Everton are interested in signing Royal Antwerp full-back Aurelio Buta this summer. The right-back was previously a part of the Benfica academy, before moving to the Belgian side in 2017, first on loan and then a permanent deal.
SunSport claim that Everton have made a move for the 24-year-old and is one of Rafa Benitez‘s chief targets this summer. Scottish club Celtic are also interested in signing the former Portugal U-20 international.
Celtic reportedly made an offer of £1 million for him, but Antwerp want at least £3 million for Buta. 50% of Buta’s transfer fee will go to his former club Benfica.
The report claims that the new Toffees manager isn’t convinced by the current options he has at right-back. Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny are currently the players expected to vie for a place in the first team this season.
Buta has just one year remaining on his current deal at Antwerp. He has made 110 appearances for the Belgian side in all competitions, scoring twice and assisting 20 times.
Aurelio Buta to Everton – A good option for Benitez?
Aurelio Buta is a right-footed full-back who likes to attack at every opportunity available. The 24-year-old is a speedy right-back who likes to dribble with the ball, whether it is out wide on the flanks or when he cuts into the central areas. Buta has the ability to slip in through balls to the attackers from the wide areas.
Everton look set to beat Celtic to the transfer of Antwerp right-back, Aurelio Buta. The 24-year-old would cost around £2m.
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He is a tenacious defender too, who uses his pace to get back to good positions while defending. He averaged 1.2 tackles per game in the Belgian league last season. The 5’8″ defender is strong for a player of his size, which will help him in a physical and quick competition like the Premier League.
Buta has begun the 2021-22 season in fine fashion as he has already set up two goals in the opening three games. Apart from his natural right-back role, Buta has also played further forward as a right-sided midfielder as well.
The Antwerp player could be a decent signing for Everton as the transfer fee is very less and a move for him is a gamble worth taking. Buta has the speed, work rate and strength to succeed in the Premier League.
Everton’s current right-back options are uninspiring. Seamus Coleman is no longer the player that he once was as injuries have taken a toll on his game. Coleman’s deputy Jonjoe Kenny hasn’t been given a string of games to show his worth and he may leave to get first-team football.
Buta could be brought in to learn from Coleman and push him to take his spot in the team. He will not go directly into the first-team but could be given opportunities in the Cup games to help him adjust to English football.
