Everton's Yerry Mina Fined, Avoids Suspension for FA Betting Rules Breach
Sep 10, 2019
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Yerry Mina of Everton during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Everton FC at Villa Park on August 23, 2019 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Everton centre-back Yerry Mina will have to pay a fine worth £10,000 but won't serve a suspension after admitting to a breach of the English Football Association's betting rules.
The FA fined Mina on Tuesday after he made an appearance in a betting advert for Colombian company Betjuego, per BBC Sport.
A statement from the FA described the fine as "appropriate and proportionate in the circumstances." Those circumstances include "strong mitigation put forward by the player and his club."
Mitigation in Mina's case came from Everton telling the FA the 24-year-old's "command of the English language is limited." It led to a misunderstanding of the rules governing betting.
Mina also admitted the charge and offered an apology. What he didn't do was profit from the advert, which was not screened outside of Colombia.
Money from the appearance went to the Yerry Mina Foundation, a charitable enterprise dedicated to helping disadvantaged youths in Guachene, Colombia, where the player was born.
Mina's case was also helped by the advert being removed once he recognised his mistake, according to the BBC report. Despite all of the mitigating factors in his favour, the FA still felt compelled to at least fine Mina, citing a responsibility to defend the "integrity of the game."
However, Richard Martin of Reuters sees an irony in the FA's treatment of the broader issue:
All for more regulation of gambling but this just doesn't make any sense and seems like FA very willing to be seen to be doing something against gambling but very unwilling for clubs to part with the vast amounts of money they receive from it.
Avoiding suspension is a huge boost for Everton, who have been counting on Mina at the heart of their defence this season. The former Barcelona man has formed a rugged partnership with fellow centre-back Michael Keane.
Depth is thin at the position in Marco Silva's squad, with only 22-year-old Mason Holgate available for cover.
Mina's case presented circumstances the FA couldn't ignore. It was not the same for Leeds United midfielder Jordan Stevens, who learned on Tuesday he must serve a six-week FA ban and pay a fine worth £1,200 for breaking betting rules, per BBC Sport.
Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear labelled the decision "disproportionate punishment."
Suspensions have become the norm in these cases, with former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge incurring a six-week ban, with four suspended, and paying a £75,000 fine back in July after being found guilty of a breach.
Alex Iwobi Completes Everton Transfer from Arsenal on Deadline Day
Aug 8, 2019
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - MAY 28: Alex Iwobi of Arsenal looks on during the training session of Arsenal prior to the UEFA Europa League Final between Chelsea and Arsenal at Baku Olimpiya Stadionu on May 28, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
Everton added another talented forward to their squad on Thursday, signing Alex Iwobi from Arsenal.
The deal was officially announced after the Premier League's summer transfer deadline had already passed. Iwobi signed a five-year deal.
The 23-year-old Nigeria international is a product of the Arsenal academy, making his first-team debut in 2015. He made 22 Premier League starts last season, scoring three goals and adding six assists.
Sky Sports' Matt Cheetham is a fan:
Very up for Iwobi - created more from open play and at a better rate than anyone at Everton last season, and most at Arsenal. Adds more off the ball, and just 23
While the winger can struggle with his finishing―he has never scored more than three goals in a Premier League season―he is an expert at setting up team-mates:
Alex Iwobi has created 18 Big Chances for Arsenal in the Premier League since the 2016-17 season, only Mesut Özil (25) has created more.
The Toffees already signed a young ace striker in Moise Kean earlier this season, so finding a solid creator to provide him with service was their next objective.
Iwobi's development slowed in the last few seasons, but he often struggled to get a consistent run in the team at the Emirates Stadium and should benefit from the more regular playing time he's likely to receive at Goodison Park.
Arsenal will miss his ability to create, but after signing Nicolas Pepe from Lille, they were always likely to cash in on one of their wingers. The Ivorian is a far more productive option out wide, scoring an impressive 22 goals in Ligue 1 last season.
The Making of Moise Kean
Aug 5, 2019
April 6, 2019, Juventus Stadium
With the scores deadlocked at 1-1, Max Allegri knew he needed to make a change. Searching for a way to open up AC Milan, the Juventus boss gave his instructions and prepared to make a 66th-minute substitution. The fourth official's board showed that No. 10, Paulo Dybala, was the man to be replaced, the Argentina international begrudgingly making his way to the sideline where he would ensure everyone watching could see his displeasure.
