In a recent print edition, Mundo Deportivo has stated that Everton’s attempts to recruit Barcelona full-back Emerson have been rejected. It is understood that the Toffees made a two-year loan move for a ‘couple of million’ which also contained a ‘mandatory purchase option’ of €20m, but the Catalans have declined the offer because of an ‘economic issue’ (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Emerson’s Impressive Rise In Spanish Football
The 21-year-old experienced a successful two-year loan stint with Real Betis since joining Barca from Atlético Mineiro in the summer of 2019. Emerson made 41 appearances for the Spanish outfit over the past couple of seasons, netting three goals and providing six assists in multiple competitions.
The Sao Paulo-born talent was in fine form for Betis in the previous campaign when he averaged 2.2 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 1.4 clearances, 0.8 shots and 0.9 key passes per game in La Liga. The talented youngster even completed 79.1% of his attempted passes in the Spanish top-flight which goes to show how tidy he can be when distributing the ball from the right flank (stats via whoscored).
The one-time Brazil international looks set to have a bright future in European football, so it makes sense that the Toffees are eager to bring him to the north-west of England in this off-season. Emerson seems to be getting better with each season as he is gradually improving his productivity in the final third.
What Does The Brazilian Right-Back Bring To The Table?
Emerson is a moderately paced right-back and is not shy of producing a tireless shift out on the wide areas. He has established himself as a solid defender down the right flank as he can pull off some crucial interceptions by timing his challenges well inside his half. The Brazilian sensation is often quick to snuff out the danger and doesn’t hesitate to clear his lines when being outnumbered by the opposition on the counter.
Should Ancelotti Go Back In With Another Bid For Emerson This Summer?
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has currently got Seamus Coleman as his only right-back option after Djibril Sidibé returned to his parent club AS Monaco when his loan spell at Merseyside came to an end earlier this summer. Therefore, the Toffees’ main priority should be to land a new right-back so that they can plug in a huge hole in Ancelotti’s squad.
Emerson fits the bill perfectly as he is a young and hungry defender who has the potential to become a top-class full-back someday. He will offer some healthy competition for Coleman in the race to earn a permanent right-back spot in Ancelotti’s starting XI. With all things considered, the Merseyside outfit should consider going back in with another offer for the promising Brazilian as he could turn out to be an intelligent acquisition for them in the long-run.
