Sosa transfer edges closer

In case you missed it, here's what Tim Vickery said about the kid:

"He's playing at the moment for Argentina in the U20 World Cup in Poland. Sosa is a holding midfielder, better at picking a pass than the defensive side of his game.

"He's got a little bit of old-fashioned swagger. In the old days in Argentina, that No 5 was the boss of the team, the man who played the vital first pass out of defence.

"But the thing with him is it's so early. He's only played a handful of games for River Plate, when they've fielded an under-strength side, so if Everton buy him now, to go straight into the first team would be a massive step up.

"He's one for the long term and looks promising. He would worry me a little bit with his lack of pace for the defensive side of his duties, but he's certainly an interesting player with the ball at his feet."

Even in this era of hugely inflated fees £13.5m seems a lot to pay for a player with little first team experience and a doubt about his eligibility for a work permit.

With our past record on getting work permits I would put this under file B.

It would be nice to get at least one top quality player overthe line soon.

I watch the Argentina game v Portugal, I eagerly anticipated seeing Sosa play, unfortunately he only came on for around 10 minutes so didnt see an awful lot of him.

Virginia also played, he played quite well.

I'm hearing reports that West Ham are making offers for Gomes and we have not yet made a move. Can people come up with interesting scenarios why we are not working on tying him down? Is Sosa, or others to be mentioned, better options?

The other thing with this transfer is it's very much a Brands signing. It's hard to say who was whose idea on the guys signed so far, except for Richarlison. But Sosa would be the first time Brands has put his neck on the line. Let's hope he's a better judge of potential than Walsh and his signings.

This seems very much like an investment in the future, the sort of transfer that is commonplace in Holland and Portugal. One wonders if he'd go on loan for a season in one of these countries, or if he'd act as back up to both Gomes and Gueye.

In reality, 13.5 million is not that much anymore, and I imagine it'll be filled with clauses (the down payment would probably be a 5th of this) in terms of international appearances, sell on fees, and such stuff.

Brands has obviously heard good things about him, because I am yet to see him play in the Libertadores (I payed attention when we were first linked).

Just hope it isn't another Henry situation with the work permit...maybe if we prove his talent, and maybe show the FA that he's set to get a Spanish or whatever passport, there could be some leeway.

Fran @7, I was thinking the exact thing, that this reminds me very much of what a PSV or an Ajax would do. Scour the international market and pluck an exceptional youngster out. Unlike the Dutch teams, I can't see him playing straight away so I'd imagine him going out possibly to the Dutch or Portuguese league due to our management's connections. Hopefully we won't follow the Dutch example of buying him with the intention of flogging him in a few years time for a ridiculous figure.

A defensive midfielder (hard to tell from Vickery's description in Steve's #1) who may or may not be eligible for the coming season who is at the same U20 World Cup as Kenny, Dowell and Calvert-Lewin.
Makes you wonder which of Gana, McCarthy, Schneiderlin, Baningime, Besic and possibly Davies are likely to be moving and if it will be this window. Makes you just love "Super Coaches", doesn't it.

Sorry, not the same World Cup unless Argentina is suddenly in Europe and somebody has been telling porkies about their age to somebody who should be old enough to check his facts first.

I was initially surprised at the size of the fee for such an unproven player but I think it may have something to do with with the work permit which we are more likely to be given if the transfer fee is higher.

Very young and developing player but have heard a few South American analysts speak positively about him. Imagine he would be a way off the first team.

I know its crazy but £13.5 m is not a fortune in football terms add to that inflation.
There is a chance that we pick up the bargain of a lifetime in todays market, of course only time will tell but in Brands we trust and his statement as and when the player signs.

Here's a scouting report for anyone interested:https://elpivoteftbl.wordpress.com/2019/05/14/santiago-sosa-scouting-report/

Talking about players coming in undeveloped and young, then sold on for large profits (#8) that is exactly what I think we will see over the next couple of years.

