Adama Traore touted to replace Everton forward Richarlison with Frank Lampard holding secret weapon in negotiations

Everton have been linked with the signing of Adama Traore to replace Richarlison should he leave the club this summer, per a report.

Traore got a dream return to his boyhood club Barcelona in the January transfer window after being ousted by Wolves manager Bruno Lage.

In the first half of the Premier League season, Traore only managed to muster one goal contribution in 20 appearances. That is most unlike the 26-year-old who is usually much more of a menace to opposition defences.

His slump of form, however, did not deter Barcelona from signing him on a loan deal. Barca signed the winger on loan with an option to buy for a reported £29 million. 

In his first two outings at the Camp Nou, Traore provided two assists and Barca’s gamble looked to have paid off. 

But unfortunately, he has since struggled to maintain his burst of form and has barely contributed further. The winger has even failed to make it off the bench in recent weeks and is seemingly out of favour with Xavi.

According to Football Insider, this is where Everton come in. The door seems to have ‘opened’ for Everton to sign Traore as Barcelona are not expected to trigger their option to buy.

Everton chief has signed Traore before

They also have a secret weapon in the form of Kevin Thelwell.

Thelwell remains a ‘big admirer’ of the Spain international and signed the speedster while Director of Football at Wolves in 2018. Thelwell now holds that same role at Goodison Park, and could be Frank Lampard’s ace in the hole four years later.

Traore is a target for the Toffees amid persistentl rumours Richarlison could leave. Both Man Utd and Arsenal have been linked with the Brazilian who would be near-certain to leave if Everton went down.

The signing of Traore would obviously also depend on whether or not Everton manage to avoid relegation to the Championship this season.

Would he be a good fit at Goodison?

The 2019/20 Premier League season was the best season Traore has from a stats perspective. He contributed to 13 goals during the campaign and was near-impossible to stop when in full flow.

During the summer transfer window of the 2020/21 season, Traore was heavily linked with a move away from Molineux. Manchester City and Liverpool were thrown in the ring as potential suitors for the then 23-year-old.

Traore’s physicality has always been his greatest asset due to his sheer pace and strength. Amusingly, Wolves used to reportedly lather baby oil on his arms to make it more difficult for opposing defences to get to grips with his raw pace.

Somewhat surprisingly, however, the winger doesn’t do weights in the gym.

“I don’t do weights,” he previously told the Sun. It’s hard to believe, but I don’t do weights.

“It’s genetic. I exercise, but I gain mass very quickly.”

While not playing in the same position as Richarlison, Traore could be an ideal addition to Lampard’s forward line next year if the Brazilian does depart.

Traore would operate on the right wing and his ability to beat a man and whip in crosses could help bring the best back out of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.