River Plate’s Interest In This Everton Star Raises Summer Questions: What Should Moyes Do With Him? | OneFootball

Argentine giants River Plate have fixed their sights on Everton’s Carlos Alcaraz. Reports from Olé, as relayed by Sport Witness, suggest this isn’t just lazy paper talk. He is a genuine target.

River Plate eye Alcaraz as Almada alternative

River originally wanted Thiago Almada. But that deal has not been finalised. Atlético Madrid want roughly €20 million for just half of his economic rights, forcing River’s hierarchy to look elsewhere. Enter Alcaraz. New sporting director Pablo Longoria has been sniffing around European squads, and Alcaraz caught his eye. River manager Eduardo Coudet loves the lad’s energy and versatility.

The main catalyst for this sudden interest? Look at his recent game time. Alcaraz featured in four of Everton’s final five Premier League matches last term. Sounds decent on paper. In reality, he got a pathetic 12 minutes of football. People in Argentina noticed that immediately, viewing it as a clear sign that he is surplus to requirements.

Getting him won’t be cheap, though. Everton shelled out €15 million to bring him in from Flamengo, and his current contract runs until June 2027. River will have to cough up some serious cash to get Everton to the negotiating table.

What should Moyes do with the midfielder?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Carlos Alcaraz of Everton during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Everton and Mansfield Town at Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 27, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Twelve minutes. That is what we are judging him on. It is a joke, really. You cannot expect a 23-year-old to build any sort of rhythm or confidence on such scraps. He has played in Argentina, England, and Brazil, but adaptation takes time.

David Moyes loves a dependable, experienced head. Everyone knows that. But Everton cannot just rely on the old guard if they want to progress. They need assets. Players who will grow in value while doing business on the pitch. Alcaraz fits that profile perfectly.

Selling now makes zero sense. Unless River come in with an absolutely absurd, eye-watering bid that blows Everton out of the water, he needs to stay put. Giving up on a hefty €15 million investment after a few brief cameos is just bad business.

The lad needs a proper pre-season. Let Moyes work with him without the pressure of a relegation scrap. Everton handed him a long-term contract for a reason. Cut the transfer talk. Put him on the pitch at Finch Farm and let him prove his worth.