Everton agree loan deal for ex-Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz | OneFootball

Everton have agreed a deal to sign Flamengo midfielder Carlos Alcaraz on a six-month loan deal, according to The Athletic.

The Toffees are poised to land the 22-year-old’s signature on a temporary deal that could become permanent in the summer if certain conditions are met.

The Brazilian club announced the deal on their social media account, but Everton are yet to confirm the transfer, and sources within the club suggest Flamengo’s statement may have been premature.

Alcaraz previously played for Southampton in both the Premier League and Championship after joining from Argentina’s Racing Club in January 2023 for €14 million (£12.3m).

During his time with the Saints, he made 48 appearances and scored eight goals before being loaned to Juventus for the second half of the 2023/24 season.

He also featured 19 times in the Premier League, contributing four goals and two assists, so the Argentine midfielder is familiar with the English top flight and should have no problems adapting quickly to the Everton move.

Following his spell in Italy, he moved to Flamengo last summer, where he featured 19 times and helped the team secure a third-place finish in Brazil’s Serie A.

Flamengo took to social media platform X on Friday to confirm the move, writing: “Flamengo can confirm the departure of Carlos Alcaraz to Everton Football Club on loan. We wish you the best of luck, Charly.

“The deal is structured as a loan with an obligation to buy if certain goals are met.”

Despite Flamengo’s announcement, Everton’s stance remains unclear.

The club is believed to hold an interest in Alcaraz, but insiders indicate that discussions are ongoing and no final agreement has been reached.

If the move is completed, Alcaraz would become the first signing of Everton’s new ownership under The Friedkin Group and the first addition since David Moyes returned as manager.

Everton, who are currently fighting to climb the Premier League table, return to action on Saturday when they host Leicester City at Goodison Park.