February 2025, Everton Football Club pulled off a transfer deadline day coup by securing the services of Argentine midfielder Carlos Alcaraz on loan from Flamengo until the end of the 2024/25 Premier League season. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who had previously dazzled in the Premier League with Southampton and spent time on loan at Juventus, arrived at Goodison Park with a point to prove. Since his arrival, Alcaraz has begun to carve out a significant role under manager David Moyes, endearing himself to fans with his creativity, work rate, and flashes of brilliance.
Alcaraz’s move to Everton came at a critical time for the club. With injuries piling up, notably the season-ending knee injury to midfielder Orel Mangala, Everton needed depth and dynamism in the engine room. Alcaraz, with his prior Premier League experience, was seen as a low-risk signing with high potential. The loan deal, which includes an option to buy for around £15 million (potentially mandatory if certain appearance clauses are met), was a strategic move by Everton’s new owners, The Friedkin Group, to bolster the squad without breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.
From the outset, Alcaraz expressed enthusiasm for the challenge. “I am ready for any challenge with this beautiful club,” he told Everton’s official website upon signing. His familiarity with English football, having scored eight goals in 48 appearances for Southampton, gave him a head start. However, his time at Flamengo had been less successful, with only eight starts in 15 league games under coach Filipe Luis, prompting his swift return to the Premier League.
Alcaraz wasted no time making an impression. In his first start against Crystal Palace, he scored the winning goal and provided an assist for striker Beto, securing a 2-1 victory. This performance showcased his ability to influence games in the final third, a quality Everton had lacked with Abdoulaye Doucoure’s declining attacking output. Fans at Selhurst Park chanted his name, a moment Alcaraz described as “beautiful” and a source of pride. His blend of aggression, technical skill, and relentless energy has resonated with the Goodison faithful, who see him as an “Everton type” player.
Despite his early heroics, Alcaraz’s integration hasn’t been without challenges. As of mid-March, he has made seven appearances, but only three as a starter, suggesting Moyes is still searching for his optimal role. Reports from Brazil indicate Flamengo’s frustration, with claims Everton may be managing his minutes to avoid triggering the obligation-to-buy clause. Mundo Bola reported that Flamengo are now drumming up interest from other clubs, wary that Everton might negotiate a lower fee. Nevertheless, Flamengo’s technical director, Jose Boto, remains confident Alcaraz will stay in the Premier League, citing interest from rival clubs.
Off the pitch, Alcaraz has embraced life on Merseyside. His Instagram (_
@alcaraz22
) offers glimpses of his dedication, with posts highlighting training sessions and matchday moments, amassing over 563,000 followers. His £19,000-a-week wages, fully covered by Everton, reflect his value to the squad. Alcaraz’s competitive spirit and self-belief—“I know the potential I have,” he said—drive his ambition to secure a permanent move.
With Everton pushing to climb the Premier League table, Alcaraz’s versatility and flair could prove pivotal. Whether he remains beyond the summer depends on his performances and Everton’s financial strategy, but for now, he’s a vibrant addition to a club rediscovering its spark.
