In a recent report, Jornal de Notícias (via Sport Witness) stated that Everton are locked in a three-way battle for Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis. It has been mentioned that the Toffees would have to rival Leicester City and Nottingham Forest in the race to sign the Portuguese sensation.
Florentino’s Impressive Form In Portuguese Football
Florentino anchored the midfield with conviction for Benfica in the previous campaign when he put in a run of solid displays for them at the centre of the park. The 24-year-old took part in 45 matches for the Portuguese outfit last season in multiple competitions.
The Portuguese talent gave a good account of himself in the middle of the park by averaging 2.6 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. He has even been careful when distributing possession from midfield, based on his pass completion rate of 89% in the Portuguese top flight (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Portuguese club will expire in the summer of 2027. Thus, it won’t be easy for Everton to lure Florentino to Goodison Park on the cheap this off-season.
Should Everton Boss Sean Dyche Go For Florentino?
Florentino loves a tackle and can make life tough for the opposition at the centre of the park. He can time his challenges well to secure possession back for his team inside his half. The Portuguese midfielder is a tidy passer of the ball as well. However, he has still not proven his worth outside Portuguese football.
Florentino is good enough to enhance the quality of Everton head coach Sean Dyche’s midfield department. He has what it takes to challenge for a regular first-team spot at Goodison Park in the coming years.
At 24, Florentino has his best years ahead of him which makes him a decent choice for the Toffees to pursue this summer. Therefore, the Merseyside club should focus on stepping up their pursuit to land the Portuguese midfield ace before the end of this transfer window. However, there are some concerns over whether Florentino would be able to make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League if Everton manage to sign him later this year.