Richy is already being looked at for £100m+, only a few can afford that so that chances are he will stay another year (when the price will be well above £100m), but if he goes he will be replaced. I don't think we are in a 'winning' part of the plan yet (other than minor competitions), we are building the business & cash flow working within FFP.

Don't get too attached to individuals just yet, the whole club plays a system that all players know and can seamlessly move into if called upon, young and old. Remember that strategy produced clean sheets and exciting football for the last 10 games, also remember that the last successful team we had were known as the 'team with no stars' for a while. As yet, of course, we don't have a squad that will support that strategy but hopefully, that is what a lot of business this summer will be intended to achieve.

One for the future, I've heard that before and we usually never hear of them again.

Try and switch off and relax Pat, it won't be long before the season is here again mate!

Plus ça change plus la meme chose. Isn't that how it goes ? I would love us to be linked with a 15- 20 goal a season striker, who has all his paperwork, who is not carrying a niggling injury that will keep him out until December and actually wants to play for us.
I suppose that's a lot to ask. The future is firmly in front of us !

Pat, obe for thw future like that useless Stones. That pointless DCL. That absurd Holgate. Remember that young isish lad we signed, Coleman or something or other.

Much better we sign tried and tested premier league players. Like Williams, Schneiderlin, Bolasie, Walcott. Or at least first team ready foreigners like Sandro and Tosun.

Fran@18, beat me to it!

Fran - Touché !

I'm starting to wonder whether part of Marcel Brands' master plan to improve our finances is to maybe buy the odd young hot prospect who needs a work permit, knowing he won't get one, and then loan the player out to showcase his talents and then sell him on at a decent profit.
Just a thought.

A lot depends on what happens with Gomes, Schneiderlin and Macca.
Losing any or all of them leaves a big void.
Everton do need a class midfielder preferably experienced.
Besic was a great prospect but just didn't make his mark although I have seen him play some great games for Boro.

I wouldn't say not getting a work permit would be part of his plan, but signing young and cheap and selling high I am very sure is part of his plan, and i'm sure Moshiri's too. The likes of Atletico have managed successful teams with a similar methodology.

Fran, the future still awaits Holgate. And DCL, the jury is still out.

Interesting period as ever, this preseason, MB has a hell of a job keeping the books balanced, so hopefully some of the deadwood can also be moved on.

I wonder if EFC will become a European starting point for such South American prospects in the future?

I'll take solace as much in that happening as much as essential new players like at least x1 CF who can finish.

Brian @ 21, I had the same thought. Maybe it's an untapped revenue stream with the potential bonus that we might just unearth the next Messi along the way.

The work permit is a red herring, unless Everton want to get him into the first team immediately, which would be unlikely I'd have thought, but they could try the ‘exceptional talent' exemption. It looks like he will get a dual passport for the EU in the fall.
It's a market Everton have such a poor pedigree in. However, Dutch teams seem to have more experience and success with, Brands I would think has more experience in South America too.

As for the player seen him the odd time being state side but just looked neat and tidy. Time will tell.

Curious to see how many midfielders we are chasing. If we are in for Rabiot (however unlikely to come off that is) it seems Gueye will probably be sold. The contract Rabiot would command would make him a automatic starter. Sigurdsson and Gomes, if signed, also would also be shoe ins. Doesn't really leave much room for Gueye or mobility in general in that midfield.

So I guess this lad will be one for the future or a replacement backup if Schneiderlin also moves on.

£13.5 million is a drop in the Ocean in todays crazy world of football, as a landlubber I think it's time I got Ocean bound if it is awash with stupid money.

In fairness to Pat there are plenty of young players we have signed with some fanfare who sadly did not graduate to the first team - Scott Spencer, George Green, David Henen to name a few. These were all youth footballers though - and were always a much bigger risk, with smaller transfer fees. We've had much greater success with signing young players who have already broken into the first team somewhere - like Stones, DCL, Holgate, Coleman. There are no guarantees - Lukas Jutkiewicz didn't work out here but has gone on to have a decent enough career elsewhere - but I think successes like John Stones show that it can be hugely beneficial when it's gotten right.

