After 4 consecutive starts on the bench during a difficult April, Carlos “Charly” Alcaraz’s future at Everton seemed finite. Many Toffees suggested that manager David Moyes was opting to ignore the midfielder’s tricky clause (9 starts meant Everton were obliged to sign the 22-year-old permanently) and allow his loan to expire.
However, May proved to be a magnificent month for Alcaraz, who assisted the determined Beto twice: firstly, during a disappointing draw against a desperate Ipswich Town side, and then in a 3-1 victory, away at Craven Cottage. In addition, a perfectly planted header against Carabao Cup winners Newcastle Utd in the final game of the season, not only handed Everton a confidence-boosting 3 points, but clearly gave David Moyes faith in Alcaraz’s ability.
Whilst goals from the midfield are a subtle expectation for Everton fans, given Abdoulaye Doucouré’s impressive ability to contribute to vital games, Alcaraz also demonstrates his importance without directly getting his name on the scoresheet. In fact, the Argentine had a 100% pass accuracy during the final game of the season against Newcastle. Not only does this demonstrate Alcaraz as a precise passer, but also proves his advantage over the departing Doucouré, who often conceded possession in vital areas over the course of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
This tendency became apparent when Doucouré sluggishly gifted away possession during Goodison’s final chaotic Merseyside derby, which subsequently led to Alexis Mac Allister’s header finding the back of the net. Therefore, Alcaraz’s ability to find his team mates accurately may be vital to Everton’s hopeful improvement in the inaugural season at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and beyond.
At the youthful age of 22, which may surprise some Everton fans, Alcaraz still has an abundance of time to grow and develop and secure his place in an evolving group of players. He shone in a dismal 2022-23 campaign for Southampton at just the age of 20 and will be keen to impress in his first full Premier League season. Although close ally Jack Harrison will not be staying at Everton, much to the delight of many Toffees, Alcaraz is still incredibly familiar with the squad.
Alcaraz particularly formed a dynamic relationship with Beto, with all three of his Premier League assists teeing up the Guinea-Bissau international. When operating as an inverted left winger in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the former Southampton man obviously has the potential to whip in a curling cross to the towering striker, as shown in the opening goal in the stalemate with Ipswich.
However, Alcaraz proved his profound ability to impact games as an attacking midfielder during the valiant 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in February. A clever through ball which Beto took advantage of, scoring calmly, and a tidy finish in the 80th minute of the game proved his composure in the final third, whilst playing in the spine of the team.
Interestingly, Alcaraz merely signs on a 2-year contract, which will expire in June 2027. Due to the Argentine still having plenty of time to improve his game, his contract could undoubtedly be lengthier. On the other hand, though, the short-term contract may indicate an economical change in Everton’s approach in the market. In stark contrast to Andre Gomes’s excessive 5-year permanent deal, after an impressive 2018-19 loan, which proved to cost Everton more than necessary, Everton do not feel obliged to hold on to Alcaraz, should he perform below the high standards he set towards the end of the previous campaign.
Overall, the diminutive fee of £12.6M seems like an absolute steal for Everton. David Moyes will be pleased with his first signing since his return as Alcaraz is brave, intelligent and hard-working. The arising Tim Cahill comparisons may be premature, but there are shades of the Australian icon in Alcaraz’s exciting play. The significance of this purchase cannot be understated, but fans will still be hoping for more business in the coming weeks of this summer transfer window.