Everton on the Brink of Selling Alcaraz: The £13 Million That Never Shined

Everton are reportedly considering letting midfielder Carlos Alcaraz go in the upcoming January transfer window. The 23-year-old has collected just 32 minutes of playing time across four substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, without a single goal or assist. Manager David Moyes is seen as needing to take decisive action so that the £13 million asset does not lose further resale value.

Alcaraz was signed permanently from Flamengo in the summer of 2025 after a promising loan spell in the second half of the 2024/25 season. At the time, he scored two goals and provided three assists in 16 Premier League matches, enough to convince the management to buy him for around £13 million. However, that hope has faded. In his first full season, he started only six of 20 appearances and did not score at all in the league.

This season, the situation has not improved. In 32 minutes of action, Alcaraz lost 71% of his duels, completed only 62% of his passes, and created no chances for his teammates. The only bright moment came in the League Cup when he scored the winning goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but consistency in the Premier League remains the main problem.

Everton themselves began the 2026/27 season with inconsistent performances. After eight matches, they sit in 11th place with two wins, four draws, and two defeats. Goal productivity has come under scrutiny: an average of one goal per match and a failure to score in three instances. This situation reinforces that the attacking and midfield lines need fixing, including evaluating the contribution of players like Alcaraz.

Alcaraz's case is similar to that of Dwight McNeil, who was released to Crystal Palace last summer in an exchange with Brennan Johnson. McNeil, who was bought from Burnley for £20 million in 2022, suffered a drastic decline in form, failing to score in 22 league matches in 2025/26 and often being an unused substitute. Everton chose to let him go in order to reduce the wage burden and open space for other players.

“Alcaraz looks like the new McNeil on Merseyside. His performance declined after a promising start, and now he has to be sold due to his minimal involvement on the pitch,” reads an analysis circulating among observers.

If Everton want to avoid a bigger loss, selling Alcaraz in January is the most rational option. Nevertheless, finding a buyer willing to pay close to £13 million will not be easy given his minimal playing time and goal contribution. Clubs in the Championship or European teams looking for a young midfielder may be his next destination, but Everton must be prepared to accept offers below the purchase price.

Moyes's decision in the coming weeks will determine the direction of Alcaraz's career. Will he stay and fight for a place, or become the next victim of Everton's short-term project? The January transfer window will provide the answer.