Carlos Alcaraz sparked huge brawl and ruined major transfer as 'physical force' joins Everton

A closer look at the career of Everton's new midfielder after he completed a loan move on deadline day

Despite his young age of 22, Carlos Alcaraz’s move to Everton is the fourth major transfer of his career. The tireless, aggressive midfielder has struggled to find a long-term home. Handed his debut in 2020, he would make his breakthrough under former Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago at Racing in Argentina.

When still a teenager two years later, he wrote his name into the club’s history by netting a last-minute winner in the Trofeo de Campeones Final, denying Boca Juniors a historic treble

This established him as one of the most prominent young players in South America. It would also be his last appearance for the club, as amid reported interest from the Milan clubs and Benfica, he made his £12 million move to Southampton in January 2023.

Ironically, Alcaraz would make his Premier League debut at Goodison Park, in a game overshadowed by intense protests as Everton lost 2-1 – it was also Nathan Jones’ only Premier League win as a manager.

In his first league start against Wolves, the Argentine scored with a fine long-range hit, one of four he would manage in the second half of a campaign which ultimately ended in relegation for Southampton.

Despite dropping into the Championship, Alcaraz soon received his first international call-up for the senior Argentinian national side, before signing a new long-term contract at St Mary’s.

“Charly has displayed so much potential since his arrival and has already made a huge impact despite his young age,” Saints director of football Jason Wilcox told the Daily Echo after his renewal.

However, on deadline day last January, Alcaraz completed a loan move to Italian giants Juventus. The deal included a €50 million buy option.

He would make just three starts in Turin, but this was still enough to further add to his medal cabinet as the club won the Coppa Italia - the huge buyout clause was, unsurprisingly, not activated.

Doubt surrounded the midfielder’s future upon his return to Southampton, who were now back in the Premier League. Lazio were credited with an interest, but Alcaraz was sent off after a brawl in a friendly against the Italian club, scuppering the move.

He would instead join Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo, becoming their most expensive ever signing and the second-most by a Brazilian club.

“He’s a very interesting player,” said manager Filipe Luis after bringing him to Brazil. “A guy who is a physical force, plays in several positions, dominates the midfield well and, of course, wants to prove himself.

“He has that ambition to want things. The process often takes a while. I’m going to give him all the support he needs to develop and get the confidence he needs to perform.”

After less than six months back in South America, Alcaraz is now on the move again, with Merseyside his destination – he has now moved clubs in four of the last five transfer windows.

David Moyes will be hoping that the 22-year-old’s impact at Everton will be much longer lasting.