Everton have recently managed to tie Richarlison down to a new contract. The Brazilian attacker, whose previous contract at the club was valid until 2023, has now signed a one-year extension, meaning he is now bound to contractual obligations at Everton until 2024. In this article, we will discuss why the extension of Richarlison could be a masterstroke by Marco Silva and Marcel Brands.
Richarlison’s importance at Everton
From a pure sporting perspective, Richarlison is a key member of the Everton attack. The fact that the Brazilian can feature anywhere across the final third has already given Silva some tactical leverage. For example, the ex-Watford prospect primarily operated as the right-winger last season when Theo Walcott was struggling with injuries while Ademola Lookman failed to make any impact.
Richarlison’s versatility in attack is one of the key reasons why Everton have gradually improved in the offensive department. Moreover, his pace, coupled with his tenacity, has made the Toffees much more dangerous on the counter-attack.
Not to mention, the Brazilian’s excellent hold-up play and willingness to close down the opposing defenders has added a dimension to the Everton attack. Therefore, extending the contract of the winger in an attempt to keep hold of him for the long-term is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
A key goalscorer
Richarlison’s presence in the Everton side has played a key role in minimising the lack of a reliable goalscorer. Indeed, the Toffees have always rued the absence of a confident striker ever since the departure of Romelu Lukaku.
Cenk Tosun never really managed to replace the Belgian while the young Dominic Calvert-Lewin is not a prolific goalscorer, despite his excellent work ethic. As a result, Everton have often appeared overreliant on the services of Richarlison as far as goalscoring is concerned. The forward has already netted 19 goals in just 54 competitive appearances for the Toffees.
Richarlison’s prolonged stay at Goodison Park can buy Everton some time to sign a new forward, preferably in the upcoming January transfer window.
Richarlison’s Transfer Valuable Could Increase
From a financial perspective, extending the contract of Richarlison would undoubtedly increase his potential transfer value. The winger arrived from Watford for a fee of £50m. And given the fact that his current contract at Goodison runs until 2024, Everton could at least look to recoup at least double that amount, if they decide to offload him next summer.
However, the Merseyside giants should ideally look to keep hold of the forward for as long as they can if they are to improve and return among the elites of English football.
