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With Idrissa Gueye’s limitations well-known, it is no surprise that Everton have been looking around to replace the defensive midfielder with a player that offers more in attack. We even reviewed some targets in this post before the beginning of the January transfer window.
The latest rumour however is regarding a player that the Blues have actually already been linked with in the last few months. Colombian international Wilmar Barrios is the player concerned, and here is what we had to say about him back in July 2018.
Respected Boca Juniors journalist Augusto Cesar tweeted this early on Sunday -
En estas horas, en Boca esperan una oferta formal del Everton de Inglaterra por Wilmar Barrios. La misma sería menor a la clausula de salida (23 millones) pero superior a los 20 millones. Si llega, es probable que el colombiano se vaya de Boca.
— Augusto Cesar (@Augustocesar22) January 6, 2019
“In these hours, in Boca expect a formal offer of Everton of England by Wilmar Barrios. It would be lower than the exit clause (23 million) but higher than 20 million. If it arrives, it is likely that the Colombian will leave Boca.”
Now this is an interesting turn of events especially with the interest in Gueye from Paris St Germain. The Blues have ramped up their South American scouting since Marcel Brands took over as Director of Football, with Brazilians Richarlison and Bernard along with Colombian Yerry Mina also becoming Blues.
The 25-year-old was mostly unheralded outside of South American football circles when he moved from Colombian side Deportes Tolima for a mere €2.6m but instantly made an impact in the Argentine Primera Division with Boca, featuring in 59 games over two seasons.
Barrios has been making his name with his tough-tackling, no-nonsense ball-hunting style. He’s been one of the midfield pillars for both club and country on a consistent basis over the last two seasons, picking up 14 international caps along the way.