Everton Make First Move for £25m Gem as Club President Travels for Talks
Everton have joined the race to sign highly-rated Brazilian winger Wesley Gassova from Corinthians, according to reports. The Toffees have made contact with the Brazilian club and are set to hold talks with Corinthians president Augusto Melo, who is traveling to England for the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
Gassova, 19, is valued at £25m and has already attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Fulham. West Ham have reportedly submitted a bid of £12.5m, half of the asking price, and negotiations are ongoing.
Everton’s interest in Gassova is a surprise, given their financial concerns off the pitch. The club’s takeover by 777 Partners is yet to be given the green light by the Premier League, and it’s increasingly unlikely to happen. Without a takeover, Everton will likely have to sell key players like Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana to raise funds.
Manager Sean Dyche has hinted at the potential problem, saying that without a takeover, the club will have to “self-generate” funds, which could mean selling players and struggling to replace them with similar quality. Dyche said, “If the [777] takeover doesn’t happen, or a takeover, then it will probably be juggling dust, not sand… Because who knows then? You are having to self-generate everything then, I would imagine, because it’s not like there is a pile of cash anywhere so you’ve got to self-generate. And if you self-generate, how do you get in what you are losing? If someone leaves, how do you get the next one in who is as good as the one leaving? There is no time for development [of young players] because this club hasn’t got time for that.”
Despite these concerns, Everton are pushing ahead with their interest in Gassova, who has already made a name for himself in Brazil. However, questions should be asked whether Everton should be spending their limited transfer funds on a player who is unlikely to be ready for the Premier League straight away, even considering his potential.
In an ideal world, a takeover would allow Everton to focus on future gems while improving Dyche’s current squad. But that ideal world is looking more like a fantasy at this stage. Gassova, meanwhile, has a decision to make this summer, with several Premier League clubs interested in his services. He must choose his next club wisely, and Everton’s financial situation may see them overlooked despite their interest.
The Toffees’ pursuit of Gassova highlights the unpredictability of the transfer window, especially for clubs like Everton who are dealing with financial uncertainty. While Gassova’s potential is undeniable, Everton’s priorities should lie with proven players who can make an immediate impact in the Premier League. With their financial situation still up in the air, it’s a risky move that may not pay off in the long run.