Opinion: Everton Should Pass on Phillips and Sign £17m “Ball-Carrying Machine” Comparable to Caicedo
Kalvin Phillips has been consistently linked with a move to Everton this summer as manager Sean Dyche aims to bolster his midfield with added quality and depth.
Phillips, who joined Manchester City for £45 million in 2022, has struggled to make an impact at the Etihad, featuring only 31 times, which translates to a costly £1.4 million per appearance.
In January 2024, Phillips was loaned to West Ham United for the remainder of the season, but he managed just ten appearances, marking another underwhelming stint in the Premier League.
Given his recent form, signing the 28-year-old would be a significant risk for Everton, especially considering they would likely have to cover a large portion of his £150,000-per-week wages if he joined on a temporary basis.
Due to these concerns, Everton might explore other midfield options and could reignite interest in a previously targeted player.
Everton could secure a £17 million midfield sensation
Recently, various midfielders have been linked with a move to Merseyside, including Colombian talent Richard Rios.
The 24-year-old currently plays for Palmeiras in Brazil and has also attracted interest from Manchester United as Erik ten Hag seeks to rebuild his squad for the upcoming season.
Reports suggest that Rios could be available for around £17 million this transfer window. With Everton having recently received £50 million from Amadou Onana’s transfer to Aston Villa, they should be capable of meeting this price.
Competing with one of the biggest clubs in the division, Rios would be an excellent addition, potentially becoming Everton’s equivalent of a player valued at over £100 million.
Why Rios could be Everton’s version of Caicedo
Moises Caicedo’s £115 million move to Chelsea from Brighton last year captured the attention of football fans everywhere.
Initially arriving in England as an unknown, Caicedo has since developed into one of the premier midfielders in the league, as reflected by his substantial transfer fee.
Comparing Caicedo’s stats from this summer’s Copa América, Rios outperformed him in several key areas.
According to FBref, the two are similar players, indicating that Everton could secure a bargain.
Rios averaged 2.2 progressive carries per 90 minutes and completed 3.6 successful take-ons per game, supporting analyst Ben Mattinson’s description of Rios as a “ball-carrying machine.”
Additionally, Rios matched Caicedo in passing accuracy and averaged the same number of passes into the opposition’s penalty area.
Although it’s uncertain whether Everton can finalize a deal after their initial interest, Rios’s Copa América performance showcases his talent, making him a prime candidate for Everton.
The departure of Onana will undoubtedly impact Dyche’s side, but despite their different styles, Rios has the potential to be a standout player at Goodison Park.