All in all, Everton have fulfilled the role of supplier of young talent to the leading clubs in the Prem. In the season just completed, no less than five of them have fielded young players who have passed through our portals - some for big bucks, others for peanuts or nowt.

Are we a 'selling club'- you betcha ! If a pound or two can be turned we 're up for it. Never to build a team because those who hold the purse strings can rarely say no and mean it. Gana looks a gonner and so it goes on !

Pat, we signed Holgate for little more thab half a million, if we sold him, he'd commando about 10 million in today's market. Otherwise, he's a versatile back uo defender with potential to grow.

DCL is getting better and better, and ebded the season (and will most likely start the season) as first choice centre forward. If sold, he'd command upwards of 20million and cost just over 1.

You mentioned youngsters who disappears never to be seen again. Both of these examples contradict that statement and both were astute signings.

Add to that Lookman, who cost 10 but if sold we'd at least double our money, Vlasic who cost 8 and we'd at least make a profit, Henry who cost 8 and we'd likely double our money. The there are younsters like Josh Bowler who by all reports looks set to make the step after his 4 million pound move, and young Gibson who is getting rave reviews. Then there is Virginia, also getting rave reviews and could be challenging Pickford in a couple of years.

So that is 8 youngsters currently on our books who have been brought in as 'ones for the future' who have not simply "dissapeared".

Hope there's a few ‘subject to's' in the contract. Seems like a good punt for the future.

Read today Frankfurt have just sold their Striker Jovic to Real Madrid for about 㿞m.

They signed the kid on a two year loan with an option to buy for ٤m. They triggered the option 2 months ago then sold him for 㿞m! Imagine a portion will need to go to Benfica but that's still a hell of a deal.

I think the only possible way that we are going to progress in this league is probably by bringing in some young players with huge potential who are not on the top teams shopping lists and coaching them to their full potential.

This is what Spurs did, to an extent, with the likes of Alli, Eriksen, Son, Rose, Dier, Foyth etc.

Admittedly some of those players were more established than Sosa but the philosophy remains the same.

Yes, of course, alot of youngsters will not make the grade but to write them off is to write of our best chance of competing at the top table once more.

Fran, I'm talking about playing for Everton and possibly winning something for the Club, preferably before we all die.

Holgate hasn't been playing for Everton lately, to my recollection, and who knows where he'll be next season.

If DCL is, as you suggest, our first choice CF next season, it'll only be because we're facing another season without a proven striker. I doubt many on here would be overjoyed with that, whatever valuation you put on him.

Lookman can't get into the team. Nor can Vlasic, and both probably want away. Onyekuru may well be another one for the future but I wouldn't buy an Everton shirt with his name on it just yet. Sure, every Club can make some profits and big loisises on players, we know that only too well. Let's see if we can hopefully sign some who are ready to take us forward.

Not your Usual Suspect, Kaiser Sosa, but Santiago no less, hope this is one of Marcel Brand's finds, that turns out to be top drawer.

Some reports are saying he is not ready for the first team yet, seems a lot to spend for a reserve or U-23, but hopefully all will be revealed soon.

Fran, 32, DCL improved in terms of his support play, but not in terms of threatening the goal. If anything he became worse and rarely looked like scoring. He scored two goals in his last 16 games.

Argentina U20 Vs Mali U20 - KO 7:30pm tonight

He's on the bench. Not sure if anyone has already posted it, but for those streaming, here's the TV channels it's on to watch if you can find it.

https://www.livesoccertv.com/match/3297965/argentina-u20-vs-mali-u20/

And you just missed a beauty in the U-20 WC. The USA upset France.

Sam '@30, I much admire your optimism but, truth is, Everton have not seriously 'competed at the top table' throughout the near 30 year history of the Premier League.

