Everton ready to pay Omar El Hilali release clause to seal January transfer as fee revealed
Everton are plotting a move for Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali when the transfer market reopens.
David Moyes is desperate to sign a right-back after the Blues failed to bring one in on deadline day, with Merlin Rohl being Everton’s only signing on the last day of the window.
Everton have not signed a right-back in the summer window for a fee in 20 years, with the last one being Phil Neville from Manchester United in 2005.
The position could be a huge weakness for Moyes this season, with centre-back Jake O’Brien the preferred option right now over injury-prone options such as Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson.
Everton ready to meet Omar El Hilali’s release clause
Everton were outbid by Cesc Fabregas’ Como for El Hilali this summer, but he remained in Spain for the time being.
However, a report from Fichajes on 11 September claims that the Blues have decided to activate his release clause in the winter window.
It states that the clause was initially set at £21.6million, but has now risen to £25.9m as a result of his recent cap for the Morocco national team.
The outlet claims that the Toffees see his arrival as “crucial”, and Moyes believes that the 21-year-old will provide “balance and youth.”
Who is Everton target Omar El Hilali?
El Hilali is a young right back who came through Espanyol’s youth system, playing 61 times for the B team before his senior breakthrough.
He has featured 90 times for the Periquitos since making his debut against Albacete Balompié in the second tier in April 2021.
Strengths:
- Tackling: Can make tackles with either foot and is strong in the tackle
- Aerial duels: Boasts a strong aerial presence that could help Moyes’ side out defensively
- Recovery pace: Has a strong recovery pace that helps him get back and contribute
Weaknesses:
- Crossing: Could improve on his final ball
- Fouling: El Hilali commits fouls quite often
He has notched seven assists in the senior ranks, which could help Moyes’ side to go down a different route, and not rely on Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, if he can improve his crossing abilities.
The Scotsman needs a traditional right-back, and El Hilali would provide him with a quality option, rather than having a makeshift in the position.
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