Everton signed a contract with Argentina Carlos Alcaraz borrowed from Flamengo until the end of the season.
Flamengo said that the loan includes a “compulsory purchase clause”, subject to parties that meet some indefinite conditions, but Everton claims that there is a “option” to buy at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old previously played in the Premier League in Southampton and started the season with Saints, then joined the Brazilian giants for a fee for 16 million pounds.
But Alcaraz, who also had a loan spell in Juventus, quickly returned to England and is the first signing of the owners of Toffi, the group Friedkin and manager David Moyes.
“I am ready for every challenge with this beautiful club, which is why I came and accepted the offer to continue to fight for my dreams,” said Alcaraz on the club’s website.
“I want to tell fans that every time I wear this shirt, I will give my best, I will give everything I have to take Everton to the top, where they deserve.”
The transfer was officially announced by Everton at 00:15 GMT after sending the transaction sheet to the Premier League, which allowed to extend to 01:00 GMT at the end of the contract.
The source close to the player informed BBC Sport that the delay consisted of discussions about the clause in the player’s contract.
Alcaraz is a welcome addition to the middle field of Everton after a knee injury ending the season, which was suffered by the Belgium international Orel Mangala.
Moyes added: “Carlos has experience in the Premier League, he is still young and we believe that he can bring energy to a team that will help us from now to the end of the season.”
