Everton’s loan deal for Charly Alcaraz is edging closer to becoming a permanent deal and may even be at that point depending on who you choose to believe.
Alcaraz was again in the Everton starting 11 for the 3-1 win over Fulham on Sunday, taking him to six starts since his arrival on loan from Flamengo in the January transfer window.
Reports from Brazil when Alcaraz initially signed for Everton explained that it included an obligation to buy for £15m, plus £3m in bonuses, once he had started six games. Initial reports had that tally at eight games started.
Everton won’t pay this in one instalment, though, instead the cost will be spread out over instalments across three years. Casagrande doesn’t explain how that works but assuming it is monthly payments, that would be around £400,000 a month.
If that is correct, then Everton have now activated that obligation as Alcaraz’s start against Fulham was his sixth since arriving.
A report at the beginning of March then followed on from this, explaining that Everton will be obligated to buy Alcaraz if he starts six games or plays at least 45 minutes in six games before the end of season. He has also now done both of those things. Appearances as a substitute and under 45 minutes in total did not count towards the clause.
However, the previous figure of eight was brought back later that month as it was reported that he had to play at least 45 minutes in eight games for the clause to activate.
Initial reports around the transfer had Everton being obligated after eight starts, but this was later revised to six starts by most reports in Brazil. If the number is eight starts or eight 45-minute appearances, then Alcaraz will need at least two more starts in the Premier League or one more 45-minute appearance to activate either of those.
What should be added, though, is that there have been various reports also stating that David Moyes is a big fan of the midfielder. He is believed to see him as a diamond to be polished and has asked Everton to get the deal done regardless of the clause.
All signs, then, point to Alcaraz being a permanent Everton player in the summer, and his performance against Fulham, including an assist for Beto’s goal, won’t have done any harm to his chances either.
