Everton have been showing real ambition this summer transfer window.
David Moyes has been looking at RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, who has been compared to Neymar Jr.
Manchester City’s Jack Grealish is also of interest to Everton, as is his teammate James McAtee, with the pair available for sale.
The Toffees are exploring a deal to sign Thierno Barry, too, after his impressive debut season for Villarreal.
Now, there has been a fresh Everton transfer rumour, and this time it’s to a player who Lionel Messi once wanted Barcelona to sign.
Lionel Messi and Nicolas Tagliafico of Argentina celebrate after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Everton trying to sign player who Lionel Messi wanted at Barcelona in 2019
Everton are trying to sign Nicolas Tagliafico upon the expiry of his Lyon contract.
Moyes has wanted to sign a left-back since he rejoined the club, with Vitaliy Mykolenko in need of competition.
Tagliafico, who is set to become a free agent, has seemingly been identified as the main target, and it’d certainly be a solid acquisition.
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After all, back in 2019, Messi was desperate for Barcelona to sign the then-Ajax full-back ahead of Junior Firpo.
Messi knew Tagliafico’s quality from their time together with the Argentina national team, so evidently, if Everton were to land his signature, it’d have his seal of approval.
Tagliafico stats 2024/25
Despite approaching his 33rd birthday, Tagliafico remains an exceptionally attack-minded full-back who likes to bomb forward.
According to FBref data, the 70-cap Argentina international ranks in the top four per cent for non-penalty goals per 90 compared to his positional peers across Europe.
Last season, Tagliafico registered eight goal involvements for Lyon.
33 appearances
5 goals
3 assists
He also sits in the top six per cent for interceptions, evincing his terrific defensive capabilities, too.