Everton remain poised to endure a trying upcoming few months, but that will not stop the management team from trying to refresh the squad.
After all, despite what was ultimately a very positive campaign, Sean Dyche will not want his team to stand still.
Especially given at times relegation still remained a very real threat, even if they did avoid it by a whopping 14 points, or 22 if you remove the Premier League’s deduction.
They deserve remarkable credit for showing such spirit, but by adding another layer of quality, the Toffees could actually be a real dark horse for success next campaign.
This fresh report seems to suggest that is their plan.
Everton planning to bid for Florentino Luis
The latest on this transfer saga comes courtesy of journalist Ben Jacobs, who sought to affirm earlier reports stating that Everton want Florentino Luis.
His comments, released on X, offer a greater insight into Kevin Thelwell’s transfer plans regarding the Portuguese midfielder in the coming months.
After all, having already tried for him last January, it would make sense to rekindle their interest in a player they clearly feel is right for this squad.
Jacobs wrote: ‘Understand Everton still interested in Benfica’s Florentino Luís. They had a €30m offer rejected in January. 24-year-old has a €120m (£102m) release clause.
‘Despite ownership uncertainty, #EFC considering another Luis bid. Luis has won two Primeira Liga titles with Benfica.’
Who is Benfica’s Florentino Luis?
Florentino is a former Portuguese youth international who has spent his entire senior career with Benfica, having risen up through the youth ranks with Benfica B and since made 131 appearances for the first-team squad.
Having been brought up in Angola playing futsal, his formative years were spent honing his technical qualities which are evident in his present-day style.
Fortunately, the physical assets swiftly caught up, and now the 6 foot enforcer is one of Europe’s paramount ball-winning midfielders.
However, despite being a mainstay under former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Bruno Lage, his dismissal saw him fall out of favour under Jorge Jesus, the new boss.
So, loan moves to Monaco and Getafe sought to provide the game time he so richly desired, and those spells have helped him once again regain favour. As such, his 7.01 average rating in the Portuguese top-flight from this recent campaign is buoyed by his 89% pass accuracy and 1.6 interceptions, 2.6 tackles and 4.1 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.
Able to reclaim possession but then progress the play as well, Everton would certainly benefit from this young midfield powerhouse with a point still to prove in European football.