Seasons2021-22Everton News
Reports: Everton 'in talks' with Porto's Diaz

A number of media outlets, including Sky Sports, Fabrizio Romano of The Guardian, Paul Joyce of The Times, Dominic King of the Daily Mail and TalkSport claim that the Blues are in talks with the Portuguese club regarding James's international team-mate Diaz.
The 24-year-old lit up the Copa America this summer as Colombia made it as far as the semi-finals, finishing as joint-top scorer in the tournament with Lionel Messi with four goals that included a spectacular over-head kick against Brazil.
According to TalkSport, the deal for Diaz would be worth around €25m but it is contingent on Rodriguez re-joining the club he signed for over a decade ago.
Quotes sourced from Sky Sports News
Reader Comments (128)
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2 Posted 27/08/2021 at 14:20:44
3 Posted 27/08/2021 at 14:20:57
4 Posted 27/08/2021 at 14:32:08
5 Posted 27/08/2021 at 14:41:17
The right-back situation is worrying – we need someone very fast and powerful on that side to eliminate an obvious weakness. If we can do that and get this Diaz guy in, I would be comfortable about being competitive in the Premier League.
6 Posted 27/08/2021 at 14:46:04
7 Posted 27/08/2021 at 15:01:19
That's a reasonable record but the Portuguese league is much weaker than the Premier League – and he's playing for a side which is streets ahead of all opposition bar two other teams.
So you would expect inferior goal contributions from him for us – which means maybe not really of materially superior quality to the likes of Gray and Townsend.
So really not a Richarlison replacement by any stretch – but a decent option at left wing (if indeed we need such an option).
8 Posted 27/08/2021 at 15:29:05
If it is true, he's likely to be a replacement for Richarlison.
9 Posted 27/08/2021 at 15:45:05
10 Posted 27/08/2021 at 15:46:09
11 Posted 27/08/2021 at 16:09:52
12 Posted 27/08/2021 at 16:21:17
13 Posted 27/08/2021 at 16:27:13
Raphinha is a better player.
14 Posted 27/08/2021 at 16:27:24
I haven't seen him for Porto and don't know how good he is on a week-to-week basis, but he sure is fun for Colombia.
15 Posted 27/08/2021 at 16:33:05
16 Posted 27/08/2021 at 16:36:59
Usually, when someone talks of rumors, it isn't rumors. It's a single rumor from somewhere and all other mentions of it are copy and paste from the original one.
With that, the "copy and pasters" include attribution directly to or leading to that original, single rumor.
The two oldest references to the Club and Diaz are from the Echo and BBC. The other references are from one of those two. Yet, neither the Echo or BBC attribute the talk to some other source. They just report it.
And the two reporters are Kirkbride and McNulty, who as far as I can tell are considered reputable.
All considered, and having never heard of Diaz, I'm guessing this one has legs.
17 Posted 27/08/2021 at 16:39:27
19 Posted 27/08/2021 at 16:45:17
Sky Sports is really a parody at such times as this. Classic stuff.
20 Posted 27/08/2021 at 16:53:25
21 Posted 27/08/2021 at 16:54:05
22 Posted 27/08/2021 at 16:56:08
Solving the James dilemna, getting Porto better placed for UCL group play vs the Red Shite and bringing in a player yet to establish himself (read:upside in transfer value) all seems like a deal worth considering.
Ahh, just repeated Mike there for the most part. Sorry Mike, got excited.
23 Posted 27/08/2021 at 16:57:24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTdLQ5iN4uw
1:25 - A flying side volley similar to the one he scored on against Brazil, but the Peru keeper saves it.
1:55 - A great speed goal off his keeper's long pass.
2:35 - A gamewinner from heaven.
I've seen him five or six times this year for Colombia, and he's been this much fun every time. But again, I have no idea what he's like with Porto.
Dale #22, no worries, picturing this guy in blue can definitely raise your excitement level.
24 Posted 27/08/2021 at 17:02:40
25 Posted 27/08/2021 at 17:16:52
Old YouTube shows a left winger that likes to score with his right. Doesn't look like having express pace like a Maxim or Traore (Everton wingers never do - sigh Andre Kanchelskis...).
Has a trick, but uses his body a bit too.
Doesn't look massively different to a Richarlison in likeness - but I doubt the aerial ability or workrate (when not stropping).
Without the obvious pace, he will need to be massively up for the physical challenge of the English league. Playing Lisbon and Benfica, and then nothing much else ain't going to go too far.
I'd like to say impressed, but not so much.
26 Posted 27/08/2021 at 17:28:08
Diaz will score more in the Prem for us, that Rahinha will form Leeds. Theres not a shred of doubt.
