OPINION
Richarlison has only been at Everton for a few short months, but his impact on the Toffees has been undeniably huge.
The Brazil international, signed from Watford this summer, has impressed as a key man in Marco Silva’s new look side, operating successfully as both a wideman and centre forward.
It’s imperative, then, that the club keep him at Goodison Park for a long time to come, despite the interest of other clubs. The Daily Star reported on Sunday that Spanish champions Barcelona are interested in the 21-year-old as a potential long term replacement for Luis Suarez.
Every player dreams of a move to the Nou Camp, and there’s no doubt that Richarlison would relish playing alongside Lionel Messi, Ivan Rakitic and Gerard Pique, but Everton cannot allow it to happen.
To be fair, according to the newspaper’s report the Toffees star is in a second group of players who Ernesto Valverde’s side will only turn to if they cannot snare Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur.
So perhaps Barca will never make a real move for the youngster, but if they do Silva’s side must be prepared. Richarlison is too important a player for him to be allowed to leave after such a small amount of time on Merseyside.
His loss would be catastrophic. It’s clear that Cenk Tosun is not the answer up front for the club, precipitating Richarlison’s switch to a central attacking role. If the Brazilian were to leave it would result in the Toffees having a gaping hole at the top of the pitch.
It would be extremely hard for the club to replace the player’s quality, too. He is a unique talent and there’s not many attackers Everton could realistically sign who stack up to Richarlison.
Silva must continue to sell his vision for Everton to the former Watford man. He should preach patience and ensure that Richarlison knows that Goodison Park is the best place for him at this moment in time.
Barcelona are a difficult team to turn down, but the Toffees must do everything in their power to ensure that Richarlison isn’t swayed by the lure of the Nou Camp.