Everton announced that they have triggered the option to keep now-former Flamengo midfielder Charly Alcaraz, who will remain on Merseyside after a successful loan spell that began in January.
The Argentine featured in 16 matches for Everton since joining from the Brazilian club, scoring twice and adding three assists in just 774 minutes, and proved himself to be a fan favorite almost immediately upon his arrival with the Toffees.
Alcaraz previously played in the Premier League for Southampton during the 2022/23 campaign, which meant he had an unusual amount of top-flight experience for a player who still has yet to see his 23rd birthday.
This is a move that has felt like a no-brainer almost from the beginning, as Alcaraz not only made himself into a beloved player for supporters, he proved to have a flair for the dramatic and keen sense of when to step up a make something happen usually reserved for much older and more experienced players.
He's also shown to be a versatile player with an ability to player as a winger or an attacking central midfielder, but his match-winning goal on the final day of the season at St.James' Park against Newcastle also indicated an ability to get forward, find space in the box, and finish when the moment calls for it.
The deal keeps Alcaraz on Merseyside until June of 2027 and reportedly costs Everton €15 million, an absolute steal for a player as solid as Alcaraz and at his age.
He'll be a big part of Everton's attack as they move to Hill Dickinson Stadium along with Iliman Ndiaye, both of whom the Toffees will look to build around this summer.