True, we've had the very occasional fourth or fifth place finish but even then with points totals in double figures behind teams in first and second places.

Like many others, I have long espoused the notion that we belong near the top but a reminding glance at the history books shows Everton's place is usually nearer halfway than in the honours spots. And don't mention the Cups as my grandson is in his mid twenties and has never had a sniff of silverware !

Fortunately for me, my age allowed me to experience the joys of promotion, the glory of Catterick, Kendall and well, those two... but precious little else. I know, I'm an ungrateful so and so cos I've only once seen us relegated and that was 70 years ago !

he just smashed a pen down the middle

Clive 37

The primary role of the modern centre forward isn't goal scoring and as a measure of quality it's flawed.

If we're rolling teams 4-0 and DCL doesn't score, I couldn't give two hoots.

Perhaps transfers like this signify the start of a new era as we raise funds to offset the costs of a new stadium.

By buying competent, young, pre-cap players from certain countries and showcasing them in the Premier League they will naturally become full caps later and worth much more than what we pay for them.

Funes Mori was/is an Argentina centre back for god's sake. The standard is low but their price tags can be high.. once they are one of the few players to play on the elite international stage.

There are other, once great international teams with weak domestic leagues and youth infrastructures.. this can be exploited in the world of player trading as lazy managers attach a premium value on average players based on nostalgia and their standing as internationals.

Alan Myers pretty much rubbishing the rumour that this signing is imminent. It would appear to be false hope on the part of the players Father. Myers citing that he does not believe that the player would qualify for a work permit.

Phil 38

Gives me flashbacks to two years ago and everyone watching the Euro under 21 to see Sandro.

Unfortunately Everton can't dine at the very top just yet. We are in the category B if you like, behind the elite but able to offer decent fees and contracts.

Buying young talent and selling big is the best way right now. Sosa, Onyekuru, Richarlison and Pickford are four potential ‘profit makers'.

I'm surprised that we haven't attacked players from big teams reserves before they make it to the big time. The captain of Benfica's B team, french or German U23's for example.

Hopefully this move comes off, he does look a cultured footballer.

I worry it's got smacks of the 2009 bid to sign Ever Banega though, we could not manage to tie down a work permit for him and he developed into a fine midfielder so that was a big miss on our part.

Derek, i'm not suggesting that we belong at the top table and certainly you're right we have not been there for a long time. Certainly not during my adult lifetime.

But we were there once! And I believe our best (only) chance of getting there again is by following the Spurs route, picking out great young (18-25) talent and nurturing them into a coherent team. I believe this is Brands plan and will now depend on picking the right players and coaches. Of course its not a super secret plan and other clubs will be trying it too but it differs from the Walsh/Koeman/Allardyce appraoch which seemed to centre more on buying experienced players in their prime.

As for Sosa I saw some mutterings online last night that suggested it may not be as progressed as the media is reporting.

If your not going to play him, don't buy him. This club is like a library with the constant loans. We lost a good player in Lookman because of this.

Pat, now you are saying "about players to take us forward and maybe win something" that was not your original point. Your original point was "One for the future, I've heard that before and we usually never hear of them again"...the 'usually never hear of them again' part being the part I was contradicting, thus naming at least 8 players on our books who have not disappeared never to be heard of again.

Now a debate on the merits of these young players, or any player on our books, in respect to us winning stuff is entirely different.

Drew, 42, we are desperately short of goal scorers with only Siggy and Charli consistent with 26 league goals between them. We desperately need a goal scoring CF and the stats don't lie.

Clive, we desperately need a goalscorer. Whether he's a CF, a winger or a midfielder, I couldn't care less. Ronaldo and Messi aren't strikers. Neither are Hazard, Salah or Mane. We just need one more player who can put the ball in the back of the net.

Kieran 45, Your spot on there, was in that crew myself. He came off the bench and didn't wow me yesterday..