Everton were crippled in the summer transfer window due to the Financial Fair Play. The FFP rules and Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules killed Everton in the transfer market, allowing the Toffees to spend only £1.7 million in the window.
Everton were looking for reinforcements on the flanks, a suitable striker and a long term successor to right back Seamus Coleman. The Toffees added Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend on the wings but failed to acquire Dwight McNeil, Leon Bailey or Luis Diaz in the window. Salomon Rondon arrived from China on a free transfer but the lingering question for a right back remained unanswered.
Ever since Farhad Moshiri became the majority stakeholder of Everton, the Toffees have earned the reputation of being heavy spenders in the Premier League. The British-Iranian businessman has deep pockets and has always backed every manager at Goodison Park. From Ronald Koeman to Carlo Ancelotti, every manager have been supplemented with Moshiri’s endless money.
The Merseysiders have spent over £500 million since Moshiri’s take over but sadly the mammoth money spent has not transpired into monumental success on the pitch. As a consequence of blatant spending which turned out to be failed transfers, Rafa Benitez didn’t have the liberty that his predecessors had.
After the muted summer transfer business from Everton, Moshiri is ready to back the manager in the upcoming transfer window as the former Napoli boss revealed the conversation he had with the owner and outlined the spending plans.
Everton boss Rafa Benitez reveals Farhad Moshiri conversation and outlines the January transfer window plans
"I had this conversation with Mr Moshiri yesterday, we are lucky enough to have owners that want to spend money. We have to spend money in the right way. It’s difficult to find the balance, we want to spend money on good players but they have to be right for us.It’s just to be sure we do things the right way, they are very keen to spend the money and improve the team.” (via club’s official Youtube Channel)"
With the January transfer window less than 100 days away, Benitez also shared his thoughts on the January transfer window and the goal behind the January transfer window.
"The idea and the plan was very clear before, and we couldn’t do it for different reasons. I can read the newspapers, I can watch the TV but especially the local newspapers and know what fans want. Hopefully, we can be ready for the next transfer window and we can improve the squad."
In the past few days, strong links to Serge Aurier have also emerged. With Seamus Coleman out injured, Aurier could be signed on a free transfer especially after James Rodriguez’s departure freed up wages in the wage budget.
The Ivorian is a free agent after Tottenham terminated his contract earlier in the summer. However, Benitez didn’t seem to be too keen on the idea of signing the 28 year old, even on a short term basis.
"I don’t see a clear option with that because we need to focus on the future, not just the short-term."
Everton face Daniel Farke’s Norwich City on Saturday at Goodison Park. The Royal Blues will be hoping to get back on winning ways after two successive defeats.