NafisaWith Everton now officially safe from relegation under David Moyes, fans would be forgiven for shifting attention to the looming transfer window rather than solely concentrating on the remainder of May’s Premier League fixtures.
A fresh chapter at Bramley Moore could see the Merseyside club embark on a positive new phase, with the likes of Michael Keane and other soon-to-be free agents expected to make way—not just to bring in fresh additions.
One player reportedly on Everton’s radar was former fan favourite Richarlison, but that dramatic return has been firmly dismissed by the Scotsman now in charge at Goodison Park.
Still, if other reports suggesting Beto could be on his way out are accurate, a move for the Brazilian might yet re-emerge further down the road.
Everton’s supposed interest in Richarlison:
While Moyes poured cold water on the idea of a reunion, he still spoke highly of the “really good” forward, leaving the door slightly ajar.
The Brazilian attacker netted a commendable 53 goals for the Toffees in 152 total outings, before his form took a dip following his transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.
With Everton possibly saying farewell to long-serving striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin as well, re-signing their former prolific No. 7 isn’t the most far-fetched idea.
However, the Richarlison who once tormented defences across Merseyside isn’t quite the same player today. Everton, in retrospect, came out ahead in the £60m sale to Spurs, with the 28-year-old returning just 20 goals in 80 injury-hit appearances.
As a result—per Football Transfers—the Spurs striker’s market value has plummeted to £22.5m. Remarkably, one of Everton’s current standout performers now holds a higher valuation, validating his original £20m fee.
The “magic” Everton player now valued above Richarlison:
Everton currently lack a consistently lethal frontman like Richarlison in their ranks, with Iliman N’Diaye and Beto leading the club’s Premier League scoring charts this season with seven and eight goals respectively.
Dwight McNeil trails with four, but the former Burnley winger’s steady performances in an Everton shirt over recent campaigns have seen his market value surge past Richarlison’s.
Just last weekend, McNeil marked his return to the starting lineup with a stunning long-range goal to help Everton earn a 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town.
But what truly gets Everton supporters excited is the “magic”—as once described by football journalist Joe Thomas—the forward brings through his creativity, notching seven league assists this term and racking up a total of 17 from just over 100 appearances.
McNeil’s stats for Everton
Stat
McNeil
Matches played
101
Goals scored
15
Assists
17
Value when joining
£20m
Current value
£22.8m
Increase
£2.8m
Value via Football Transfers
Despite battling injuries this season, McNeil’s value has climbed to £22.8m—a £2.8m boost since his 2022 arrival.
Though McNeil operates more as a wide player than his Brazilian counterpart, he arguably offers Everton more in attack at present, given both men share just four league goals this season—despite Richarlison being a central striker.
Ultimately, a Richarlison return might feel unnecessary if Beto remains with the squad, considering the Portuguese forward has managed eight goals this season.
McNeil, meanwhile, will be hoping for an injury-free campaign next term—regardless of who joins—so he can further cement himself as a key figure for Everton at their new home.
Nafisa
