Everton are now trying to sign a player who Lionel Messi really wanted at Barcelona in 2019
Mark Marston
2 – 3 minutes
Everton have been showing real ambition this summer transfer window.
David Moyes has been looking at RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, who has been compared to Neymar Jr.
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Jürgen Klopp’s First 7 Liverpool Signings: Where Are They Now?
Manchester City’s Jack Grealish is also of interest to Everton, as is his teammate James McAtee, with the pair available for sale.
The Toffees are exploring a deal to sign Thierno Barry, too, after his impressive debut season for Villarreal.
Now, there has been a fresh Everton transfer rumour, and this time it’s to a player who Lionel Messi once wanted Barcelona to sign.
READ MORE: Everton’s deal to sign former Man United star Fred gathers real pace after latest transfer development
Lionel Messi and Nicolas Tagliafico of Argentina celebrate after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Everton are trying to sign Nicolas Tagliafico upon the expiry of his Lyon contract.
Moyes has wanted to sign a left-back since he rejoined the club, with Vitaliy Mykolenko in need of competition.
Tagliafico, who is set to become a free agent, has seemingly been identified as the main target, and it’d certainly be a solid acquisition.
After all, back in 2019, Messi was desperate for Barcelona to sign the then-Ajax full-back ahead of Junior Firpo.
Messi knew Tagliafico’s quality from their time together with the Argentina national team, so evidently, if Everton were to land his signature, it’d have his seal of approval.
Tagliafico stats 2024/25
Despite approaching his 33rd birthday, Tagliafico remains an exceptionally attack-minded full-back who likes to bomb forward.
According to FBref data, the 70-cap Argentina international ranks in the top four per cent for non-penalty goals per 90 compared to his positional peers across Europe.
Last season, Tagliafico registered eight goal involvements for Lyon.
33 appearances
5 goals
3 assists
He also sits in the top six per cent for interceptions, evincing his terrific defensive capabilities, too.
EVERTON FC HAS MADE DEAL DONE ON FORMER MANCHESTER UTD MIDFIELDER.
Everton’s deal to sign former Man United star Fred gathers real pace after latest transfer development
Mark Marston
2 – 3 minutes
Everton have identified a whole host of targets this summer transfer window.
David Moyes is eyeing Villarreal striker Thierno Barry, who is believed to have a £33m release clause in his contract.
Manchester City playmaker James McAtee has also been linked to Everton, with Moyes in the market for a creative player.
Pep Guardiola has left McAtee out of his Club World Cup squad, so there is plenty of time for Everton to negotiate a deal.
Moyes has also personally approved Everton to sign Fred and now that deal is gathering pace after the latest transfer development.
READ MORE: Forget Jack Grealish, Everton can sign Neymar Jr-esque winger as David Moyes eyes £38m transfer
Fenerbahce and Brazil midfielder Fred.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Fred left Manchester United for Fenerbahce during the summer of 2023, and his reputation has increased dramatically.
The 32-year-old has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Super Lig, with his attacking output noticeably improving.
Last season, Fred registered a commendable 13 goal involvements, including a first career hat-trick against Caykur Rizespor.
45 appearances
5 goals
8 assists
Such is why David Moyes is keen to land his signature, and now that deal has just taken a step closer, as according to Fotospor, Fenerbahce are looking for replacements.
It’s claimed that manager Jose Mourinho is eyeing Yves Bissouma and Frank Anguissa as his potential successors, so whether that indicates a move to Everton is close, only time will tell.
Fred’s price tag drops
It was previously reported that Everton would have to pay £15m to sign Fred, but now it’s being claimed that a £12.7m bid could be enough to strike an agreement.
Everton fans aren’t convinced by the Fred signing, but for around that fee, he could be a decent squad option.
Moyes’ midfield ranks are looking really light, following Orel Mangala and Abdoulaye Doucoure’s departures.
So if he is just joining as a back-up, then it’s a transfer that makes sense given his Premier League experience.
