Everton could reportedly move for Adama Traore during this summer’s transfer window if Barcelona do not buy him at the end of his loan spell.
According to Football Insider, Everton will consider a move for Wolves winger Adama Traore as a potential replacement for Richarlison, should Barcelona decide not to finalise a deal for the Spanish international.
Barcelona signed Traore on loan from Wolves in the January transfer window and have a €30 million option to buy him this summer. The rapid right-winger has made 154 appearances for the Black Country club, but the former La Masia graduate opted for a romantic return to Catalonia to become part of Xavi’s resurgent project.
A positive start to life back at Barcelona led to the belief that Traore could be a permanent fixture in Xavi’s long-term plans beyond this season. Traore’s future at Camp Nou, though, remains in doubt, with Xavi recently remaining coy when asked about whether the club are planning to re-sign the Spanish international on a permanent basis at the end of the campaign.
In eight La Liga and Europa League starts, the 26-year-old has a respectable four assists to his name. While he is yet to score since his return to Camp Nou, Traore has made significant contributions in stylistic terms, especially making an impact coming off the bench.
Traore has provided a different dynamic to Xavi’s attack with his direct dribbling skills and turn of pace. At the same time, he has also been instrumental in shattering low-block La Liga defences with his strength and athleticism to shield the ball when running at full swing.
In short, the Spanish international has done enough to deserve a prolonged stay at his boyhood club. However, that appears to be far from a foregone conclusion, particularly considering Ousmane Dembele’s surprise upturn in form lately. Traore was initially brought in as a like-for-like replacement for the former Borussia Dortmund star for next season.
However, now the situation is different, and it seems impossible that the Blaugrana will be unable to retain both players, given their financial issues. Hence, the Barcelona hierarchy are looking for creative ways to make the deal happen.
Francisco Trincao could enter the equation too. The 22-year-old is currently on loan at Wolves and also has a purchase option of around €30 million. But he has failed to make an impression at Molineux, with only one goal and one assist in 24 Premier League appearances this season.
If Traore returns to England, Wolves will be in a pickle as they will only have him under contract for another year at that point. They would rather try to cash in on their asset, while Everton are the ones looking to profit from the situation. Everton’s new director of football, Kevin Thelwell, is a big fan of the electric Spanish international, having brought him to Wolves in 2018.
In principle, Traore would be a direct replacement for Richarlison, who is looking for a new club even if Everton survive relegation this season. Despite a lack of consistency over the years, Traore has built a formidable reputation as one of the most threatening attacking players in the Premier League thanks to his blistering pace and electric afterburners, while his vast experience could also prove vital for Everton.
