---
title: "Everton Could Sign Nicolas de la Cruz on a free transfer"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/everton-could-sign-nicolas-de-la-cruz-on-a-free-transfer/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Jones"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2021-01-30T17:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-01-30T17:00:00Z"
---

# Everton Could Sign Nicolas de la Cruz on a free transfer

Everton have been linked with a young versatile dynamo that could be snapped up by Marcel Brands for free in River Plate’s Nicolas de la Cruz.

If, as is expected, he can join on a free transfer,[Marca](https://ar.marca.com/claro/futbol/river-plate/2021/01/28/60132e3e268e3e39568b457e.html) have tipped Everton to join a host of clubs in vying to snap up the playmaker.

The 23-year-old has become a cult hero in Argentina since he moved from Liverpool FC Montevideo [in 2017.](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nicolas-de-la-cruz/profil/spieler/397458)

The Uruguayan has scored [17 goals and 23 assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nicolas-de-la-cruz/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/397458)since moving across the border to Argentina and has been a mainstay of River Plate for much of that time.

He has scored [three times from seven outings](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nicolas-de-la-cruz/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/397458) this season but looks set to exit in the summer.

Marca believe he intends to run down his contract and move to Europe as a free agent.

However, this intention is not borne out of ambition alone; River Plate and the player’s former club in Montevideo are in a crucial dispute.

The playmaker wants to see his previous club[paid a debt](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/everton-uruguay-de-la-cruz-incredible-reason-exit) they are owed by the Argentine side.

His loyalty to his former side appears to be preventing a new contract with the Argentine outfit.

Should the debt dispute rumble on, de la Cruz will leverage his position – leaving Everton able to swoop.

### Read Everton Verdict

Although he would likely form part of a summer rejuvenation as opposed to a January window signing, do not understate the quality of de la Cruz.

The 23-year-old averages 2 key passes, 1.6 dribbles, 41 passes per 90 minutes in the Argentine Superliga \[stats [via WhoScored](https://1xbet.whoscored.com/Players/345389/Show/Nicol%C3%A1s-De-La-Cruz)\] and is evidently a pillar of fluidity in River Plate’s midfield.

He could provide long-term competition for the likes of James Rodriguez and Gylfi Sigurdsson, whilst he can also play out on the left wing.