Everton’s transfer window has hardly been a barnstorming affair but the business Rafa Benitez has concluded has surprisingly paid off.
Demarai Gray is looking like an instant bargain after scoring twice in two games following a mere £1.7m move.
His goals have been vital in the Toffees securing seven points from their opening three matches but they aren’t done in the market just yet.
What’s the word?
Anything can happen in the remaining few days of the transfer window but despite Everton’s restricted finances, they are looking to conclude business.
Richarlison could still depart Goodison while James Rodriguez is looking increasingly likely to leave.
The Colombian is due to return to Porto in a swap deal involving Luis Diaz. That news broke on Friday and on Saturday, Fabrizio Romano posted an exciting update on the progress of the move.
He said: “Everton are confident to complete the agreement with FC Porto to sign Luis Díaz. Talks progressing on a permanent move - James Rodriguez expected to join Porto if salary agreement will be completed. Luis Díaz wants Everton as priority, now waiting for final agreement.”
Complete player
If Benitez can conclude a deal for the 24-year-old then he will have every right to be delighted. After all, the Toffees require an extra dose of quality in the final third to take them to the next level.
Gray has started his Everton career in scintillating fashion but if Richarlison does head for the exit door, it would leave them in the lurch.
That’s why the acquisition of Diaz is such an exciting one. He starred at the recent Copa America for Colombia, scoring four goals in five outings. He has hit the ground running in the top-flight of Portuguese football this term too.
In fact, he’s arguably been one of the best players in the division. The winger has beaten the goalkeeper on two occasions and claimed an assist in his first four outings.
Those numbers add to the nine goal involvements he managed in Liga NOS last term.
Diaz doesn’t just bring goals and assists to the table, however. He has won an impressive three aerial duels per game this term and has managed 2.3 dribbles per outing.
If we compare those statistics to those at Everton, he stands out considerably. Only Mason Holgate and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have won more aerial battles while no one has been able to replicate his dribbling.
On that evidence, he’d be a wonderful signing for Everton and a deal that surely suits the Toffees more.
They’ll be losing an unhappy ageing player and signing a young vibrant individual with the world at his feet. Benitez should be extremely pleased with Marcel Brands’ work.