Yet while La Joya complained on the bench, those left on the field continued to probe for a way past a well-organised Rossoneri back line.
Less than 20 minutes later, Miralem Pjanic would pounce on a sloppy pass from Davide Calabria and drive into the penalty area. With the Milan defence swarming towards him to snuff out the danger, the Bosnian playmaker calmly rolled a perfect ball into the path of his striker, and Moise Kean made no mistake, drilling a low shot into the opposite corner past Pepe Reina. Kean—the 19-year-old who had been sent on for Dybala—had a match-winning goal and his face on the front of the Sunday-morning newspapers.
It wasn't the first time; his strike against Milan marked the fifth consecutive game he had found the net for club or country. Remarkable considering that prior to the 2018/19 campaign, Kean had played just 18 minutes for Juventus and had not even represented Italy at under-21 level.
Juventus' Italian forward Moise Kean celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match Juventus vs AC Milan on April 6, 2019 at the Juventus stadium in Turin. (Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFP) (Photo credit should read ISABELLA BON
Behind Kean's meteoric rise is an incredible story, one which begins in the small town of Asti. Located around 35 miles east of Turin, it is a quiet and peaceful place that was the birthplace of Vittorio Alfieri. Considered one of the greatest dramatists in Italian history, he would be proud to have penned a script like the one Kean is playing out.
The opening scene of his career would be in Asti, with Kean accompanying his older brother, Giovanni, to training with local side A.C.D. Asti. "That's when I first saw Moise play," Remo Turello, the club's former vice-president, tells B/R. "He was only six years old and had just tagged along one morning, but it was clear immediately that he was special. His touch and coordination were so much better than the other boys. Even when we put him in with our 10-year-olds, he often looked like the best player on the pitch."
With such talent, it was clear the fifth-tier club were not going to be able to hold onto him. One of the coaches at Asti was Renato Biasi, a goalkeeper who had played for Torino in Serie A.
A lifelong fan of the Granata, he immediately called the man in charge of the club's youth sector, Silvano Benedetti, and explained the situation before taking Kean to Turin. The youngster was immediately given a place, but a financial issue soon began to emerge.
"Logistical problems arose because the family could not bear the costs of the boy's travels," Biasi told La Stampa in March, in the midst of his scoring spree. "It was necessary to drive him back and forth from Asti to Turin, but Torino were not as well-organised as they are now…"
That was all Juventus needed to know, and they pounced quickly, helping Kean and his family move near their training ground and ensuring they had everything they needed to be comfortable. "There wasn't a lot of money coming in. I worked at a treatment facility and often did night shifts," his mother, Isabelle, told Tuttosport. "Then one day, he called me at 5:30 in the evening. I was going to work in Nizza Monferrato. I got scared, I thought something had happened to him.
"Instead he says to me, 'Mum, there's a surprise for you.' I replied, 'Don't tell me you didn't sign for Juve.' He said, 'No Mum, I've signed. You don't have to work anymore and you can live with me in Turin!"
She did, and Toro's loss was undoubtedly their neighbours' gain as Kean quickly settled into the youth sector, finding the back of the net with startling regularity. As the 2016/17 season got underway, he had bagged 21 goals in just 10 games for Juve's under-15s, 24 in 26 for the U17s, six in 10 for the Primavera (U19s) and 13 in 27 appearances for Italy's various national youth sides.
BOLOGNA, ITALY - JANUARY 12: Moise Kean of Juventus FC during the Italian Coppa Italia match between Bologna v Juventus at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on January 12, 2019 in Bologna Italy (Photo by Danilo Di Giovanni/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Max Allegri couldn't ignore his form and decided to put him into the first team. On November 19, 2016, he became the youngest first-team debutant in club history at the age of 16 years, eight months and 23 days. Three days later, Kean became the first player born in the 2000s to make his Champions League debut, and on the final day of the season, he became the first man born in the 21st century to score in Serie A courtesy of a last-minute winner against Bologna.
Kean would spend the 2017/18 campaign with Hellas Verona, scoring four goals in 19 appearances for a poorly constructed team that was quickly relegated back to Serie B. He returned to Juve better for the experience, but with Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival it was still a surprise that he wasn't sent out on loan again.
