Much of the interest surrounding Everton in recent years has come off the field, given performances on it have been so consistently poor.
Financial mismanagement drew widespread criticism aimed largely at Farhad Moshiri, who has driven this once-fine institution into the ground. As such, relegation battles have become normal on Merseyside, having narrowly avoided the drop twice now.
Sean Dyche will be desperate to ensure this season he is far from such stress, currently enjoying a solid run of form set to aid that endeavour. However, that has not stopped the unrest from appearing elsewhere, with reports of a potential 12-point deduction for those aforementioned transgressions.
Their Iranian owner is desperate to sell, and has already lined up buyers in 777 Partners. They just await the Premier League’s verdict on that fiscal dispute, as well as the outcome of their ownership test too.
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And yet, it seems the Miami-based firm are already steaming ahead with plans for the Toffees, with reports emerging of potential transfers they could make in January.
Football Transfers details one such move, as they outline Everton‘s interest in Uruguayan winger Maxi Araujo.
They write: ‘Sources tell us that the Merseyside club’s recruitment team have been closely monitoring the 23-year-old’s performances this season for the Mexican club Toluca. Araujo is contracted until June 2026 but is thought to be open to a move to Europe, with Real Betis also believed to be keen. ‘
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Who is Maxi Araujo?
Having started his career in his homeland, the versatile wide man has since taken Mexican football by storm, most recently starring for Toluca.
Last season marked a true standout one for the young attacker, who recorded 16 goal contributions across all competitions and earned his international breakthrough.
He has since earned six caps for Uruguay, starring at both left-back and left-wing.
It is his ability to start in these two key roles that could have tempted Dyche and Thelwell, who see the offensive impetus he might bring to their side.
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After all when compared to other midfielders in the 14 divisions most similar to the Liga MX, Araujo sits in the top 2% for non-penalty goals per 90, the top 11% for assists per 90, the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90 and the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, via FBref.
As a persistent threat with a workmanlike attitude typical to most South American players, it is expected that such a signing could prove an intelligent one for a side who will have to operate in lesser-known markets.