And France is a pub league. It has 1 team. Then a couple of Ok ones then the drop of is stark. The vast majority of the french league would struggle in the championship.
Taking nothing away from Raphinha, a fantastic players, easy on the eye. Diaz is suited to the English game and in my opinion, hell be an excellent signing. I used Raphinha because they remind me of each other but I have no doubts about who I prefer. Diaz does it for his country as well. Hes a gem.
27 Posted 27/08/2021 at 17:30:26
28 Posted 27/08/2021 at 17:32:14
29 Posted 27/08/2021 at 17:40:37
He certainly turns up for Colombia but then so too does Shaqiri for Switzerland. International football can be misleading.
If we get him for circa £20m in addition to Richarlison then looks decent business - although I'd be wondering why not a right back.
30 Posted 27/08/2021 at 17:50:45
For what it's worth, I watched quite a bit of Diaz over the summer playing for Colombia and remember thinking how wasteful he was with the ball in one of the early games but by the end he had emerged as one of the tournament's stand-out players.
If we do lose Richarlison this week, Diaz would at least provide that dribbling talent and ability to beat a man that we thought Richarlison would bring to the team but actually doesn't. Wouldn't replace his instincts and aerial presence in the box though – those will be sorely missed.
31 Posted 27/08/2021 at 17:53:29
32 Posted 27/08/2021 at 17:53:34
33 Posted 27/08/2021 at 17:55:21
34 Posted 27/08/2021 at 17:55:36
35 Posted 27/08/2021 at 17:55:58
36 Posted 27/08/2021 at 17:58:46
He seems to have come on leaps and bounds in the last year or two and we might be grabbing a bargain here... many a good player has come out of Portugal, inferior league or not.
I've seen him a couple of times and he's lively to say the least... bringing direct attacking football to Goodison.
Hmmmm has a ring to it
37 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:03:16
38 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:09:41
James 18 (Now removed) and Toffeweb editorial ……did/do you ‘mean to write: Type or paste your comments here. Please use grammatical terms properly, including capitalization. Posts solely in lower case or text speak are likely to be deleted……….so now our ‘world is delivering fake admonishments? Cmon ToffeeWeb
39 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:09:59
Its why weve focused on the new stadium and different sponsorships etc.
40 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:13:40
Id imagine a RB will deffo be one of the signings Rafa hinted at in his press conference. He confirmed were actively looking and anything can happen. Richarlison going no where according to the gaffa. A right back is an absolute must, youre spot on. Coleman is the cover. We need a first choice RB.
Soren,
Wrong Raphinha, the Leeds on is same age as Diaz. Might you he thinking of Rafinha alacantara? Thiagos brother? Hes getting in for 29.
41 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:19:57
If we could sneak in some decent competition for DCL too I'd be over the moon.
42 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:22:24
The message you refer to is one that appears if you "submit your comment" without actually typing anything.
Not an admonishment as such, more advice to post in an adult way, an adult with a decent grasp of English. 😉
43 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:32:15
Haha. Take your own advice.
By accident, I hit "Submit Your Comment" instead of "Top of the Page" at the bottom.
Unless you're brand new to the site, this, "Type or paste your comments here. Please use grammatical terms properly, including capitalization. Posts solely in lower case or text speak are likely to be deleted" used to be right at the comment box.
Been there for years. Hadn't notice Lyndon removed it. Apparently, it still appears when you hit "Submit Your Comment" with the comment box empty.
44 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:37:49
45 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:40:01
46 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:40:31
47 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:43:58
48 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:44:58
I consider it essential too mate.
Mick#47. Not sure you're understanding fully, just as I don't understand a word of your post.
Maybe going a tad deep for a fansite mate.
49 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:46:39
Benn (40), You're right mate. He is 24. Mixed him up with of another Brazilian lol.
50 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:51:44
51 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:54:11
52 Posted 27/08/2021 at 18:58:35
53 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:07:02
54 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:09:56
Diaz would be an exciting signing and is the perfect age and level Id say. Hopefully hes not Richarlisons replacement bad they can play together.
55 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:10:30
56 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:17:44
57 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:22:39
Can we loan out Mick to another fansite?
Editorial Team
58 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:24:12
The script is supposed to prevent that from happening but it's never worked and I've not tried to address it until today. I think it now works, though.
We now return you to your regularly-scheduled programming.
59 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:26:44
60 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:27:20
61 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:28:31
62 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:29:59
But they don't send posts telling us how to write at all.
As explained, the message, if you will, appears in each and every post area and disappears as soon as the poster starts to type.
It only appears on a thread if someone presses "submit comment" without typing anything.