He remained part of Allegri's squad but made just two brief appearances as a substitute before the calendar flipped over to 2019. A start against Bologna saw him score once again and, needing to rotate the side for a forthcoming Champions League clash, Allegri would name Kean in the starting XI when Udinese visited the Allianz Stadium on March 8.
Moise Kean put on a show last weekend. 💪⚽️ Relive his brace against Udinese right now.
The 19-year-old put on a show that day, scoring two superbly taken goals, but there were even better scenes in the stands. Sat close to the suspended Miralem Pjanic were Kean's mother and uncle. Their celebrations of his brace spread quickly on social media, with Isabelle happy to reveal just how difficult their journey had been before that day.
"I arrived in Italy from Ivory Coast in 1990, in Vercelli, where my children were born, Giovanni in 1993 and Mose in 2000," she told Tuttosport. "We call him Mose at home because his birth was a miracle. The doctors told me that I couldn't have any more children, I cried and prayed until one night I dreamed of Moses, he had come to help me and, four months later, I was pregnant again.
"Moise's success has repaid all the sacrifices I made in the past and I've told him to keep going like this, to always listen to the coach and his older team-mates. It's a great satisfaction for a mother to see that her son has made it and reached such high levels. I never imagined it, especially thinking where we came from."
That does not surprise Turello, who told B/R, "Since the beginning, she has always been there and is his main point of reference." Kean listened to her, working tirelessly to improve and has been paying close attention to the efforts of one team-mate in particular.
"I always try to be ready and train regularly so that I'm prepared when the time comes," Kean told reporters in March. "I learn from Cristiano Ronaldo, in training, I steal his secrets. I can only learn from him. It happens every day."
After his two goals helped Juve to smash Udinese 4-1, Kean was called up to the Italy squad by Roberto Mancini, who looked on proudly as he struck in both matches the Azzurri played during the March international break, a 2-0 win over Finland and a 6-0 thrashing of Liechtenstein. Lauding the striker's "enormous potential" to reporters shortly after the final whistle against Finland, the former Manchester City boss was pleased with what he saw, and the confidence Kean gained helped spark a remarkable run of form when domestic action resumed.
He would net the only goal of a 1-0 win over Empoli, showing off some delightful touches. "Beyond his quality as a player, he was a coordinated child from all points of view," Biasi told La Stampa. "With him everything was natural, nothing is forced, and do you know why? Because while his peers were playing at home on the Playstation, he had nothing but a ball!"
Honing his skills in the dusty courtyard of a local church, an article on The Players' Tribune revealed another secret of those formative years. "If you wanted to play in our neighbourhood, you could always find a football in the priest's office at the oratory near our house," wrote Kean. "The priest was a nice man who kept all the balls in a drawer. But, you see, here's the thing: He never locked it. So every time I lost my own ball—maybe because I had kicked it over a fence—I would sneak over to the oratory, wait for the priest to go upstairs, and then take a ball from his drawer."
UDINE, ITALY - MARCH 23: Moise Kean of Italy #14 celebrates after scoring the second goal during the 2020 UEFA European Championships group J qualifying match between Italy and Finland at Stadio Friuli on March 23, 2019 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Claudi
All that innocence was laid bare when Juve played away at Cagliari. As the home fans watched Kean tearing through their side, they took to making monkey noises every time he touched the ball. Blaise Matuidi—who had been abused in similar fashion by the same supporters a year earlier—pleaded with the referee to take action.
He didn't, leaving Kean himself to silence their inexcusable abuse the only way he knew how. Timing his run perfectly to meet Rodrigo Bentancur's cross, he smashed the ball into the back of the net before spreading his arms in a shrug aimed at the same fans who had been taunting him. "The best way to respond to racism" he wrote in a since deleted Instagram post.
Many other players around the world come out in support of the Juve youngster. Unfortunately his team-mate Leonardo Bonucci was not one of them. "I think the blame is 50-50, because Moise shouldn't have [celebrated in front of them] and the Curva should not have reacted that way," the defender told Sky Italia. "We are professionals, we have to set the example and not provoke anyone."
That drew sharp criticism from all corners. Raheem Sterling, Stormzy and Memphis Depay all took turns lambasting the Italy international before Mario Balotelli weighed in, commenting that "Bonucci is lucky that I wasn't there."
