Several of Rafa Benitez’s decisions are haunting Everton and will continue to haunt if Everton fail to survive the relegation battle. His tactical decisions, his stance in the sporting activities and his transfer approach has caused a turmoil that will take long time to repair. One transfer decision that baffled many is the rejection of Matheus Nunes last summer.
One of the worst decisions taken by Farhad Moshiri in his tenure as majority Everton shareholder is the appointment of Rafa Benitez. Not only did the fans resent the appointment but his devastating decisions have now put Everton on the path to relegation. If Frank Lampard doesn’t salvage the remaining season, the Toffees could well be headed to the Championship.
In terms of transfers, Benitez had his hands tied in the summer but there were deals that could have happened and the Everton board had made arrangements. The club spent just £1.7 million in the summer transfer window, bringing in four players on free transfers and paying the release clause for Demarai Gray.
The Toffees improved the quality on flanks and added backup goalkeepers but couldn’t reinforce the midfield, even though, the club were actively seeking to bring in a new midfielder. Before Benitez was appointed, Everton were said to be monitoring Nunes. Reports were flying in the summer about Nunes’ supposed move to Everton with the English club even agreeing a deal around £20 million.
Benitez’s Matheus Nunes decision hurting Everton
Rafa Benitez came in and rejected the idea of adding another midfielder and prioritized other departments, with that, Everton’s work over the summer to bring Nunes went down the drain. Everton have been heavily reliant on Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure this season.
When either of them get injured, the Toffees fall short of reliable midfield options. When Lampard came in, he asked for the signings of Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli. Apart from the duo, he also wanted a defensive midfielder and the name of Idrissa Gueye was discussed.
Had Nunes been at Goodison Park, such a possibility would never arise. Everton have often played two in the midfield and have been overrun by stronger and superior opposition. Even against Newcastle, Allan and Andre Gomes struggled massively. Nunes has been playing with Joao Palhinha in a double pivot, functioning efficiently.
Had Benitez not rejected the idea of having Nunes in the summer, the Royal Blues could have had a powerful three man midfield capable of functioning consistently. With Nunes impressing throughout the season, bigger fishes have started to take notice and could fight for Nunes’s signature in the summer.
Would Matheus Nunes have been a seamless fit in the side?