KEY POINTS

  • Everton is looking to add depth by acquiring Matheus Nunes
  • Rafa Benitez seems to be the top choice to become Everton’s new manager
  • Nunes is seen as a quality addition as the Toffees look to make up for a disastrous run

Everton knows that it needs to bolster its midfield, and it seems that help is on the way.

According to A Bola, Matheus Nunes is close to completing a transfer to Goodison Park after reportedly agreeing to a £17.1 million ($23.7 million) deal.

After earning £171,300 ($237,608) last year with the Lions, he is set to get an increase in wages to about £1.03 million ($1.43 million).

This becomes a significant development considering there were previous options on the table. That included a potential loan move with an option to make it permanent via a mandatory purchase.

However, this never materialized and it only transformed into a transfer arrangement.

The move makes plenty of sense for Everton, who is looking for more bodies in the midfield. They acquired Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan to address the problem, but the duo was not enough to keep the Toffees afloat.

They started the season strong, only to find themselves crumbling in the second half of the term.

A reason behind that is the lack of support. Doucoure was doing well before he went down due to injury. He missed seven games, and this factored in heavily.

Everton managed to win only once since the French player was forced into the sidelines.

Once they seal the deal for Nunes, the Toffees add a quality young player. He had three goals and two assists last season in Liga NOS, where he played just over 1,200 minutes.

Ironically, Allan had about the same number of minutes but produced nothing.

Matheus Nunes of Sporting CP
Matheus Nunes of Sporting CP Getty Images | Gualter Fatia

Given that their investment in Doucoure and Allan may have been short-lived, the eventual coming of Nunes could provide the team with a ray of hope.

They have yet to name their new manager, yet another factor that could tell on the Toffees' chances next season.

A name said to be in the lead to be Everton’s new manager is Rafa Benitez. His name has suddenly emerged as a favorite just when most thought that Nuno Espirito Santo was heading the list.

However, his potential naming has not escaped criticism, leaving Everton fans divided.

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