Everton look set to sign Sporting CP youngster Youssef Chermiti and his countryman Rafael Leao was very impressed with him last season.
Indeed, Fabrizio Romano tweeted earlier today that there was a ‘deal in place’ between Everton and Sporting for the 19-year-old as the Blues look to sign the gifted youngster.
Chermiti had a breakthrough season in Lisbon this year, scoring three goals and contributing two assists in 16 league games for Sporting.
Former Sporting player and current AC Milan star Rafael Leao was very impressed with one Chermiti performance in particular and took to Twitter to congratulate his countryman.
Indeed, when Sporting welcomed FC Porto back in February, the Lisbon side were 2-0 down when Chermiti scored a 97th-minute header to half the deficit.
Sporting would lose the tie 2-1, though Portuguese international Rafael Leao tweeted: “Youssef Chermiti my twin.”
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Youssef Chermiti looks set to continue to excite at Everton
Leao has been one of the most exciting talents in Europe in recent seasons and made the 30-man shortlist for the 2021/22 Ballon d’Or.
Any comparison to such a talent will no doubt get Everton fans excited about what they can expect from Chermiti at Goodison Park.
The Toffees have been crying out for attacking additions and have yet to adequately replace Richarlison since his £60m move to Spurs last summer.
At 6ft 4in, Chermiti could pose a dominating threat up front, which has been sorely lacking at Everton in recent seasons.
The news regarding the 19-year-old’s switch to Goodison Park came somewhat out of the blue, though clearly Sean Dyche and his team have been working behind the scenes.
With less than two weeks to go until the Premier League seasons starts, there is a real urgency for Everton to recruit well in attacking positions, but if Chermiti really is Rafael Leao’s ‘twin’, then fans can get very excited.