Everton eye move for "flamboyant" gem who plays like Mahrez, it would be a masterclass - opinion

The ongoing situation in Ukraine has led to consequences for Everton, with Alisher Usmanov’s lucrative sponsorship of the club being suspended – with the Toffees already on the verge of a points deduction due to “breaking profit and sustainability rules” after recording a loss of £155m more than they are allowed to in a three-year period, between 2017 and 2020.

To make matters worse, even if a points deduction isn’t handed out to them, the team on the pitch could yet be relegated anyway after a torrid run-of-form which has seen them win just one Premier League match in 2022, losing their other seven.

It’s unlikely now due to a combination of their poor form and standing in the league as well as their financial issue, that even if they secure their top-flight status for next season, their key players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison will stay at the club beyond this summer.

Their departures will mean that Everton will need to replace them with smart, bargain signings who are ready for Premier League football, and while players that fit that profile are limited, boss Frank Lampard could take advantage of the new foreign players in Ukraine and Russia transfer window and sign Pedrinho from Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Toffees are reportedly interested in signing the Brazilian forward, who is claimed to want his future finalised by Friday, and at the moment just Wolves are interested in the former Benfica prospect.

With the window closing on April 7th, interested clubs must act fast to secure transfers of foreign stars currently playing for Ukrainian and Russian clubs – and due to them all now being considered ‘out of contract’, Everton will likely be most keen of all to get a deal done for the 23-year-old forward.

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