Barcelona’s presidential elections could have a surprisingly adverse effect on Everton’s transfer plans, with the Toffees potentially missing out on a bargain signing depending on the election result.
According to Marca [via HITC], Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font plans to sign Everton target Rui Silva from Granada if he secures the role at Camp Nou.
The Catalan side are reportedly keen on the Portuguese goalkeeper as a natural backup with La Liga experience to Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with Silva replacing the disgruntled Neto. The Granada ‘keeper is out of contract in the summer and his club are resigned to losing their man.
Rui Silva has been identified as a potential replacement for Neto, who is frustrated with a lack of senior opportunities at the Catalan club. Marca have claimed that Ronald Koeman’s side have shortlisted Silva among a host of value-for-money signings who are out of contract in the summer. That list includes the likes of Memphis Depay from Lyon and Liverpool’s Gini Wijnaldum.
Silva has been something of a revelation at the Nuevo Los Carmenes, helping Granada seal promotion from the Segunda Liga in 2019 before a remarkable rise to the top saw them qualify for the Europa League just a year later.
Previously-linked Everton could therefore be forced into acting quickly if they are to avoid missing out on the 26-year-old.
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Jordan Pickford would be an obvious casualty if Silva were to arrive, although the lure of Barcelona over Merseyside could be hard to turn down.
Silva certainly seems to be a shrewd target, but the odds of him arriving at Goodison Park are slim if Barcelona indeed ramp up their interest.
