Young midfielder’s future at Everton in doubt – Toffees ready to listen to offers

by · Sport Witness

Everton’s decision-making around Charly Alcaraz is starting to come into sharper focus, as the Argentine’s time at Goodison Park drifts into uncertain territory.

When the Toffees moved to secure Alcaraz on a permanent deal after his initial loan spell, there was a clear belief they were buying into a player with Premier League experience and untapped upside.

That followed his earlier spell at Southampton and, before that, Flamengo’s significant €20m (£17.2m) investment in him as part of a longer-term squad rebuild.

However, several months on, that sense of trajectory has yet to fully materialise.

Alcaraz has struggled to build rhythm in England. Injuries have not helped, disrupting any chance of sustained momentum. Yet that is only part of the issue. Even when available, he has found it difficult to establish himself as a consistent presence in Everton’s midfield.

There have been flashes. He remains technically sharp, comfortable carrying the ball, and capable of operating across multiple midfield roles. That versatility was one of the key reasons Flamengo pursued him so aggressively, as highlighted last year by former director Bruno Spindel.

Still, the numbers underline the challenge. According to FBRef, Alcaraz has made 16 appearances during the whole 2025/26 season, registering just one assist. For a player expected to contribute creatively and add dynamism between the lines, that return falls short.

Struggles to build momentum

Part of the frustration around Alcaraz comes from the sense that he clearly is technically gifted.

At 23, he is still developing of course. His previous Premier League exposure suggested he could adapt to the pace and physical demands of English football. Everton’s decision to bring him back to England was not made lightly.

However, the lack of continuity has been damaging. Injuries have interrupted his integration, but his role has also remained unclear at times. He has featured in different positions without fully owning any of them.

That has left him in a difficult spot – neither a guaranteed starter nor a realiable backup option.

Everton stance emerges

Against that backdrop, reports from Bolavip in Brazil are now painting a clearer picture of Everton’s thinking.

The midfielder is currently considered a negotiable asset at the club, should a suitable offer arrive. The suggestion is not that Everton are actively pushing him out, but rather that they would be open to a deal under the right conditions.

His current valuation is placed at around €15m (£12.9m) by Transfermarkt, which reflects both his age profile and the fact he has yet to deliver consistently in England.

That figure is notably below the fee Flamengo paid, but still represents a level where Everton could limit any financial downside.

Our take: A delicate dillema

Everton now face a crossroads moment. Do they persist with a player who has shown glimpses of quality but lacks consistency? Or do they move early and reinvest in a profile better suited to immediate impact?

Alcaraz’s situation sits somewhere in between. He is not a completely failed signing, but he is not yet a success either.

As things stand, the coming months feel decisive. If he can stay fit and carve out a defined role, the narrative may still shift. If not, Everton’s willingness to listen to offers suggests they are already preparing for the alternative.