Cagliari received no punishment for the abuse, while Kean was incredibly fined €2,000 for diving, but he did not miss a beat. He went on to score the aforementioned match-winning goal against Milan just four days later before striking again against SPAL the following weekend. That meant he had found the net in six consecutive games, but those who know him best are totally unsurprised by the impact he had despite playing in such high-pressure matches.
Six goals in Moise Kean's last six games in all competitions.
"In the years since he left here, I have always followed his progress closely," Turello told B/R. "I believe that this is only the beginning of a career that has ample room for improvement but that also depends on his mentality growing too. Moise is a player who has a sense of where the goal is, he sees where to be like so few in his position and always knows where to shoot the ball."
The results of the last few months support that belief, and his first coach is another who keeps a close eye on his former pupil. "We often exchange messages and I always try to watch him when he plays," Biasi told La Stampa. "When he scored the first goal in Serie A for Juventus, I got up from his chair, and for a true Toro fan like me, that is not an easy thing to admit!"
What matters now is that he continues to shine. Comparisons to Mario Balotelli—sparked initially when Kean unveiled a "why always me" t-shirt while celebrating a goal for the Juve under-19s—thankfully seem way off the mark.
"Kean attacks the space and pushes forward in the most extraordinary way," Bianconeri skipper Giorgio Chiellini told reporters in the mixed zone following the match with Empoli. "Kean has more physicality than Mario, and his goal tonight was almost in the style of David Trezeguet. Mario might have more of an eye for goal, but Kean has a better shot from distance and attacks the space a lot more."
🇮🇹👶 At 19 years & 31 days, Moise Kean is the youngest player to score his first eight @SerieA goals since Mario Balotelli (18 years, 242 days)
Others are willing to go even further, including his barber, Alessandro Sesta. "I take care of his hair, but the only other thing in his head is Juve!" he told Gazzetta dello Sport in April. "Believe me, the comparison with Balotelli just doesn't hold up when you know Moise properly."
The future has yet to be written, but Turello believes Kean will thrive in the Premier League. "I think he is a suitable player for English football," the former Asti vice-president told B/R.
Whatever happens, he has come a long way, from the dusty church courtyard in Asti to the front pages of every Italian newspaper following that goal against Milan. It won't be the last time, and the name Moise Kean is one to pay close attention to for the foreseeable future.
Will Moise Kean be in your fantasy team? Get some fantasy tips on the latest B/R Football Ranks podcast. Subscribe here.
Everton Sign Moise Kean from Juventus on 5-Year Contract
Aug 4, 2019
Juventus' Italian forward Moise Kean reacts after missing a goal opportunity during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match Juventus vs Ajax Amsterdam on April 16, 2019 at the Juventus stadium in Turin. (Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFP) (Photo credit should read ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP/Getty Images)
Everton on Sunday completed the signing of Juventus striker Moise Kean, who has signed a five-year contract with Marco Silva's team.
The Toffees announced Kean's arrival via their official website, and their new signing said:
"I am very proud and honoured to wear the Everton shirt. I will give my best to this team.
"I was convinced to sign because Everton is a club looking to the future and so am I. I know about the size of the Club. It has big ambition and I will work very hard to help us fulfil what we want to achieve.
"I am used to winning and I want to bring this winning attitude to the team. I hope I will be very good on the field and bring the fans joy."
The Times'Paul Joyce wrote on Friday that Everton had agreed a price of around £30 million with Juventus for the 19-year-old.
Kean made his Bianconeri debut in November 2016 and became the first player born in the 2000s to score in one of Europe's top five leagues.
He was given more responsibilities in Massimiliano Allegri's side last term and scored seven times in 17 appearances for the Scudetto winners, not to mention making his senior Italy debut in November 2018.
Serie A recently paid tribute to the youngster following his breakout season in Italy's top flight:
Kean has scored twice in his first three senior appearances for Italy and is Everton's fifth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Andre Gomes, Fabian Delph, Jonas Lossl and Sebastian Kristensen.
The forward's father, Biorou Jean Kean, recently told Omnisport he prevented his son from joining Manchester United when he was "14 or 15" years of age (h/t Goal):
Everton sold striker Romelu Lukaku to United in 2017 and have since struggled to replace his presence in attack.
Silva has tried Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison up top, while Turkish striker Cenk Tosun also made 10 league starts last season.
