Everton have been linked with several exciting names recently, and one player on their radar now is young Rafael Leao.
Also wanted in La Liga and Serie A, the 20-year old, labelled the ‘Portuguese Kylian Mbappe’ will cost around £36 million this summer, and Everton are ready to meet his valuation as per La Voix du Nord.
Marco Silva’s side failed to break into the top 7 last season and are currently strengthening their squad in a bid to challenge the teams above them next season.
Who is Rafael Leao?
Having graduated from Sporting’s academy, Leao is already earning rave reviews in Europe. He failed to make a single Liga NOS start for the Portuguese giants before he was snapped up by French outfit Lille last year.
He registered eight goals and three assists in 16 Ligue 1 starts last season, and has shown enough promise for various clubs across Europe to show an interest in him this summer.
Known for his pace and clinical finishing, the 20-year old is a natural striker, who is also strong in the air. He gives his all every game, running himself into the ground, even for lost causes and is a player most managers love to have in their side.
Leao is adept at winning the ball back high up the field and is usually productive with his decision making. At his age, he can be a superstar under the right guidance and the lack of pressure at Goodison Park might not be bad for Leao’s future.
Is Leao the right player for Everton?
The Toffees have Cenk Tosun as their first choice striker alongside young Dominic Calvert-Lewin, both of who were impressive in bits and pieces last season.
Richarlison was also used as a lone striker at times but Silva is desperate for a player who can add a different dimension to their attack. This is what makes Leao a smart option for the Toffees.
Though he has just 27 league appearances in his career across Europe, he has the right attributes to be effective in the Premier League. His ability to hold the ball high up the field and his pace across the turf will make Everton a more dangerous side.
However, Leao will not walk into Silva’s line-up, and will have to work for his place in the side so the Toffees might be tempted to spend on a more established star, who can make an immediate impact on the squad.
At £36 million, Leao is a risk that can go horribly wrong and at the moment, Everton are not in a position to invest such an amount on an unproven talent from Europe.
He may still come good, but Leao is just not the player Everton are desperate for, this summer.