Premier League outfit Everton became a laughing stock on social media after reportedly turning down a hefty transfer fee from Barcelona for striker Richarlison. In what was a bizare development on Wednesday evening, the Toffees were said to have refused an 85-million-pound (100 million euros) offer from Los Blaugrana for the signature of the Brazilian forward.
Richarlison, who joined the Goodison Park outfit for 40 million punds from Watford in July 2018, has long been a target for Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal. Last summer, the Frenchman inquired about the prospect of recruiting the forward but was told that he remained untouchable. This was followed by the 22-year-old striker signing a new five-year deal in December.
With Luis Suarez injured and ruled out for the remainder of the season, Barca is still on a hunt for a replacement and is racing against time with the closure of the winter transfer window fast approaching. The Catalans recently saw a move for Valencia's Rodrigo Moreno hit a snag and have since been linked with other potential targets.
According to Sky Sports, the name of Everton's Richarlison popped up once more and the Camp Nou outfit, in a desperate attempt to secure the service of a striker, tabled an alluring 85-million-pound offer (100 million euros). With the move vetoed by the Merseysiders, Quique Setien's side now has a little above 48 hours to bring a marksman before the window closes.
Nevertheless, football fans on social media have questioned the decision of Everton to turn down the offer although the club maintained that the player remains a vital member of its future.
Barcelona offering £85 million for Richarlison and Everton rejecting it pic.twitter.com/Td9iTmVce4
— FutbolBible (@FutbolBible) January 29, 2020
BREAKING: Everton chairman Bill Kenwright is having a medical at Everton after rejecting an £85m bid for Richarlison from Barcelona pic.twitter.com/7URLOAgGyM
— Four Four Fucking Two (@4_4_fucking_two) January 29, 2020
Barcelona bid £85m for Richarlison
— Spion Kop (@TheKopHQ) January 29, 2020
Everton reject £85m for Richarlison pic.twitter.com/pZtCXa8xiR
£85 million for Richarlison pic.twitter.com/y1pP7L3PR3
— Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) January 29, 2020
Not sure what's worse, the fact that Barca were willing to pay €100m for Richarlison, or the fact Everton rejected it
— Josh (@KloppStyle) January 29, 2020
Richarlison is good and all, but £85M could buy you a team full of Arsenal and Man Utd cast offs.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) January 29, 2020
You can't be bidding £85m for Richarlison
— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) January 29, 2020
You can't be rejecting £85m bids for Richarlison
Barcelona: "Come on then, how much for Richarlison?"
— The Gwladys Street (@TheGwladysSt) January 29, 2020
Everton: pic.twitter.com/sFmxmh6lQz#EFC
Palace want £80m for Zaha, no one says anything. We 'apparently' reject £80m for Richarlison who is 5 years younger and a better player and everyone loses their head hahaha.
— Tom (@CarIoMagnifico) January 29, 2020
What a story emerging tonight - @Everton have turned down a 100 million euro bid for Richarlison from Barcelona!! That's £85 million!
— Jim White (@JimWhite) January 29, 2020