The Portuguese tactician will be hopeful Kean will be ready to face Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener on Saturday.
Moise Kean Reportedly Set for Everton Medical After Deal Agreed with Juventus
Jul 30, 2019
TURIN, ITALY - MAY 03: Moise Kean of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus and Torino FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2019 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)
Everton and Juventus have reportedly agreed on a deal that will send Moise Kean to the Premier League outfit subject to a medical.
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported as much on Twitter:
Moise Kean to Everton, here we go! Total agreement reached with Juventus, last details will be completed on next hours. The striker will fly to UK tomorrow to undergo his medicals and sign the contract. 🔵 #transfers#Everton#Juve
According to Football Italia, the striker's agent, Mino Raiola, relayed the news, with Kean set to join the Toffees for an initial €30 million (£27.5 million) and a further €10 million (£9.1 million) in potential add-ons.
It's claimed Juventus are insisting that a buy-back clause is inserted into his contract.
Bleacher Report's Matt Jones and football writer Daniel Storey are both eager to see how he fares at Goodison Park:
I think Moise Kean to Everton would jump to the top of my list of exciting Premier League transfers this summer. Not that it definitely works out, but that it will be bloody fun finding out.
Kean's form earned him his first three senior appearances for Italy, and he has already scored twice for the Azzurri against Finland and Liechtenstein in UEFA European Championship 2020 qualifiers.
Everton scored 54 goals in the Premier League last season. Outside the top six, only Bournemouth netted more.
However, winger Richarlison and midfield playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson shouldered most of the goalscoring burden. Centre-forwards Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin only managed three and six league goals, respectively.
Kean does not yet have a full season of regular first-team football under his belt, but he's a precocious talent with enormous potential.
He could have a significant impact at Everton in the coming years, and if he does, Juve will be able to bring him back when they're able to give him the time on the pitch that he needs—provided the buy-back clause is worked into the deal.
Everton Reportedly in £60M Wilfried Zaha Talks Amid Arsenal, Chelsea Rumours
Jul 26, 2019
CARDIFF, WALES - MAY 04: Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace scoring goal during the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Crystal Palace at Cardiff City Stadium on May 4, 2019 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol tweeted about Everton's involvement in the Zaha saga, specifying the £60 million figure included a player moving to Selhurst Park in return:
Everton in talks to sign Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace. Will make bid worth in region of £60m which includes player going to Palace from Everton. Zaha keen for new challenge. His preference is to stay in London but would consider move back to NW
The Telegraph's Matt Law wrote striker Cenk Tosun is the player Everton want to send in part-exchange, noting the Toffees' bid is much greater than Arsenal's previous £40 million offer for Zaha.
The Eagles star previously spent an unsuccessful two-year spell at Manchester United. Zaha moved to Old Trafford in January 2013 but made only four senior appearances for United and spent half his stint on loan back at Selhurst Park and with Cardiff City.
Former Palace and Blackpool manager Ian Holloway recently appeared on TalkSport and said Zaha deserves to play at the elite level:
“Zaha needs to be at a top, top club and if not stay where you’re loved.” ♥️
“He’ll win games at the very top.” 👊
“If Bale is surplus to requirements in Madrid why don’t Real get Zaha?” 👀
Per Law's report, Chelsea are banned from registering new players during the next two transfer windows (including this one). The Blues have appealed their suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and it's understood they hope to sign Zaha next summer if he remains at Palace this season.
A move to west London could be the right fit for the player. Eden Hazard recently joined Real Madrid to vacate their left wing and Pedro—who turns 32 on Sunday—is in the final year of his contract.
Law also specified Palace are seeking £80 million for their star, leaving Everton's offer some way short of that valuation.
Off The Ball recently discussed Everton's introduction to the Zaha situation, saying it would be an indictment of Arsenal if they lost this transfer battle:
Can Everton finish higher than Arsenal this season?
They are hoping to beat them in the race to sign Zaha 👀 #OTBAM
Zaha scored 10 goals and recorded five assists in 34 Premier League starts last season. He more recently scored twice and made one assist for Ivory Coast during their run to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, where they lost on penalties to eventual champions Algeria.
The Gunners finished fifth in the Premier League in their maiden season under manager Unai Emery, just missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification. Marco Silva's Toffees ended the campaign in eighth—only five points ahead of Palace—and are unable to offer European football this term.
