New Everton manager Rafa Benitez will hold crunch talks with Toffees star Richarlison over his Everton future amid links to Real Madrid.
That is the view taken by Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who believes Benitez will move to personally convince Richarlison to continue his career at Goodison Park.
Following Carlo Ancelotti’s shock departure to Real Madrid for an undisclosed compensatory fee, reports from Goal.com have claimed that Richarlison’s former manager has called him to discuss following him to the Spanish capital.
Despite a fondness held by Ancelotti for the 24-year-old, who recently finished as a runner-up in this year’s Copa America, there has been no formal approach from any suitor for Richarlison.
Updating on Richarlison’s future, Romano issued his verdict:
“After Copa America and ahead of his performance in the Olympics, Richarlison will need to talk to Everton about his future,” Romano wrote for CBS Sports.
“There are many rumours about Real Madrid, but so far there has been no offer.
“Carlo Ancelotti loves Richarlison but has not initiated negotiations to buy him.
“Rafa Benitez intends to speak directly with Richarlison to convince him to stay another season at Merseyside with the Toffees.”
Read Everton Verdict
Richarlison’s contributions since his 2018 switch from Watford have been invaluable, and Everton will fight tooth and nail to retain him.
He has made 119 competitive appearances for the Blues, registering 42 goals and nine assists in the process.
Signing for a staggering £50 million fee and under contract until 2024, Everton will hardly be accepting a loss on their talismanic attacker. Only a gargantuan fee could tempt Everton into a sale.
