Everton are reportedly interested in Corinthians' striker Yuri Alberto, a player also favored by clubs such as Athletcio Madrid and fellow Friedkin-owned AS Roma.
The Brazilian has been at Corinthians since 2022, where he joined from Zenit in the Russian Premier League. He also previously played for Internacional and Santos, both members of the Brazilian top flight.
One thing that Alberto, who just turned 24 in March, has done fairly consistently throughout his career is the make the most of his chances. He has scored double digit goals four times in his career, including an incredible 24 goal output for Corinthians in 39 matches in 2024.
What's striking, however, is how frequently the striker has out performed expectations. For example, he scored 10 goals in 2020 for Internacional on 8.8 xG, 8 for Corinthians on 5.9 xG in 2022, and, in his most prolific season, he did so on just 10.7 xG.
This speaks to his finishing skills, but he's also shown an ability to carry the ball and create for himself and others. He's not a big guy (he's listed at just 5'10", 172 lbs), but he uses quickness and that superior ability to find the back of the net to his advantage.
Everton's interest is clearly based on those finishing numbers, although there would have to be a concern about whether his body could handle the rigors of the Premier League. He's played almost exclusively as a center forward during his career, although he has shown up on the right wing occasionally, something which may be a better fit for his size in England.
He shows good touch on the ball and a ability to pick out a pass from the right side, so maybe that would be something for Everton to consider if they were to bring him into the fold.
But then again, are you restricting his ability to scored goals if you move him outside? Many of his goals have come from inside the box, but is that because of his role or because it's how you can get the best out of the player?
The reported price tag is €20 million, which isn't exactly cheap, but if David Moyes sees Alberto as a player who can slide along the front line, then it might solve multiple problems with one move.
The Roma link is interesting, too, as this will be the first time we've seen a player connected to both clubs. It doesn't feel like the two would work together, as that would be problematic at best, but would one move aside for the other? Doubtful, but the manner in which this works out will be something to keep an eye on.
It is clear that Everton are aware of the need for goals, so, if nothing else, it is good to see that continued insistence on players who have done so in other places.