Player profile – Sandro Ramirez

Former Barcelona prodigy Sandro Ramirez was handed a new lease of life when he left the Nou Camp last summer.

Free from a bit part role, Sandro thrived on life at Malaga.

At 21, there’s a clear fit between Sandro and the team Ronald Koeman is building for the long term.

The Spaniard hit 16 goals in 31 appearances last campaign which brought the under 21 national team star under the spotlight.

He is 5ft9 and able to play in a number of positions across the front line, he’s the ideal utility man the Blues have been crying out for.

He is a distance shooter and a set piece specialist, proved by the fact only some fella who goes by the name of Lionel Messi bettered Ramirez’s five strikes from outside the penalty area in La Liga.

Despite playing a bit part at Barca, Sandro has enjoyed two league titles and domestic cup wins as well UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the 2015 Club Word Cup triumphs.

So it’s clear to see a winning mentality has been drilled into him from a young age.

A winning mentality that Everton have been missing for longer than Sandro has been alive.

Scoring more La Liga goals than any other player aged 21 or under provides evidence of class.

The fees flying about in today’s market are exorbitant but the rumoured £5.1 million for Sandro is no risk, and certainly a no brainer investment.

His best years are still ahead of him. And if it all goes pear shaped, it’s almost impossible to make a loss on such a fee.

But with age on his side and the qualities possessed added with a bit of loyalty, there’s potential for Sandro to be a mainstay in Everton’s attacks for years to come.

Up the Toffees.