Everton look like the most serious admirers as things stand, however, and Arsenal's lack of transfer initiative could see them miss out on a long-term target unless they respond.
Barcelona's Andre Gomes Completes £22M Transfer to Everton on 5-Year Contract
Jun 25, 2019
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 13: Andre Gomes of Everton arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Everton FC at Craven Cottage on April 13, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images)
Everton have completed the signing of Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes on a five-year contract in a deal worth £22 million.
The Toffees announced the transfer on Tuesday via their official website, and Gomes told Everton TV of his joy to return to Goodison Park on permanent terms after a successful loan last season:
“I'm really happy to sign the contract with Everton—it wasn't hard to decide, it was an easy decision and I'm very happy to have made it.
“I know the club made a massive effort to sign me and I'm very happy and thankful to them. I said during the year that I felt part of a family and that is the most important thing to me.
“Last year was a really good experience for me. I just wanted to feel part of something special and I found it here. It was good for me in that moment and right now, after signing for Everton, it's even better."
BR Video
The 25-year-old scored once and recorded two assists in 29 appearances for Everton last term, helping Marco Silva's side finish eighth in the Premier League and narrowly miss out on European qualification.
Gomes—capped 29 times for Portugal—has left the Camp Nou after making a total of 78 appearances for Barcelona, winning one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey crowns and one Spanish Super Cup.
Sportswriter Andy West highlighted the playmaker's lack of charisma as being one of the biggest reasons behind his failure to sparkle in Catalonia:
Shame Andre Gomes never made it with Barça. Has all the talent in the world and a likeable guy but not a big enough personality to succeed at Camp Nou. Struggled to find balance between expressing himself/servicing others (esp Messi). Hopefully he will grow mentally at Everton. https://t.co/xSMS62StKg
Barcelona paid Valencia areported €35 millionto sign Gomes in July 2016, with another potential €35 million in add-ons agreed as part of the deal.
That fee was a sign of his promise after winning the 2016 UEFA European Championship, and Everton will hope their signing can still prove he's worth that kind of money in the right setting.
Sports Witness suggested the transfer could prove a steal for the Merseysiders:
Andre Gomes for €25m, in this market, is not a bad deal at all.
Everton begin their pre-season tour against Kariobangi Sharks in Nairobi on July 7, when Gomes could have the opportunity to take the first steps in this next chapter of his Everton career.
Richarlison Says 'I'm Happy' at Everton Amid Manchester United Rumours
Jun 4, 2019
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Richarlison of Everton celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Burnley FC at Goodison Park on May 03, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Per MailOnline'sJoe Strange, the Brazilian has been linked with the three giants this summer, but he's not considering a move so soon after his arrival at Goodison Park.
He told FourFourTwo (h/t Strange): "It's a nice feeling when you get praise for your good work, but I'm not thinking about a transfer at the moment. I've just arrived at Everton. I'm happy here."
Richarlison only joined Everton last year in an initial £35 million deal that could rise to £50 million with add-ons.
The winger, who can play on either flank or as a centre-forward, took to Twitter to assure fans he was content at the club in April:
— Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) April 4, 2019
Richarlison enjoyed a strong first season with the Toffees and contributed 14 goals and an assist in all competitions.
Dominic King of the Daily Mail is excited by his presence in a promising Everton team:
There's promise of an excellent Everton side emerging here. Richarlison, just 21 and 14 goals from midfield. Bernard, Lucas Digne, Michael Keane all going to be around for a long time. Fixtures that were torture to watch 12 months ago are being made to look easy 🔵
Richarlison is still developing his game, and he could do with improving his final ball—he played just 21 key passes in 35 Premier League matches this season, per WhoScored.com.
He's got time to do that, as he only turned 22 on May 10, but anyone looking to sign him this summer would have to splash out to secure him.
The Sun reported in late May that the Toffees want a minimum of £100 million to part with him this summer.
Marco Silva, Richarlison's Agent Dismiss Liverpool Transfer Rumours
Apr 5, 2019
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Richarlison of Everton in action during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on March 17, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Everton manager Marco Silva and Richarlison's agent have both dismissed transfer rumours linking the Brazilian with rivals Liverpool, while the player himself has suggested he's happy at Goodison Park.
