Latest reports claim that Everton are ready to announce the appointment of Rafa Benitez at some point today finally ending the month-long wait for a successor to Carlo Ancelotti.
It’s not 100% certain, but the Liverpool Echo claim Everton will finally be ready to make public today what we’ve all been expecting; Benitez to be confirmed in the Toffees hotseat. And as I write he has arrived at Finch Farm to finalise his contract and then be presented to the media.
It certainly will be a hot seat for the former Liverpool manager and both he and the club, have a big job to convince many Blues supporters that this is the right appointment.
However, after recent unacceptable events it may be that there is more willingness among the overwhemingly decent majority of Evertonians to give Benitez more of a chance to prove he can do an effective job at Goodison Park. That’s all I want to say about that.
It would seem to make sense for the club to get this done now as soon as possible with players due to return for pre-season in a week or so and the transfer market open. Benitez will certainly have a lot to do when he does finally officially become Everton manager.
Along with the obvious issue of trying to win over Toffees fans and questions around new signings and players coming back to prepare for the new season, he also has issues around the futures of several existing players in particular the two South American forwards James Rodriguez and Richarlison.
Ever since Ancelotti left, the future of Rodriguez has been in doubt. Obviously, he came to Goodison because of his mentor and as soon as the Italian left to return to Madrid, it was likely he would reconsider his commitment to Everton.
Various stories have linked him with a move away to one or other top European clubs with AC Milan especially strongly associated with a move for him.
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There’s also another element to this, which is that Benitez and the Colombian star had a difficult past relationship when the Spaniard was managing Real Madrid after he succeeded Ancelotti at Los Blancos.
Given all that it would seem unlikely Rodriguez will want to stay and so I assume he will move on this summer.
As for Richarlison the Brazilian had a diffcult campaign last season and only scored six goals in the Premier League as he struggled badly to capture his best form.
Previously Richarlison has said he would consider leaving Everton if the team couldn’t meet his expectation and ambitions. So after a tenth place finish last season and Ancelotti’s sudden departure, means he may well seek a move away too.
However, Benitez’s appointment might make him change his mind and want to stay, I don’t know. But if a good offer say around £50 million or so, I would still be tempted to cash in on him.