Fabrizio Romano: Richarlison Goodison Park exit to Tottenham nearly hijacked by Chelsea
Chelsea made a last-gasp attempt to hijack Tottenham’s deal for Everton striker Richarlison according to The Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano.
The Guardian reported [30 June] that Spurs have concluded a move for the Brazilian striker in a deal worth £50 plus add-ons.
However, Italian journalist Romano has reported via his personal Twitter account [30 June] that Chelsea made an attempt to take the 25-year-old to Stamford Bridge.
Romano wrote: “Chelsea made an attempt to hijack Richarlison deal before agreement between Everton and Tottenham, in place since this morning for £60m.
“Spurs have full agreement with both EFC and Richarlison on personal terms.
“Just waiting for medical in Brazil and player signature.”
Time for Everton to get going
We’ve all known for a long time that the Brazilian was unlikely to remain at the club beyond this summer and that Everton are desperate for an incoming transfer fee to kickstart their business.
This has to be the watershed moment for the Toffees in the summer’s window after being slow and lethargic in the early part of the window.
Richarlison was a big part of the reason why Everton aren’t playing Championship football at present and they simply have to replace the striker properly or seriously risk flirting with the relegation zone again next season.
A lot of trust is going into Kevin Thelwell and Frank Lampard to try and change the culture at Goodison Park this summer.
Evertonians cannot begrudge Richarlison for wanting to leave the club with the Brazil striker wanting to test himself at Champions League level whilst also playing himself into contention for the World Cup squad.
Replacing the Brazilian will be a mammoth task that Lampard has to get right.