Sky Sports News @RobDorsettSky reports that Leeds will have a potential transfer budget of more than £100m to spend. Beto has become a likely £20m target for the Championship winners, who are looking to bolster their ranks to try and avoid relegation next term.
After nearly departing in the January transfer window, Beto was able to turn his and Everton’s season around, scoring in five consecutive games in which the Blues picked up 11 points to climb out of the relegation fight.
Recent performances have shown the Guinea-Bissau’s limitations, especially in his hold up play. Chelsea’s goal highlighted this weakness, a strong ball played to his feet from Pickford, initially controlled well but delay in his decision making got him dispossessed with the team wide open.
Reoccurrence of similar play was on show against Ipswich. Despite scoring his 9th overall goal of the season, his all round performance lacked quality, especially when involved in passages of play away from the final third.
David Moyes clearly identified Beto’s strengths in the early games that followed his reappointment, allowing the striker to run into the channels and spaces in behind where he looks a handful for any defender. Finishes against Liverpool, Leicester, and Crystal Palace showed his ability when shooting first time, but chances that required extra touches proved his inability to finish with the same composure.
Brought in for a fee of £25.75m, Everton would be hoping to recoup as much of that fee as possible if they choose to entertain offers. Still only 25-years-old and adapting to English football, Beto will certainly be of interest to other clubs. The risk for Everton if they choose to sell the striker is ensuring a proven replacement is found.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract decision doesn’t look close to being resolved, if he were to part ways this could leave Everton with just Youssef Chermiti as the only senior first team striker if Beto were sold as well. A DCL contract decision could well be the make-or-break decision for Beto’s Everton career.
Should Calvert-Lewin stay, the more it makes sense for Everton to cash in, especially if targets such as Liam Delap are realistic to bring to the club.
Rumors also reported by @RobDorsettSky today have reignited a potential Richarlison return, one that brings nostalgic feelings for fans, but possibly not in the best interest of the club. The former Everton no.7 has had to deal with setbacks since his time at Spurs, making just 13 league appearances this season with four goals.
Fans will hope the club is busy this summer, targets should be in place before the window opens. Forwards should already be identified so the club can move quickly once contract decisions and offers are made at the club. The signing will need to come ready to play, contribute with goals, connect with the midfield and press from the front.
If either DCL or Beto stays, they cannot rest on their laurels that they will be the first choice; healthy quality competition is needed, with attackers scoring consistently to push Everton up the table.