Discussions Underway: Everton Target “Tremendous” Onana Successor Ideal for Lindstrom – Opinion

Everton face a significant challenge this summer as they look to replace Amadou Onana, who is poised for a £50 million transfer to Aston Villa. Onana has been a pivotal player for the Toffees since his £33 million arrival at Goodison Park in 2022, firmly establishing himself in Sean Dyche’s midfield.

Although the club stands to gain a substantial profit, aiding their Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) and Financial Fair Play (FFP) compliance, Onana’s departure will leave a considerable void in the team’s core, necessitating a replacement for the 22-year-old.

Everton have been linked with several players to fill this gap, yet they have not yet secured a suitable replacement for the ball-winning midfielder. Recently, however, they have shown interest in a promising star who has had a successful summer representing his nation at the Copa América.

Journalist Nicola Jorge, via Sport Witness, reports that Everton have engaged in discussions with the agent of Richard Rios regarding a potential move to Goodison Park. The 24-year-old Colombian midfielder could be available for approximately €20 million (£17 million) this summer. However, Everton faces strong competition from Leicester City for Rios’s signature, following his impressive performances on the international stage.

Rios played in every game for Colombia during the Copa América, scoring once against Panama and helping his team reach the final, where they lost 1-0 to Argentina after extra time. While no official offer has been made, Everton’s contact with Rios’s representatives indicates serious interest in bringing him to Merseyside for the 2024/25 season. Rios would not only be an excellent replacement for Onana but also a valuable addition alongside another player nearing a move to Everton.

Everton have reportedly reached an agreement with Napoli to sign Jesper Lindstrom on loan until the end of the 2024/25 season. The Danish midfielder has been identified as a key player who could enhance Dyche’s squad in the attacking third, as Everton seeks to improve their goal-scoring output next season.

Though primarily a defensive midfielder, Rios’s recent performances have highlighted his potential to support Lindstrom’s success at Everton. In his 12 appearances for Palmeiras, the “tremendous” Rios, as described by journalist Matteo Bonetti, averaged 37 passes per 90 minutes with a completion rate of 79%. Notably, 3.5 of these passes were progressive, demonstrating his ability to advance the ball into forward areas, thereby enabling Lindstrom to create more scoring opportunities for the team in the upcoming season.

Defensively, Rios has excelled in regaining possession, averaging 2.2 tackles and 1.8 blocks per 90 minutes, providing additional defensive cover to Everton’s backline. His all-around capabilities would make him a valuable asset, potentially allowing Lindstrom to rediscover his best form, which saw him achieve 11 goal contributions in 38 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt.

Securing Rios would represent another astute acquisition by Dyche and his team, enhancing Everton’s squad as they aim to be a strong mid-table contender in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season.

The combination of Rios’s defensive prowess and Lindstrom’s attacking potential could significantly bolster Everton’s overall performance, making them a more formidable opponent in the league.