According to recent reports, Everton is interested in signing a highly-rated Portuguese player. Everton are reportedly pursuing Florentino Luis of Benfica, while Leicester City are also interested. The 24-year-old midfielder appeared in 45 games for the Portuguese team last season. Despite past links to Liverpool and other big clubs, Everton has expressed an interest since the turn of the year.
With his contract set to end in 2027, Luis may not be cheap, but he may be a viable substitute if Amadou Onana is signed this summer. He has been linked with moves to large teams like Manchester United and Arsenal, and Luis’ experience in Portugal and European competitions would more than compensate for such a loss – but what do the current rumors tell us?
According to sources in Portugal, Everton are still negotiating a contract to sign Luis despite his arrival. Everton reportedly made a move for him in January for roughly €30 million [£25.5 million], but it was quickly rejected since he was regarded as an important player, and it would undoubtedly take a substantial offer for the club to part ways. However, last summer, Fabrizio Romano revealed that there was a €120 million (£102 million) release clause, although his estimate of €20 million (£17 million) is significantly lower than last summer’s reported prices.
At the same time, Everton might sign former Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi; the 27-year-old is a free agent after his contract expired, and he has been linked with a transfer to Goodison Park. Leicester will also have more finances to play with now that Kieran Dewsbury-Hall is poised to join Chelsea for £30 million, and the Premier League’s new boys will need to replace that two who were so important to their Championship title chase last season.
For Sean Dyche, the club has already signed midfielder Tim Iroegbunham from Aston Villa and agreed to extend Idrissa Gana Gueye’s contract for another year, while also bidding farewell to Andre Gomes and Dele Alli. Another midfielder may be wise regardless of Onana’s departure, but it becomes a more serious issue if the Belgian departs.
However, following their projected deal for attacker Iliman Ndiaye, Abdoulaye Doucoure might be used in a deeper role, resulting in the Everton favourite falling deeper and providing them with another engine room alternative.
