Everton can wave goodbye to Arnaut Danjuma by sealing ‘impressive’ £15m transfer

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton, for what feels like years now, have largely operated on a buy-to-sell basis when operating in the transfer market.

Their well-documented financial issues, which resulted in November’s points deduction, have left Kevin Thelwell and Sean Dyche scrambling to find anyone who might consider moving to Goodison Park despite their troubles.

And whilst the likes of Beto and Youssef Chermiti represented fine business in their own different ways, the loan deal to acquire Arnaut Danjuma seemed like the pick of the bunch given just how long their interest had been held.

In a deal that had dragged on since last January, the Dutchman finally put pen to paper and traded Villarreal for the Toffees on loan.

And yet, his season-long stay could now be cut short…

Is Arnaut Danjuma leaving Everton?

Whether it be the attraction of Lyon, the lack of game time he is receiving with Everton, or a mix of the two, it seems like Danjuma is already keen to make that trade.

With his agent so open about that French interest, it seems that the only thing standing between him and the move is his current club.

They hold the power in this transaction, and would be foolish to sanction his departure without first sorting out an alternative.

Fortunately for him, their €18m (£15m) interest in Real Betis winger Luis Henrique could offer him that pathway towards a move elsewhere, should Thelwell manage to conjure something up.

Who is Luis Henrique?

Born in Petropolis, Brazil, the 6 foot winger offers a fine blend of pace and power with a youthful energy that would certainly add something to this Everton side.

If anything, the 23-year-old would mark an upgrade on Danjuma, and a player far more acclimatised to a Dyche system than the Villarreal man.

After all, there must be a reason why the former AFC Bournemouth ace was so out of favour, having made just four Premier League stars, 13 total appearances, scoring a single goal.

Meanwhile, when compared to other wingers across Europe, Henrique shines in the defensive metrics even if he is not the most offensive wide man in the world. Spanish football expert Tim Lee even branded his quality and maturity as ‘very impressive‘ only last year.

He sits in the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, whilst also reaching the top 7% for tackles, the top 15% for blocks, the top 12% for clearances and the top 8% for aerials won per 90, via FBref.

It is worth noting that Dwight McNeil was bought in a similar mould to this, having failed to score in the league for Burnley the season before joining, but been a keen defender.

If Henrique can come and enjoy half as much success as that man has done in recent seasons, then it would certainly be a profitable switch worth making.