River Plate target Everton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz

River Plate have identified Everton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz as a transfer target. Sporting director Pablo Longoria and manager Eduardo Coudet have both expressed interest in the 23‑year‑old. Alcaraz is under contract with Everton until June 2027. Everton paid roughly €15 million to sign Alcaraz from Flamengo. Atlético Madrid are asking about €20 million for half of his economic rights, prompting River to look elsewhere. The Argentine club originally pursued Thiago Almada, but that deal remains unresolved. Alcaraz appeared in four of Everton’s last five Premier League games last season. Across those appearances he accumulated only 12 minutes of playing time. Observers in Argentina interpreted the limited minutes as a sign he is not in the manager’s plans. Everton manager David Moyes prefers seasoned, reliable players. He has kept Alcaraz on a long‑term deal to allow the midfielder time to adapt. The club believes the player needs a full pre‑season to develop confidence. Selling Alcaraz now would mean discarding a €15 million investment after minimal game exposure. Retaining him gives Everton the chance to increase his value while he gains experience. The suggestion is to give him more minutes at Finch Farm rather than pursue a transfer. A Carabao Cup second‑round match photo by Alex Livesey shows Alcaraz for Everton against Mansfield Town. The match took place at Hill Dickinson Stadium on 27 August 2025.