- Everton launch official enquiry for Palmeiras star Flaco Lopez amid transfer interest.
- The Argentine forward draws comparisons to Eric Cantona for his flair.
- Toffees face stiff competition from Brentford for the £35m-rated attacker.
The Friedkin Group are not messing about. Neither is David Moyes. With Europe a real possibility for 2026-27, Everton now appear to be shopping in a different aisle from before.
According to South American outlet Bolavip, Everton have made contact with the representatives of Flaco Lopez and his club Palmeiras to sound out the availability of the 25-year-old Argentinian. Having bagged 66 goals in his four-and-a-half seasons in Brazil, his reputation has soared.
As ever, the Toffees are not alone in their pursuit of the striker, with Brentford also reportedly monitoring the situation.
The “green-and-white Cantona”
While most strikers are judged on their goal-to-game ratio – Lopez’s record of 66 goals in 201 appearances is respectable – it’s his flair and outstanding technique that have set him apart from other strikers in a league that is bursting full of talent. On social media, Palmeiras supporters dubbed him the “green-and-white Cantona.”
Like the legendary Frenchman, Lopez likes to drop off and operate in a slightly deeper attacking role, where he can use his vision, creativity and burst of speed to create openings.
But it’s not just Cantona that he has been likened to. Harry Kane, Roberto Firmino, and Dennis Bergkamp have all successfully mastered the knack of dropping deep and bridging the gap between the midfield and front line.
Negotiating table
But securing his signature won’t be cheap or easy for the Toffees. Palmeiras are reportedly holding out for at least £35m, especially as Lopez is under contract until 2029. Added to that, the Brazilian giants are reportedly under no financial pressure to sell their prized asset.
What may help Everton’s cause, however, is the player’s own ambitions. Lopez is understood to be keen on a move to England, with his representatives seeing the Premier League as the next natural step on his career path.
If Palmeiras dig their heels in and Lopez still fancies the move – either to Everton or Brentford (or whoever else joins the race) – then he may have to force the issue, perhaps, in an Alexander Isak fashion.
South American revolution?
The interest in Lopez indicates a shift in Everton’s scouting policy under TFG. With the club also heavily linked to Bologna’s Santiago Castro, there appears to be a growing band of South American players on the club’s summer wish list.
As Everton head into this new, hopefully successful, era, landing a quality forward like Lopez would be a statement of intent, and one that would likely be well received by the Hill Dickinson faithful.
Whether the Toffees can fend off Brentford’s advances for the player, and then meet Palmeiras’ steep valuation, is, for now, the big question.
