Everton are reportedly interested in signing Red Bull Bragantino midfielder Eric Ramires, who is contracted with the Brazilian outfit until 2026.
According to Brazilian publication UOL, Red Bull Bragantino midfield prospect Eric Ramires has emerged as a transfer target for Premier League outfit Everton heading into the summer window.
Eric Ramires came through the ranks at EC Bahia and went on to make 35 senior appearances for the club. The 21-year-old midfielder spent the 2019/20 campaign on loan at Swiss outfit FC Basel but found game-time hard to come by. Soon after returning, the youngster joined Red Bull Bragantino on loan in November 2020.
After a year out on loan, Ramires’ transfer was made permanent by Bragantino in January earlier this year. The young midfielder has been a mainstay in the centre of the park for the Brazilian outfit, already racking up 84 appearances in which he has six goals and three assists.
Ramires, who has represented the Brazilian national team at the Under-20 level, is a versatile central midfielder who can operate in an advanced or a holding role while being capable of playing as a No. 8 as well. A player brimming with potential, the youngster has seemingly caught the eyes of Everton ahead of the summer window.
After surviving relegation from the Premier League by the skin of their teeth, Everton are preparing for a crucial summer as they look to provide manager Frank Lampard with a solid squad that can push for a top-half finish. Midfield is an area where reinforcements will be needed for the Toffees as Allan and Andre Gomes are staring at uncertain futures at Goodison Park.
In addition to that, Fabian Delph’s injury issues make him an unreliable option, while Donny van de Beek’s loan spell will also end imminently. So, there is a need for Everton to strengthen their midfield department in the summer, with more than one signing likely to be on the cards.
Ramires, to that end, has emerged as a prospective target for Everton. However, signing the 21-year-old could be tricky as Red Bull Bragantino are reluctant to sell the youngster, having signed him permanently only six months ago. And with his contract running until the summer of 2026, the Brazilian outfit could demand a huge fee for the midfield prodigy’s services.
With Everton under the FFP scanner, it could make things difficult for them to land Ramires. So, they could look at more cost-effective options such as Hoffenheim’s Florian Grillitsch, who will be a free agent in the summer.
