“Deal Rejected: £26m Everton Move for Portugal Star Collapses Despite Agreement – Big Blow Confirmed!”

Francisco Conceição Snubs Everton Despite £26m Offer as Winger Eyes Juventus Return

Everton’s hopes of landing Portugal international Francisco Conceição appear to have been dashed, with reports suggesting the winger has turned down a summer move to Merseyside.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Toffees were prepared to activate the 22-year-old’s £26 million (€30 million) release clause at Porto, but the player has opted against joining the Premier League side. Conceição, who impressed last season on loan at Juventus, is believed to be prioritising a return to Turin, where he featured regularly and played in European competition.

Everton’s interest in the former Ajax attacker comes as manager David Moyes seeks to reinforce his wide options, with both Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom having returned to their parent clubs at the end of the 2024/25 campaign. Despite reportedly being ready to meet the release clause, A Bola claims Conceição “has declined to join” Everton, with today said to be “decisive” regarding his future.

The winger has just helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League, making a crucial impact from the bench in the semi-final against Germany by scoring the equaliser. His performances last term in Serie A — seven goals and six assists in 40 appearances — further underlined his potential and growing reputation.

Juventus are yet to submit a formal offer, but Conceição’s stance is clear, with Champions League football and continuity at a top-level club cited as key motivations behind his decision. Porto are understood to be relaxed about the situation, particularly with his release clause set to rise to £39 million (€45 million) from Wednesday. President André Villas-Boas reportedly views the current £26 million valuation as a “significant discount”.

Everton, meanwhile, have had a busy start to the transfer window. The club have converted Charly Alcaraz’s loan into a permanent deal, rewarding the midfielder’s contribution of two goals and three assists last season. The Blues have also splashed out up to £27 million on Villarreal striker Thierno Barry, while Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers is close to arriving for a reported £4 million fee.

With the winger department looking light, Moyes is determined to bolster the squad. Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye — who scored 11 goals last season — are both more comfortable on the left flank, leaving a gap on the right following the departures of Harrison and Lindstrom. Conceição was seen as a key target to address that imbalance.

Alternative options are under consideration. Everton retain interest in West Bromwich Albion’s Tom Fellows, who notched 14 assists and four goals last season in the Championship. However, the step up to Premier League level could present a challenge.

Another name loosely linked is Jack Grealish, now reportedly surplus to requirements at Manchester City. Yet his £300,000-a-week wages are likely to put off any serious interest, even if a loan deal were explored.

With Conceição now out of reach, Everton’s search for attacking reinforcements continues — but the rejection is a blow to their summer plans.