Everton have begun talks with FC Porto over the signing of Luis Diaz with James Rodriguez potentially set for a return to the Portuguese club on loan.
Since Carlo Ancelotti departed Everton and rejoined Real Madrid, James Rodriguez, 30, has looked unsettled at Goodison Park and his situation has caught the eyes of his former club FC Porto, who want the playmaker on loan for the season. Porto’s interest in re-signing the Colombian international could now help the Toffees get them a big summer signing.
While James Rodriguez could head back to Porto on loan, Everton want to sign Luis Diaz in a part-exchange deal. Luis Diaz, 24, starred for Colombia in Copa America earlier this summer, finishing as a top scorer along with Argentina’s Lionel Messi. The speedy winger notably netted a brace as Colombia beat Peru to clinch a third-place finish in the Copa America.
Having joined FC Porto from Colombian side Junior FC in 2019, Diaz has netted 26 goals and registered 13 assists in 99 games in all competitions, including seven goals and six assists in 47 appearances. The Colombian international helped the Portuguese giants reach the Champions League quarter-finals where they were dumped out by ultimate winners Chelsea.
Everton need more firepower in their squad
Everton forwards Moise Kean and Richarlison have been linked with moves to Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain respectively. With James Rodriguez’s future also uncertain, Rafael Benitez’s side need more firepower in their squad to realistically challenge for a top-six finish.
Richarlison and James were key players for the Toffees last season, while Kean was with PSG on loan. Missing all three attacking players would be a big blow for Benitez, whose team has enjoyed a good start to the 2021/22 campaign.
The summer signings of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend have fitted well in Benitez’s system at Goodison Park. Alex Iwobi showed promise in Everton’s 2-2 draw with Leeds United in the last game; yet, there’s a clear lack of depth in attack at the moment and Benitez should quickly take a dip in the market to get one.
Luis Diaz could be a smart addition to the Royal Blues’ attacking ranks
To that end, bringing in a speedy, creative winger like Luis Diaz could go a long way towards providing Everton with quality as well as depth in attack.
Diaz is a left-winger by trade but can also play off the right and create openings for his team. The Colombian international is a quick, agile player in the attacking half, and puts his dribbling ability and movement to good use. He is skillful, flashy and a dynamic player who never hesitates to take on his man and beat him with his raw pace and trickery.
The Porto star is a right-footed player who likes to drift inside into central areas, taking on defenders and shooting towards goal. In addition, Diaz is a composed finisher in front of goal and could potentially form a strong understanding with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Gray and Townsend in the Everton attack.
All in all, the acquisition of Diaz from Porto would be a good way for Benitez to bolster his attacking options this season and this looks like a move that could pay rich dividends immediately as well as in the future.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
