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As first reported a couple of weeks ago, it appears Everton have now secured the services of young Brazilian attacking midfielder Reinier.
Media outlet Esporte Interativo are reporting that the Blues have a deal with Flamengo to acquire the youngster when he turns 18 in January.
De acordo com @marcelobechler e @brunoformiga, Reinier está acertado com o @Everton para transferência em janeiro, quando completará 18 anos. A operação para tirá-lo do @Flamengo gira em torno de 40 milhões de euros. Clubes europeus monitoram e podem tentar atravessar transação. pic.twitter.com/umaFT3voUN
— Esporte Interativo (@Esp_Interativo) July 30, 2019
The two sources quoted are reliable football journalists according to this Brazilian Everton fan group
So... tweeting for our UK friends: Reinier has a deal agreed with us, according to @marcelobechler and @brunoformiga, which are very reliable sources. We’re paying €40 million for him, and he’ll join us when he turns 18 next year. #EFC
Brazilian publication Globo has reported that the Blues are the latest club to join the race to sign the youngster, who has also said to have attracted interest from Manchester City, Juventus and Manchester United, as well as AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.
But a deal for Reinier, which could involve a fee of about £35 million, would see him not be eligible to make the move until January, when he turns 18. FIFA regulations prevent South American players younger than 18 moving to European clubs unless their parents have moved to the same country.
There are some concerns that a work permit would be required, but the €40 million transfer fee, Brazil being one of the top footballing nations and the fact that he is captain of the Under-18 national side should get him enough points to qualify for that. If not, then a special dispensation should be easily obtained for a special talent (much like Watford FC got for Richarlison) for a player that is considered to be one of the best Under-18s in the world right now.
Reinier has a well-rounded skillset for a youngster his age, and as this report from Football Talent Scout shows, he will fit in best where Gylfi Sigurdsson currently roams, in the #10 spot.
He already has five goals in nine appearances for the Under-17 national side, captaining the team in all of them. An advanced playmaker that brings in his teammates, he is renowned for composure on the ball, with an excellent first touch, technique, and balance.
It is certainly very interesting to see the diverse range of players the Toffees have been linked with this summer, but it definitely shows Marcel Brands’ focus on youth and planning ahead beyond just the upcoming season.