Report: Everton ‘Working on Move’ to Sign Tricky Brazilian Winger in January | OneFootball

Everton Transfer News: Toffees Eyeing Brazilian Winger Amidst Financial Constraints

Everton are reportedly setting their sights on a potential January swoop for Botafogo’s Luiz Henrique as manager Sean Dyche looks to bolster his attacking options, according to a recent report by Football Insider. The Toffees, who have had a rocky start to the season, find themselves hovering just above the Premier League relegation zone and are desperate to add some much-needed flair and goalscoring ability to their squad.

Financial Hurdles in Pursuing Henrique

Luiz Henrique, the 23-year-old Botafogo winger, has captured attention in Brazil with an impressive tally of 11 goals in 50 appearances. Despite his promising performance, Henrique’s current club, enjoying a top position in the Brazilian Championship, has valued him at £25 million—a figure that presents a significant challenge for Everton’s tight budget.

Photo: IMAGO

Football Insider notes that Everton’s financial situation is quite precarious, and such a high asking price is deemed ‘very prohibitive’. The Merseyside club’s ability to fund this transfer hinges heavily on the completion of the anticipated takeover by The Friedkin Group, which is also expected to involve a comprehensive review of club operations, including squad assessment and financial strategies.

Current Squad and Manager’s Perspective

Despite the financial uncertainties, Sean Dyche appears to have confidence in his current squad’s ability to maintain their Premier League status. Last summer, Everton added wingers such as Iliman Ndiaye, Jesper Lindstrom (on loan), and Jack Harrison (on loan) to their ranks. Ndiaye, in particular, has been a standout performer, though the contributions from Lindstrom and Harrison have not met expectations, underscoring the need for someone of Henrique’s calibre.

Review of Previous Interest and Future Outlook

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Everton have shown interest in Henrique. Their sustained interest since last January suggests that Kevin Thelwell, Everton’s sporting director, is a keen admirer of the Brazilian’s talents. However, even if the takeover by The Friedkin Group goes through, Everton would still need to navigate the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, possibly requiring the sale of current players to fund any new signings.

Everton’s Struggle for Goals

Everton’s lacklustre offensive stats this season highlight the urgency for reinforcements. With only 10 goals scored in 12 matches, their attack is among the least effective in the league. The addition of a dynamic player like Henrique could provide the spark Everton desperately needs to climb the table and secure their Premier League future.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Luiz Henrique’s Performance Data and Stats

Unpacking Luiz Henrique’s Offensive Play

According to the latest data visualisation by Fbref, Luiz Henrique stands out in several key areas, notably in non-penalty goals and expected assists (xA). With a percentile ranking of 82 in non-penalty xG, it’s evident that Henrique has a keen eye for goal, positioning himself effectively to make decisive plays. This statistic is particularly relevant for Everton, a team currently struggling for goals in the Premier League.

His assists and xA metrics also highlight his ability to not just finish opportunities, but to create them as well. These attributes would be invaluable to a side needing to bolster their attacking threat. However, his mid-range percentile in shot-creating actions suggests that while effective, there may be room for further development in consistently setting up chances.

Evaluating Midfield and Defensive Contributions

Henrique’s contribution extends beyond just attacking prowess. His impressive percentile rankings in clearances (88) and blocks (76) show that he is not one to shirk defensive responsibilities. Such versatility could be a boon for Everton, offering them tactical flexibility and reliability in both attacking and defensive phases.

Despite these strong defensive statistics, it’s his lower rankings in progressive passes and carries which may raise concerns regarding his ability to consistently advance the ball under pressure. Improving these areas could make Henrique a more rounded player, capable of transitioning play effectively, which is crucial in the fast-paced Premier League environment.

Potential Impact at Everton

Overall, Luiz Henrique appears to be a player of considerable talent and utility. His stats reveal a player who can contribute significantly in multiple facets of the game, aligning well with the needs of a Premier League side like Everton that is looking to strengthen its squad dynamically. His potential signing could indeed provide a much-needed spark to their season, offering both goals and substantial work rate across the pitch.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an Everton supporter, the prospect of seeing Luiz Henrique in a Toffees kit come January is an exhilarating one. His agility, pace, and knack for finding the back of the net could be exactly what we need to turn this season around. While the financial aspect is daunting, the potential takeover could open new avenues for investment, making this dream a possible reality.

Henrique’s proven track record in Brazil and his adaptability on the wing could complement Dyche’s tactical setups, offering fresh attacking avenues alongside Ndiaye. As fans, we remain hopeful that the club’s management will find a way to make the finances work. After all, securing a player of Henrique’s potential could be the catalyst for a mid-season revival, ensuring our beloved club not only survives but thrives in the top flight.