Premier League side Everton have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore, who is currently on loan at Barcelona.
As per Football Insider, Everton have received a massive boost in their pursuit of Wolves winger Adama Traore. The Spaniard is currently on a six-month loan at Barcelona, who have the option to make the deal permanent but that does not look likely.
Latest developments hint that Barcelona could decide against making Traore’s move permanent which could see him return to the Molineux after the ongoing season. This opens an avenue for Everton, who are eyeing the 26-year-old as a potential replacement for Richarlison.
Traore moved to Barcelona this past January on a six-month loan and started brightly, assisting two goals in his first two matches for the club. But he has fallen down the pecking order gradually and has been restricted to appearances from the bench of late. The winger has made nine league appearances for the Catalan giants, six of which have come from the bench.
Traore was among the starters in the Europa League for Barcelona but their elimination from the tournament further cut down on the Spain international’s game time. With Barcelona not convinced by the Wolves player, they have reportedly informed the Premier League side of their unwillingness to make the deal permanent.
Barcelona have no intention to pay €30m buy option for Adama Traoré. The only way to keep him has always been a swap deal, with no money included in the negotiation with Wolves. ?? #FCB
As of today, there are chances for Adama to come back at Wolves and then leave again.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 4, 2022
It allows Everton to swoop in for the former La Masia trainee, with their director of football Kevin Thelwell believed to be a fan of Traore. Thelwell brought the forward to Wolves in 2018 and wants to do the same for the Toffees, who could be preparing for Richarlison’s departure.
The Brazilian has been linked with Manchester United recently with the Red Devils looking to add summer reinforcements in preparation for life under Erik ten Hag. And Everton believe Traore could be the perfect replacement for Richarlison due to his Premier League experience.
The Wolves winger has proved his credentials in the English top-flight, scoring eight and assisting 16 goals in the league. It remains to be seen whether Barcelona exercise the option of signing Traore permanently or he returns to England at the end of the season, with Everton emerging as a possible destination in the summer.