UOL Esporte's Marcus Alves (h/t MailOnline's Tom Caldon) worried Everton fans by reporting agent Renato Velasco had met Jurgen Klopp to talk about what was said to be his only European client. A photo on Instagram also showed the representative posing with the Reds boss.
Sport Witness' Lucas Sposito reached out to the agent, who explained he does have other European clients and the whole rumour is baseless:
"So my meeting with Klopp had nothing to do with Richarlison. I am an agent of a player of Germany (Noah Weishaupt), of Freiburg and the U20 of Germany, where his father played with Klopp and they're friends. So they did not see each other in time and I went to his house to take Marcos (the father). It has nothing to do with Richarlison, the people who made the link have added one thing to another."
Everton's Portuguese manager Marco Silva gestures after the final whistle during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Everton at The London Stadium, in east London on March 30, 2019. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP) / RESTRICT
Per Goal's Joe Wright, Silva was also asked about the reports during a press conference, and he scoffed at the suggestion Richarlison would leave for the club's biggest rivals:
"This speculation is not important to talk about. Just to smile. Richarlison is our player and he is really happy here. I am 100 per cent sure he will keep learning and improving in the next few seasons.
"He's a really important player for us. The club paid a lot of money to sign him. I was 100 per cent sure he can help us and fit really well at our club.
"I asked our club to do everything to sign him. I'm happy, he's happy and my job is to keep working with him. He's 21 years old. I don't have doubts he can do more and more and keep improving his performances."
The player himself also hinted he has no intention of leaving on social media:
— Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) April 4, 2019
Per Wright, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are also interested in the former Watford man, who followed his manager to Everton and has been arguably the team's top performer this season.
The 21-year-old has scored 12 goals in the Premier League, becoming one of the division's top breakout players of the campaign.
That type of production and his tremendous upside were always going to invite speculation, and there's little doubt top clubs will be keeping a close eye on him. Everton have no reason to sell, however, especially since they only added him to the fold in the summer.
A transfer to rivals Liverpool seems virtually impossible, for any fee, especially if the interest of the other top clubs is legitimate.
The agent's clarification of the photo should ease the minds of Everton supporters, however, as it doesn't seem like any switch will happen anytime soon.
Everton's Richarlison Says 'I'm Happy' Amid Liverpool Rumours
Apr 5, 2019
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Richarlison of Everton in action during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on March 17, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Everton winger Richarlison has taken to Twitter to say he's happy at the club in an apparent effort to dismiss rumours linking him with Liverpool.
According to UOL Esporte's Marcus Alves (h/t MailOnline's Tom Caldon), Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp invited Richarlison's agent Renato Velasco—whose only client based in Europe is the Everton player—for talks.
The 21-year-old has seemingly reassured Toffees fans, however:
— Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) April 4, 2019
The youngster's arrival at Goodison Park last summer raised a few eyebrows after the Toffees spent an initial £35 million on him after one season in English football in which his form significantly dropped off in the second half of the campaign.
However, it's little wonder he's happy there, as he's enjoyed a fine debut season with Everton.
The versatile winger—who has played on both flanks and through the middle this season—has shown not only pace and trickery, but also end product.
Having scored five goals in 41 appearances for Watford, Richarlison has found the net 13 times in 33 outings for the Toffees, as well as providing two assists.
As he showed in Everton's 2-0 win over Chelsea in March, he works hard for the team, too:
Richarlison’s game by numbers vs. Chelsea:
9 ball recoveries 4 fouls committed 4 tackles won 3 penalty area shots 2 interceptions 1 goal
Sports journalist Ryan Taylor praised him for his showing in that match:
Clutch performance from Richarlison today, there was much more to it than the goal involvements. Most ball recoveries, tackles & sprints by an Everton player in a game this year. Impressive for a forward, particularly with Idrissa Gueye in the team. #EFC
He has also broken into Brazil's senior side since his move, with three goals for the Selecao in eight appearances since his debut in September last year.
AS' Robbie Dunne was impressed with Richarlison in Brazil's 1-1 draw with Panama last month:
Richarlison the perfect blend of angry and aggressive and technically excellent and direct.
It will come as a relief to Everton fans that he's happy at Goodison Park, not least because the prospect of him moving to their local rivals would be unpalatable.
He signed a five-year deal when he joined and Everton supporters will hope to see him remain at the club and develop his game even further in that time.
