After selling Harry Kane last summer, hiring Ange Postecoglou as manager, and managing numerous injuries, Tottenham Hotspur’s qualification for the Europa League should be considered a success. However, to challenge the Premier League’s top teams and secure a Champions League spot, Daniel Levy and the club’s management need to bring in top talent this summer.
Fans will be pleased to hear that Tottenham is reportedly interested in signing one of the continent’s most prolific strikers as a potential upgrade over Richarlison. According to a report from Portuguese outlet Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness), Tottenham is among several clubs eyeing Porto striker Evanilson. Chelsea and Manchester United are also interested and could submit bids soon.
Following Evanilson’s recent debut for Brazil, Porto is expected to demand his full €100m release clause, approximately £84m. Despite the high cost, securing Evanilson would be a significant move, especially given Richarlison’s struggles to solidify his position as the club’s primary striker.
**Comparing Evanilson to Richarlison**
If Tottenham can finalize the deal for Evanilson, he would likely replace Richarlison as the starting striker. This season, Evanilson scored 25 goals and provided seven assists in 42 games, averaging a goal involvement every 1.31 games. In contrast, Richarlison scored 12 goals and provided four assists in 31 games, averaging a goal involvement every 1.93 games.
**Evanilson vs Richarlison (Stats via Transfermarkt)**
| Statistic | Evanilson | Richarlison |
|————————–|———–|————-|
| Appearances | 42 | 31 |
| Goals | 25 | 12 |
| Assists | 7 | 4 |
| Goal Involvements/Match | 0.76 | 0.51 |
The comparison remains one-sided when considering their underlying statistics. Evanilson outperforms Richarlison in several key areas, including expected goals and assists, progressive passes and carries, goals per shot on target, passing accuracy, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, and ball recoveries, all per 90 minutes.
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*Evanilson vs Richarlison (Stats per 90 via FBref for the 23/24 League Season)**
| Statistic | Evanilson | Richarlison |
|————————–|———–|————-|
| Expected Goals + Assists | 0.75 | 0.70 |
| Progressive Carries | 1.75 | 1.57 |
| Progressive Passes | 2.37 | 2.29 |
| Shots on Target | 0.97 | 1.51 |
| Goals per Shot on Target | 0.50 | 0.44 |
| Passing Accuracy | 78.7% | 68.1% |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 2.50 | 2.05 |
| Goal-Creating Actions | 0.39 | 0.30 |
| Successful Take-Ons | 0.92 | 0.60 |
| Ball Recoveries | 2.68 | 2.53 |
Evanilson’s 2.68 ball recoveries per 90 minutes highlight his all-around capabilities, making him not only a great goalscorer but also a valuable team player. As data analyst Ben Mattinson notes, he works tirelessly off the ball.
Despite the significant financial investment and competition, Spurs should prioritize bringing Evanilson to North London this summer, even if it means parting ways with Richarlison.
