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Editor’s Note: A late update on Friday night from Fabrizio Romano seems to indicate that this deal is close to completion.
Everton are confident to complete the agreement with FC Porto to sign Luis Díaz. Talks progressing on a permanent move - James Rodriguez expected to join Porto if salary agreement will be completed. #EFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2021
Luis Díaz wants Everton as priority, now waiting for final agreement.
The last few days of the transfer window have been a whirlwind of action for clubs around the world. Finally, it seems Everton are ready to jump into the mix.
With almost all recent rumors surrounding the Blues seemingly having to do with the possible exits of James Rodriguez, Moise Kean and recently Richarlison, there has been a growing anxiety about Everton’s plans (when ISN’T there anxiety).
However, this morning reports started to surface that Everton are in very serious negotiations with Portuguese outfit FC Porto for their Colombian left-winger Luis Diaz.
Everton interest in Porto winger Luis Diaz is ‘genuine’ and confirmed. Board in talks including James Rodriguez as part of the negotiation for FC Porto on loan, as @_pauljoyce confirmed. #EFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 27, 2021
James Rodriguez will decide soon. FC Porto really want him also if just on loan.
Of course this is Everton. so things are never simple, and it appears that another Colombian, James Rodriguez, is desired by Porto in a loan move, where he started his European career in 2010. If the Blues can’t convince him to head to Portugal (is there any reason why he won’t go) then they will very likely find themselves missing out on Diaz.
For those who aren’t familiar with the Colombian, the 24-year-old Diaz had a sparkling summer culminating in 4 goals in 5 games at Copa American for his Colombian side. He is a young, pacey and direct winger who likes to find the back of the net, and had an excellent season last year at Porto, playing in 47 games and scoring eleven times, with six assists as the Portuguese side made it to the Champions League quarter finals where they were narrowly eliminated by eventual winners Chelsea.
Diaz is full of highlight reel goals, including a number against the biggest sides in Europe.
Los 27 goles, muchos de ellos golazos, de Luis Díaz en el Porto.
— Goles en Directo (@golesendir_) August 26, 2021
No somos conscientes de lo que ha crecido en la definición y toma de decisiones. pic.twitter.com/hxrK8U3B6b
Everton will be desperate to secure the winger’s services, especially with rumors continuing to swirl around Moise Kean to Juventus and possibly even Richarlison to PSG.
Diaz seems to be a perfect fit for Rafa Benitez’s system with the focus on direct attacks, indeed Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend have slotted right in and a player of Diaz’s raw ability could only strengthen that.
Can Everton get the necessary funds to make this happen, and get this deal across the line with less than four days left to the transfer deadline now?