Report – Everton plot swoop for £51m Brazilian defender
Everton are scouting Benfica defender Morato, according to the print edition of Portuguese outlet O Jogo, as per Sport Witness.
The 18-year-old is understood to have caught the Toffees’ eye during Marco Silva’s spell with the club, but has impressed enough to ensure that they have kept tabs on him even after Carlo Ancelotti took the helm at Goodison Park.
The report states that the Blues’ most recent scouting trip to watch the Brazilian was on Tuesday, when he featured in UEFA Youth League clash against Liverpool.
Morato is currently protected by a release clause of around £51 million, but is struggling to secure a first team place with Benfica having only made one senior appearance so far this term.
It is understood that the Toffees have been impressed with the youngster’s ability to play out from the back, as well as his natural physicality and speed.
Would Morato be a good signing for Everton?
As with any deal for a young player like this, there is always going to be an element of risk involved.
At just 18, Morato still has a lot to learn, and there is never really any concrete way of knowing if a player of his age is actually going to reach the level that he promises to.
That being said, there is a lot to be excited about here.
Morato may not have played a lot for the senior side, but his performances at youth level have been very eye-catching.
So far this term, he has averaged 5.45 interceptions per game, as per Wyscout, as well as winning 62.4% of his defensive duels.
As a point of comparison, Mason Holgate, who has enjoyed a brilliant season at Goodison Park, has made 4.93 interceptions per game, and has only exceeded Morato’s defensive duel ratio by 4.8%, as per Wyscout.
Price could be an issue, but if the Toffees can broker a deal, this could be a winner.
In other Everton news, Report – Toffees plot summer swoop for PL dazzler available for free.