Why Santiago Castro transfer makes total sense as Everton plan for Beto exit

Everton are ready to turn to Bologna forward Santiago Castro in the event Beto departs this summer in a move that makes a lot of sense.

As previously reported by Goodison News, Beto faces an uncertain future at Everton.

The 28-year-old featured 37 times for the Toffees in the Premier League last season, but just 17 of those were starts.

Beto's nine goals was a solid enough return, but David Moyes would have been expecting more.

And it appears Everton may already have a replacement in mind should Beto leave before the summer transfer window closes.

That is amid a new update emerging from abroad regarding Bologna gem Castro.

Everton a 'threat' as Santiago Castro could leave Bologna

Everton links with Castro are nothing new, but it appears the Toffees are very serious when it comes to their interest.

Wednesday's print edition of Corriere della Serra reports that Premier League clubs are the "biggest threat" to Castro moving on this summer.

Everton are specifically named, with "the situation worth watching" if Beto moves on.

Castro is said to be one of those the Merseyside outfit could move for as a replacement for Beto.

On the basis of last season's stats, that would certainly make sense.

The striking Beto and Castro similarities

Castro scored seven goals and assisted two more in 35 Serie A starts last season.

That earned the 21-year-old praise from boss Vincenzo Italiano, who backed Castro to go on and become a "top player".

For comparison, Beto was involved in 10 goals - so just one more than Castro despite being considerably more experienced.

There are plenty of other similarities between the pair, such as their number of shots per 90 (2.40 for Castro vs 2.57 for Beto).

As per FBref, their styles of play are also similar in terms of crosses (0.15 vs 0.11) and tackles won (0.31 vs 0.29).

On the face of it this may therefore not seem like an upgrade as such, more of a like-for-like swap, but it must be remembered that Castro is just 21 years old and will only get better.

As someone who had an equal impact as Beto last season in one of Europe's top leagues, and with a much higher ceiling, it is clear to see why Everton may fancy this move.