KEY POINTS

  • Everton tried to get Rafael Leao last summer, but AC Milan's asking price was too stiff
  • The swap deal between Leao and James Rodriguez failed to progress
  • The Toffees are doing well despite being limited to low-cost player deals

The summer transfer window is over, but the “what if's” continue to pour in.

Now it appears there were plans for a swap deal between Everton FC and AC Milan involving Rafael Leao and James Rodriguez but failed to materialize.

AC Milan reportedly wanted £42.7 million ($59 million) for Leao, an amount The Toffees were unwilling to pay.

A swap deal was suggested by agent Jorge Mendes involving James Rodriguez, but the effort failed to progress, Calciomercato reported.

It was not detailed, but it appears the value of Leao and Rodriguez to their other teams was the main issue.

Mendes handles both players, but both teams felt that each had qualities that were better than the other.

Rafael Leao of AC Milan
Rafael Leao of AC Milan in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between AC Milan and Pro Sesto at Milanello on July 17, 2021 in Cairate, Italy. Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images

For Leao, it was one deal that fizzled. But considering there are other teams who have expressed interest in him, the Portuguese forward may still have other options on the table.

The interest in the 22-year-old player is understandable. He was a member of the Portugal U21 and managed six goals in 2020-21.

He has brought that momentum on to Serie A, including a goal in their 4-1 win over Cagliari on Aug. 29.

Hence, Leao may have no other choice but to wait on other offers. Unless AC Milan relaxes its stance, Everton may have to divert its attention elsewhere.

Due to financial fair play restrictions, the Toffees are forced to rely on players at a certain fee.

So far, the only fee they spent was on Demarai Gray, whom they acquired from Bayer Leverkusen for £1.6 million ($2.21 million).

King James: James Rodriguez scored twice as Everton moved top of the Premier League with a 4-1 win over Brighton
King James: James Rodriguez scored twice as Everton moved top of the Premier League with a 4-1 win over Brighton POOL / Alex Livesey

Aside from Gray, other players who came in via free transfer include Andros Townsend, Asmir Begovic and Salomon Rondon.

On the part of Rodriguez, the move would have given him a new lease on life. He has struggled with Everton and has not been a fit for the 4-4-2 formation of Benitez.

Moreover, he has yet to see action in the English Premier League this season. There is also no word if he will be playing against Aston Villa on Saturday, September 18.

Regardless, the important thing is that the Toffees are doing well this early in the season. However, there is a chance that Everton may check out the market anew in January.

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