Everton have secured the loan signing of Argentine midfielder Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo for the remainder of the season.
While Flamengo stated the deal includes a “mandatory purchase clause” contingent on meeting certain conditions, Everton clarified that the agreement provides an “option” to buy at the season’s end.
The 22-year-old previously featured in the Premier League for Southampton, starting the current season with the Saints before moving to Flamengo in a club-record £16m transfer.
Alcaraz, who also had a loan stint at Juventus, makes a swift return to England and becomes the first signing under the ownership of the Friedkin Group and manager David Moyes.
“I am ready for any challenge with this beautiful club so that is why I came and accepted the offer to keep fighting for my dreams,” Alcaraz told the club’s website.
“I want to tell the fans that whenever I wear this shirt, I will give my best, I will give everything I have to take Everton to the top, which is where they deserve to be.”
Everton officially announced the signing of Carlos Alcaraz at 00:15 GMT, after submitting a deal sheet to the Premier League, which granted an extension until 01:00 GMT to finalize the transfer.
According to a source close to the player, the delay resulted from ongoing discussions about a clause in Alcaraz’s contract.
The Argentine midfielder is a valuable addition to Everton’s squad, particularly following the season-ending knee injury sustained by Belgium international Orel Mangala.
Moyes added: “Carlos has Premier League experience, he is still young and we believe he can bring some energy to the team which will help us between now and the end of the season.”