Everton’s have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Argentine midfielder Carlos Alcaraz on a loan deal from Flamengo, according to an official announcement from the Brazilian club. The 22-year-old, who previously played in the Premier League for Southampton, could soon be making a return to English football after a brief stint in Brazil.
Flamengo confirmed the deal on their official website, stating that the agreement includes a “mandatory purchase clause” dependent on certain conditions being met. However, while Everton sources acknowledge their interest in signing Alcaraz, reports suggest that the transfer is not yet finalized. BBC Sport has been informed that some details still need to be ironed out before the move can be officially completed.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Career Path and Everton’s First Signing Under New Owners
Alcaraz originally joined Southampton before securing a loan move to Juventus in the latter half of the 2023-24 season. Despite starting the current campaign with Southampton, he moved to Flamengo in August 2024 for a club-record fee of £16 million. His swift return to Europe indicates Everton’s strong desire to reinforce their midfield ahead of the new season.
The potential arrival of Carlos Alcaraz would mark Everton’s first signing since the Friedkin Group completed its takeover of the club in December. Flamengo’s football director, José Boto, explained that the decision to negotiate Alcaraz’s transfer came after thorough analysis, aligning with both the technical committee’s vision and the club’s broader strategic interests. If the deal is finalized, Carlos Alcaraz will add much-needed depth to Everton’s squad as they look to strengthen under new ownership.
Everton Struggling in the Transfer Market Due to Financial Constraints
Everton manager David Moyes has expressed frustration over his club’s limited activity in the transfer market, admitting that he envies rival teams with greater financial flexibility. Speaking at a press conference on Friday ahead of Everton’s Premier League clash against Leicester City, Moyes reassured fans that the club is actively working to secure new signings before the transfer deadline on Monday.
However, the Toffees remain restricted by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which limit their spending power. Moyes acknowledged that while Everton is eager to strengthen the squad, they must operate within financial constraints to avoid potential sanctions such as points deductions. “I know behind the scenes and for all the Evertonians, we are really out there trying to find players we can bring in,” Moyes said. “But ultimately, we are still hampered by Profit and Sustainability Rules.”
Moyes Envious of Rival Clubs’ Big-Money Signings
Despite Everton’s efforts in the market, Moyes admitted to feeling “jealous” when he sees other clubs splashing significant sums on top-tier players. Many Premier League teams have been actively reinforcing their squads with high-profile acquisitions, a luxury Everton cannot afford under current financial restrictions.
“At the moment we’re not quite there, but we don’t want to get ourselves in a position we’ve been in before with points deductions,” Moyes explained. The club has previously faced financial scrutiny, making them cautious about overspending. While the Everton boss remains hopeful of securing reinforcements before the deadline, he tempered expectations by admitting that the club may not be able to sign their preferred targets due to financial limitations.
As the clock ticks down toward Monday’s transfer deadline, Everton fans will be eager to see if Moyes and his team can pull off any last-minute signings to bolster their squad for the remainder of the Premier League season.
