Fabrizio Romano delivers Richarlison Everton update after cryptic international duty comments
Richarlison is “open for a summer move” from Everton according to Fabrizio Romano, who has followed up the Brazilian’s comments on international duty.
The star forward had told GloboEsporte on Monday (30 May):”I’ve already made it clear to the board, I’ve already talked to [Frank] Lampard too, with my [agents] and they know what I want. Let’s wait for June.”
And now Romano has clarified that the comments do mean he is looking for a move, as the new agents he signed with last month were for that reason.
Romano wrote on Twitter Monday night: “Richarlison has new agents since April because he’s open for summer move. Many clubs exploring this possibility.”
The Italian had previously reported on 14 April the signing to CAA Base Agency but had written on Twitter at the time: “Of course no talks now – he’s totally focused on Everton.”
The 25-year-old was subsequently instrumental to the Toffees avoiding relegation as he scored four goals and assisted another after that date while playing every minute until the dead-rubber last game of the season.
Earned it?
It is certainly not what fans on Merseyside wanted to hear after he proved to be such a key figure in dark times this season.
But his exit has been mooted for weeks, and if the agent switch pre-empted a summer move then it may already be some way along with negotiations if there are multiple clubs involved.
It isn’t set in stone, and “open” doesn’t mean determined, so if none of the offers are what he is looking for then he would presumably be open to stay as well.
He admitted the idea of leaving left him “kind of speechless” when he spoke to the media due to the “affection the fans have”, and considering the job he did in keeping the club up that affection could amount to giving the player their blessing to leave.
If he goes he will likely command a major fee which might free up Frank Lampard to add multiple players to a squad that needs an overhaul, and would soften the blow of his exit.
While he only scored 10 league goals this season he was playing in a side that looked destined for the Championships until the final week, and his determination was unquestioned throughout.
In other Everton news, one Sky pundit has suggested hypocrisy on the part of Leeds and Burnely over their threat of legal action agains the club.
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