Everton plot cut-price deal to solve striker issue ahead of 2025/26 | OneFootball

Everton Target Richarlison in Ambitious Summer Transfer Plan

Striker Identified as Key to New Stadium Era

Everton have earmarked Richarlison as their ‘dream summer signing’ ahead of the 2025/26 season. The club is preparing for a transformative summer, with a new era set to begin at Bramley-Moore Dock and significant change both on and off the pitch.

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With Dominic Calvert-Lewin expected to leave as a free agent when his contract expires in June, Everton’s hierarchy has prioritised the recruitment of a proven forward. Richarlison—who previously spent four years at Goodison Park—has emerged as the leading candidate.

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As reported by GiveMeSport, “Everton have identified Richarlison as their dream summer signing,” with club insiders seriously weighing up a formal bid. The 27-year-old has endured a mixed spell at Tottenham Hotspur since leaving Everton in 2022 for £60 million, but he remains highly regarded in Merseyside.

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The move would signal a significant step forward for manager David Moyes, now in his second spell at the club. Richarlison, described by Calvert-Lewin as “fantastic,” was a key figure during Everton’s recent top-flight stability, blending relentless energy with a goalscoring edge.

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Although Richarlison is under contract at Spurs until 2027, GiveMeSport notes that “Tottenham are not under immediate pressure to sell,” yet may consider offers below their original outlay, especially if Dominic Solanke continues to restrict his playing time.

Everton’s recruitment team has been active in recent weeks, also monitoring Mika Biereth (Monaco), Evan Ferguson (Brighton), and Albert Gudmundsson (Fiorentina via West Ham). However, Richarlison ranks “higher in their thinking than other options that have been pinpointed,” GMS reports.

Financial Considerations and Potential Deal Structure

The financial logistics of the deal are particularly intriguing. GMS sources believe Everton could table a bid in the region of £30–£40 million, which would represent a considerable loss for Spurs. Yet the Toffees are quietly confident that they can negotiate favourable terms, potentially aided by Richarlison’s interest in a return.

A potential wage structure may prove more complex. Richarlison reportedly earns up to £130,000 per week at Tottenham when bonuses are triggered—substantially higher than Everton’s current top earners. It remains to be seen whether the Friedkin Group, the club’s prospective new owners, will greenlight a wage package of that scale.

Nevertheless, with Calvert-Lewin’s £100,000-per-week deal set to come off the books, there could be flexibility, especially with the new stadium opening expected to significantly boost revenues.

Symbolic Move for Bramley-Moore Dock Era

Bringing back Richarlison would be more than a tactical decision—it would be symbolic. The Brazil international was a fan favourite at Goodison Park, and his aggressive style and work rate matched the club’s identity. Signing him as the first marquee player for Bramley-Moore Dock could unify supporters and signal the ambition of the new boardroom leadership.

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As GMS notes: “There is hope that he would be interested in becoming a marquee signing as they prepare for life at their new stadium.”

If Everton are to truly leave behind the shadows of recent relegation battles, securing a striker of Richarlison’s pedigree could be a decisive early step. The next few weeks will reveal how far negotiations progress and whether Everton can pull off what would be one of the most eye-catching deals of the summer window.

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On one hand, Richarlison’s return would tick a lot of boxes. He’s already loved by the fans, knows the club inside out, and offers something they’ve been missing—energy, attitude, and goals from a player who gives everything on the pitch. He was never the most clinical striker, but he made things happen when it mattered.

But then there’s the scepticism. Paying £30–£40 million for a player who’s struggled for consistency at Spurs and is turning 28 soon? That’s a gamble, especially for a club like Everton, trying to navigate PSR limits while also moving into a new stadium.

If the Friedkin Group are serious about backing the manager, there are younger, more dynamic forwards out there with resale value. Richarlison feels like a heart-over-head signing. Nostalgia’s great, but they need a long-term solution—someone who’ll grow with the project, not someone they’re hoping can recapture past form.

Unless it’s a cut-price deal on reduced wages, this one might end up being more romantic than rational.