Everton: Benitez gives contradictory transfer message
Rafa Benitez held his first press conference as Everton manager yesterday and while it was essentially a PR exercise Benitez made some potentially significant comments on transfer policy.
The new Everton manager was predictably asked about his Liverpool past and how he would work to win over the Toffees supporters after his ‘small club’ comment etc.
To be honest this is becoming a little tiresome now and while many Evertonians are understandably never going to be reconciled to the ex-Liverpool boss, I think the media really should be concentrating on other things by now.
Benitez again spoke about ‘walking the walk’ rather than just making grand statements about what he was going to achieve at Goodison Park. Ok let’s see what that means in practice.
He also said he was impressed by the attiude of senior players, which will be a surprise to some supporters given the indifferent performances of many of them last season!
Overall then fairly standard stuff and not either controversial or particularly enlightening except that he did reveal what seems a slightly contradictory stance on transfers this summer.
The Spaniard talked about his priorities for strengthening his team for the coming season. He mentioned that he was ready to work with his Director of Football Marcel Brands and within the constraints of financial realities given the Blues precarious FFP situation.
But Benitez also claimed that Everton remained ‘ambitious’ in the transfer market, but what that means is uncertain and seems a difficult thing to achieve if major financial constraints are in place.
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The Toffees are as usual being linked with a host of players at the moment especially defenders with rumours today of a concrete bid for Khalidou Koulibaly.
However, serious financial problems must mean that funds are limited so is buying a 30-year-old defender the most pressing need?
Koulibaly is a very good centre-back and would I’m sure improve the defensive strength of the side but despite Napoli reducing his fee from previous transfer windows, the Italians are still asking for around £30 million. Is that affordable for Everton?
It seems to me if push comes to shove, the Toffees must concentrate on finding a right-sided defender/wing-back, a wide attacking player with real pace who can score goals and a striking alternative and support for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The only other alternative is to sell players who are of value and so that remains an open question with particularly the future of James Rodriguez and Richarlison still uncertain.
We are all waiting for the first new player or players to walk through the doors at Finch Farm under Benitez’s reign.
And as is generally the case the Blues are likely to keep their transfer dealings very close to their chest. But it does remain an open question how much spending Everton will do this summer and where that leaves hopes for next season.