If I came across as arrogant, even if only in a mediocre way, that wasn't the intention. I was merely trying to explain to someone who I felt had misunderstood.
63 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:30:03
However the point about this guy leaving a Champions league team at this time is valid and seems remote.
65 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:38:47
66 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:42:41
67 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:47:49
Outstanding at Copa, goals against Brazil and Argentina and not too many tap ins
69 Posted 27/08/2021 at 19:56:50
70 Posted 27/08/2021 at 20:07:36
So, at age 24, it might make sense for him after all.
71 Posted 27/08/2021 at 20:16:43
72 Posted 27/08/2021 at 20:21:50
73 Posted 27/08/2021 at 20:30:42
74 Posted 27/08/2021 at 20:30:44
75 Posted 27/08/2021 at 20:43:11
76 Posted 27/08/2021 at 20:48:30
Diaz will find it tougher so it will depend if the player has the mental strength and can raise his game. Having Yerry here will be a massive help. It is one of the more exciting rumours of late.
77 Posted 27/08/2021 at 20:57:05
But the profile is exactly what we should be targeting. And if it does mean Richarlison is leaving, it's exactly the way I'd hope we'd work: sell high, sign replacement for ¼ of the fee.
78 Posted 27/08/2021 at 21:30:48
82 Posted 27/08/2021 at 21:52:57
All 3 nice. That 3rd one, though? More please.
Hope we sign him.
85 Posted 27/08/2021 at 22:09:41
And don't get me started on pressing buttons!
See you both at the Live Forum for three points and some banter tomorrow.
86 Posted 27/08/2021 at 22:30:00
Maybe I've been drinking too much scrumpy in your back- yard but I haven't a clue what you're talking about?
No offence, I think you are a proper Evertonian all the same.
87 Posted 27/08/2021 at 22:45:44
Even if it was just James out maybe the books would balance given his mega wages and our ability to amortise the Ruiz fee over his contract term.
88 Posted 27/08/2021 at 22:54:50
I still think he is one of our top targets, possibly why we did not push harder for Dumfries.
With Ronaldo moving on, chances are Mpappe May do as well, causing a domino effect for the likes of James and Kean, even dare I say it Richarlison.
89 Posted 27/08/2021 at 23:06:03
90 Posted 27/08/2021 at 23:12:38
91 Posted 27/08/2021 at 23:16:34
See Juventus are interested in Kean. Rodriguez looks a possibility on loan.
92 Posted 27/08/2021 at 00:00:52
93 Posted 28/08/2021 at 00:04:10
94 Posted 28/08/2021 at 00:26:41
95 Posted 28/08/2021 at 00:34:16
96 Posted 28/08/2021 at 00:47:17
97 Posted 28/08/2021 at 00:52:42
98 Posted 28/08/2021 at 01:08:13
99 Posted 28/08/2021 at 02:11:37
100 Posted 28/08/2021 at 03:43:40
Either that, or a Flux Capacitor and a bargain De Lorean, where we can set the time to go back to Moshiri's arrival and spend more wisely. Who knows... we may even sign Biff and that McFly guy! :-)
101 Posted 28/08/2021 at 04:10:35
Why do you have to involve the Yanks? A perfectly good British Tardis could do the job.
102 Posted 28/08/2021 at 04:32:50
Isn't it the case that many brilliant players currently playing in the Premier League were from "weaker" leagues? Or the incredible players from seasons past...
Bruno Fernandes wasn't exactly tearing up trees when he was with Sporting Lisbon? (If I remember my facts correctly...) Yet, he has come up a few notches since joining Man Utd.
103 Posted 28/08/2021 at 04:39:37
It's the legacy of people like Gary Hooper with an average of 2 goals in every 3 games at Celtic. Millions wasted later he's playing in a reserve team in New Zealand by 30. Or indeed “player of the year” Niasse in Russia. You might expect someone to be a standout in a weak league if they're good enough for the Premier League. That being said… Seamus Coleman.
[BRZ]
104 Posted 28/08/2021 at 04:58:50
The Brazilian coach Tite has called up nine replacements – nearly half a squad.
Interestingly, one of those is an alleged target of ours, the still uncapped Mateus Nunes of Sporting.
A good block of fixtures for Richarlison to miss following his non-stop summer. Brazil are due to play three, not two, World Cup qualifiers.
105 Posted 28/08/2021 at 07:27:28
Shame to lose Rodriguez though it didnt look like Benitez was going to play him much. And Diaz could be a very exciting player, certainly has a spectacular goal in him.
106 Posted 28/08/2021 at 07:36:37
"Bruno Fernandez wasn't exactly tearing up trees when he was with Sporting Lisbon?"
