Reports have stated Everton risk losing relegation saviour Richarlison amid growing interest elsewhere.
Everton forward Richarlison cuts a divisive figure among neutrals but is the kind of player that you love as your own and dread the thought of as the opposition.
While the Brazilian’s controversial nature will have no doubt seeped into even his own supporters at times this season, his ability to pop up at a time of need is now embedded in Goodison Park folklore.
With just eight games remaining, the Toffees lay perilously over the drop-zone a point adrift of Burnley in 17th.
In desperate need of a talisman to lead the charge for safety and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin playing within himself due to a hasty return from injury, Richarlison took on the mantle.
Scoring four and assisting another in the remaining fixtures, the 25-year-old took hold of Everton’s destiny playing with the kind of spirit identified in so many South American-made players.
Since arriving on Merseyside from Watford in 2018, his stock has both ebbed and flowed, yet links with a move elsewhere have remained a constant.
Having exhibited arguably the best form he has shown in the royal blue, this summer appears as though it will be no exception.
Richarlison has been directly involved in five of Everton's last seven goals at Goodison Park:
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 19, 2022
⚽ vs. Leicester
⚽ vs. Chelsea
⚽🅰️ vs. Brentford
⚽ vs. Crystal Palace
They're not going down on his watch. pic.twitter.com/onxv2hmRg8
Fresh reports suggest as much, also, with the Express stating Everton are ‘bracing to lose Richarlison’ amid supposed interest elsewhere.
Antonio Conte and Tottenham are listed as primary admirers while super clubs Real Madrid and Paris Saint-German are also thought to be looking at the versatile attacker.
However, there is a redeeming factor for the Everton faithful as their Starman has two years remaining on his contract.
This leaves higher-ups at the club in somewhat of a dilemma, in the knowledge that if they want to potentially profit on the initial £35m rising to £50m they paid for Richarlison, this summer is the last opportunity.
Evidently engrossed in the culture of his current employers, a world in which Richarlison signs a new contract is perhaps unlikely but not off the table.