The sums in football these days are ridiculous.It’s not just Paris Saint-Germain paying £198 million to sign Neymar - the French club are backed by incredibly wealthy owners.No. The true surprise comes when players like Danny Ward, Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper, is sold for £12.5m.Clubs, particularly in the Premier League, have money to blow thanks to increased broadcasting and sponsorship fees.Fulham, in their first season back in the top flight after four years in the Championship, had no concerns about spending £30m on Jean Michael Seri and Maxime Le Marchand.Staying in the Premier League is a financial luxury and so any club that isn’t spending similar sums is falling behind.There was a new wave of delirium among football fans when it was reported this week that Everton are closing in on a £50m deal to sign Watford’s Richarlison.

Richarlison's £50m fee

Last season was Richarlison’s first in the Premier League and while he flashed moments of brilliance, he faded in the final months of the campaign.

So £50m certainly represents a huge risk.

Yet Rob Vera, who writes for fansite Everton Aren’t We, has his own theory to explain why the Toffees are prepared to pay such a fee.

Everton’s relationship with Watford has been fraught ever since the Hornets accused Everton of tapping Silva up.

Watford launched a complaint to the Premier League and the clubs have been locked in a battle ever since, with Everton claiming their innocence.

Sanctions could be imposed, from fines to a points deduction, but the Premier League are keen for the matter to be resolved before they get involved.

And Vera believes that the generous £50m fee could be used to smooth things over.

It makes a lot of sense.

Watford get a hefty fee for Richarlison and the Silva dispute is dropped.

Everton won’t want the matter to be hanging over their heads entering the new season.

And they get a player in Richarlison who has great potential.

The £50m fee is exorbitant, but it’s a win-win situation after hearing Vera’s suggestion.