al Wahda FC have shown interest in the 31 year old. Everton have given permission to Allan to negotiate a move to Al Wahda. Subsequently, the Brazilian midfielder has opened talks with the Emirati club. The UAE transfer window closes on the 4th of October, which gives Allan a fortnight to negotiate and finalize a transfer. Allan was left out of the squad for the West Ham United game and Lampard iterated that it was purely based on selection decisions.

With fresh faces in the midfield, Allan’s time seems to be up at Goodison Park. The former Napoli man will have to search for a new club and at this point, a move to Middle East seems the only possibility as the European transfer window is shut. If Allan prefers a move to a European side, he will have to wait till January to get his move.

Will Allan join Al Wahda?