Err... yes, he was, bud, he most definitely was.
107 Posted 28/08/2021 at 07:44:43
108 Posted 28/08/2021 at 08:04:23
If big money comes in for Richarlison, he will be gone. The movement of big names may put him into play, as Brian (#88) says. He would probably do well on the continent.
I would like to see an out-and-out striker signed, maybe Kean may go to accommodate him. A right-back on loan looks a possibility.
109 Posted 28/08/2021 at 08:26:12
110 Posted 28/08/2021 at 08:37:39
I know they are capable of switching but Richarlison, Gray, Iwobi and even Gordon prefer to play off the left. I would have thought if we were bidding bigger that it would be for a player known for playing off the right.
On the subject of goals, it looks historically that Diaz scores somewhere around 1 in 4, which is okay but not stellar for a winger. However, this season (including the Copa America) he has 6 in 10, so perhaps his finishing is improving and we might be the beneficiary!
111 Posted 28/08/2021 at 10:25:31
112 Posted 28/08/2021 at 11:14:40
113 Posted 28/08/2021 at 11:36:29
114 Posted 28/08/2021 at 12:24:17
115 Posted 28/08/2021 at 12:26:14
116 Posted 28/08/2021 at 12:27:40
117 Posted 28/08/2021 at 12:37:46
118 Posted 28/08/2021 at 12:45:53
119 Posted 28/08/2021 at 14:50:10
I had not thought of the possibility of a loan fee.
120 Posted 28/08/2021 at 14:53:55
This guy will contribute more than Kean and as much as Rodriguez, maybe more seeing as he should be available for more games than his fellow countryman.
121 Posted 28/08/2021 at 18:13:35
It's the wages that are screwing Everton in FFP, but just shows you have only £109 million to play with, over three years for losses, but debt elsewhere like £443 Million does not matter.
Fair play my arse.
122 Posted 28/08/2021 at 18:18:45
When he explained he was a Sporting fan it all made sense. There aren't many good teams in that league but Sporting are one of them, if he gives them problems it bodes well for us.
123 Posted 28/08/2021 at 19:48:22
124 Posted 29/08/2021 at 08:45:48
He's a really interesting player but I wouldn't mind a left-footed winger to add some balance.
125 Posted 29/08/2021 at 14:15:35
I don't know if it's 10 or 20%.
126 Posted 29/08/2021 at 16:53:05
Even if we gave him away, who would take him? Unless he takes a 50% wage cut, he's going nowhere. I hope I'm wrong, but if Porto don't want him. Having been there for 3 years, I can see the Diaz transfer collapsing.
Why hasn't Carlo come calling! I can't see Rafa making a compromise, unless James knuckles down, there's more chance of snow in hell. A very talented mercenary methinks. Tell me I'm wrong.
127 Posted 29/08/2021 at 17:05:48
128 Posted 29/08/2021 at 18:15:35
It's seemed pretty clear for a few seasons we need a (ideally) left footed right winger. In terms of what's left and might be available for the same or less than Diaz, it looks like maybe Brooks, McNeill, Neres or Malcom - but I bet you can come up with a few others.
Maybe even Faivre even though, like Brooks, he's not really a winger but a classy player cutting in from the right flank nonetheless.
Nice if Juve could give us the loan of Kulusevski for a season as a sweetener to the Kean deal but seems too much to hope for.
As it happens, Townsend seems a breath of fresh air generally even if not very glamorous!
129 Posted 29/08/2021 at 18:29:16
130 Posted 29/08/2021 at 18:33:45
Walk away... and if James is still here in 2 days, then bring him back into the fold to compete with Andros for that place on the right.
I'm 99% sure that, when he hears the Old Lady roar, we'll get a full and good season from him, and we can all part as friends next summer.
If we have dough to spend in the meantime, get the right-back position sorted, and a couple of loans to pad out the team.
131 Posted 29/08/2021 at 20:08:04
Diaz to Everton, financially, would just be another routine player deal.
James's salary, image rights, commercial opportunities, the sheer volume of his world-wide popularity are all waaaaay beyond "Everton sign Diaz".
132 Posted 30/08/2021 at 14:20:01
133 Posted 30/08/2021 at 14:28:42
134 Posted 30/08/2021 at 20:27:05
What does he bring to the table?
Rafa doesn't want him. What effort has he made to ingratiate himself into the fold? Get rid ASAP, unless he buckles down, which isn't going to happen.
Not a Rolls-Royce, but a quality player that keeps breaking down. Get rid ASAP.
135 Posted 30/08/2021 at 20:43:46
136 Posted 30/08/2021 at 20:46:22
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1 Posted 27/08/2021 at 14:15:58