According to a recent report by the Brazilian news outlet Joven Pan, Everton are keeping tabs on Sao Paulo goalkeeper Lucas Perri and are willing to launch a move for him this summer. Gazeta Esportiva has confirmed those claims, but state that the Toffees are yet to make a move for the talented shot-stopper.
Perri’s Struggles To Earn Regular Game Time In Brazilian Football
Perri has hardly featured for Sao Paulo this season as he has mostly been serving as a second choice goalkeeper under the stewardship of Fernando Diniz. He has only made two first-team appearances for the Brazilian outfit so far, one of which came versus LDU Quito in the Copa Libertadores earlier this year.
The Campinas-born talent also experienced a brief spell in the Premier League while on loan at Crystal Palace back in 2019. However, he was unable to earn a permanent transfer to Selhurst Park and had to instead settle for a return to Sao Paulo.
Even though Perri has made a positive impact at the international stage for Brazil’s youth teams, yet he has failed to establish himself as a first-team starter at the Arena Corinthians. Maybe a change of scenery this summer could help him gain more first-team opportunities which could, in turn, land him a senior cap for Brazil someday.
What Will The South American Sensation Bring To Goodison Park?
Perri’s all-round game is still a bit rough around the edges, but he has shown some signs of progress over the past few years. He can use his quick reflexes to make some decent saves at the back. The Brazilian is also proficient at making fast dives to pull off a few crucial stops in between the sticks but needs to improve his ball-distribution if he wants to succeed at the highest level.
Carlo Ancelotti needs to add more competition for Jordan Pickford, who has experienced a campaign of mixed emotions at Goodison Park over the past ten months. He has often been guilty of shipping in some cheap goals for the Merseyside outfit this season which has increased Ancelotti’s need to bring in some healthy competition for his number one keeper this summer. Maarten Stekelenburg is edging closer towards the end of his Everton career, and João Virgínia is still too inexperienced to feature in the Premier League.
Therefore, a goalie of Perri’s skill set could prove to be a shrewd acquisition for the Toffees as they aim to build a strong squad capable of challenging for major trophies in the coming seasons. He will not only serve as a capable back-up to Pickford but also has the potential to replace him if he can improve his overall game next season.
