According to a report by Brazilian outlet Somos Fanaticos, Leo Pereira is the subject of interest of Everton. The Toffees are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the winter transfer window. So, the 29-year-old Flamengo defender has emerged as a target for the Merseyside outfit.
The Toffees have already initiated their move to sign the South American defender, and they have submitted an offer to the player. However, the report has revealed that a January departure is “improbable” for Pereira, leaving Everton in a spot of bother.
Leo Pereira has been one of the most accomplished defenders in his homeland in the past decade. A native of Curitiba, the experienced centre-back spent his formative years in Brazil and graduated from the youth division at Athletico Paranaense. However, the 29-year-old has risen in prominence since joining Flamengo from Athletico-PR in January 2020.
The Brazilian defender has made considerable progress in the last half a dozen years, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the Brasileirao. Pereira has made nearly 300 appearances thus far for Flamengo while chipping in with 17 goals and six assists. Meanwhile, his progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Everton will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window.
Everton’s interest in Leo Pereira is understandable. The Toffees have been scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the winter transfer window, as David Moyes has only four options for the position. The situation has been tenuous throughout the 2025/26 season, as Jarrad Branthwaite has been in the treatment room since before the campaign began.
Additionally, Branthwaite is a target for several well-known clubs. Also, Michael Keane’s red card against Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this week has exposed Everton’s depth. Several centre-backs, including Natan, have thus emerged on the Merseyside club’s wishlist, with Pereira also a viable target.
The Toffees have initiated their move to sign the 29-year-old Brazilian defender by submitting an offer to his entourage. However, a January deal is improbable, as Flamengo will not consider his departure in the winter transfer window. So, Everton must look elsewhere for a new centre-back.
