The Athletic’s Greg O’Keeffe has issued his thoughts on Richarlison’s future at Everton, with the Brazilian international linked with a move away from Goodison Park.
The 24-year-old signed for Everton back in 2018, and has gone on to make 119 appearances in total for the Toffees. That includes 40 in all competitions during the 2020/21 season, where he was also on hand to score 13 goals and provide three assists for his teammates.
Goal had reported that Carlo Ancelotti had been discussing a potential move to Real Madrid with Richarlison, although it remains to be seen as to what stage both parties are at heading towards the new season.
Richarlison has recently been on international duty with Brazil, and is set to be involved in their gold-medal match against Spain in the Olympics over in Tokyo.
Speaking on The All Together Now Everton Podcast, O’Keeffe admitted that Richarlison still needs to ‘play himself into massive moves’ if he’s wanting to look at a Goodison Park exit in the future.
He said: “He’s improving as a player in many ways. Last season was by no means his finest campaign. Without a doubt, it was really, really frustrating.
“He clearly wants to go and play in the Champions League. He needs to play himself into massive moves, because I don’t think at the moment he is the player that Real Madrids and Barcelonas and Bayern Munichs want to sign.
“So we should get him back and after a rest, [he should be] an incentivised player who Rafa should be able to get more from. Benitez likes tactically intelligent players, and I’m not sure he’s the latter, but what he lacks in nous, he’ll make up for with effort. Let’s hope he comes [back] and really hits the ground running and carries on that form from Tokyo and previously at the Copa America.”
Even though Richarlison is highly likely to miss the opening day of the Premier League season, Rafa Benitez will be looking to make a winning start to his first competitive match in charge of the Toffees when they take on Southampton on 14th August.
TIF Thoughts on O’Keeffe’s claim on Richarlison ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign…
Everton fans are going to face a nervy few weeks ahead as they look to keep hold of some of their key players before the summer transfer window reaches a conclusion at the end of the month.
Richarlison is certainly among those key group of players, with the Brazilian forward catching the eye with some strong displays in the Olympics recently.
It’ll be interesting to see where his future lies, though, as he’s likely to be on a break after the Games, before returning to competitive action at a later date.
It’d be a real blow for Everton to lose him, as he’s been a player that has added an attacking threat to their team since signing for the club.