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Getting Player Recruitment Right: The Task Facing Carlo Ancelotti

One of the most important transfer windows of Everton’s recent history awaits Carlo Ancelotti. So, let’s consider what needs to change from a recruitment standpoint.

Since the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park, the Toffees have undeniably improved upon their sluggish efforts under the previous manager, Marco Silva. That said, one of the most important transfer windows of the club’s recent history awaits the three-time Champions League-winning manager. So, let’s consider what needs to change from a recruitment standpoint.

Not Repeating the Mistakes of the Past 

From a supporter’s perspective, the period which allows for the movement of players provides excitement, optimism, and a sense of nervousness. While much of the Goodison faithful are filled with intrigue concerning how Ancelotti wishes to take their team forward, many of them will also be hoping that the mistakes of the past are avoided.

On paper, the club’s recent transfer activity has been one lacking a clear vision to long-term progress. Along with the recruitment of young, talented players, such as Alex Iwobi, who joined from Arsenal in the summer of 2019 for around £35 million, Moise Kean, and Richarlison, the Merseyside club have also purchased experienced Premier League players nearing the latter stages of their careers, including the likes of Fabian Delph, Morgan Schneiderlin, and Theo Walcott. While every successful dressing room needs a balanced blend of personalities, many of the senior professionals at Finch Farm haven’t justified their wages with consistent on-field performances since arriving.

Moreover, the club has, without success, spent vast sums of money in their efforts to recruit a clinical forward capable of replacing Romelu Lukaku, who left in 2017. Cenk Tosun, Oumar Niasse, and Sandro Ramirez have all been signed in recent years, and, while each has tried to deliver, their struggles epitomise the Toffees’ contemporary approach to player recruitment. Crucially, this is something that Ancelotti and Marcel Brands need to rectify sooner rather than later.

Well-Thought-Out Recruitment is Now More Important than Ever 

It's no secret that Everton’s ambitions since Farhad Moshiri invested in the club have been to establish themselves as a European side. Fundamentally, the Merseyside club’s inability to master the transfer window have allowed the likes of Leicester City, Sheffield United, and Wolves, who were among the favourites with Space Casino football betting to secure a Europa League place prior to the suspension of the season, to surpass them in the ever-changing battle to break into the league’s traditional top six. Upon analysing the aforementioned sides’ recent dealings, it’s clear to see why they have been able to leapfrog Everton.  

For example, Nuno Espirito Santo’s team, who only gained promotion to the Premier League in 2018, have, for the most part, been notably astute regarding player recruitment. Adama Traore, a player who is now reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool and Manchester City, Diogo Jota, Raul Jimenez, and Ruben Neves, are all evidence of this. Prior to their moves to Molineux, there is nothing to say that such players were unattainable for Everton, highlighting why well-thought-out recruitment is now of utmost importance.

It’s Time to Adopt a Progressive Mindset 

In years gone by, Everton have too often shown their inability to secure value-for-money deals in contemporary football. While there is little wrong with having experienced professionals around the club, fundamentally, they must also be of the quality needed to regularly compete. The Ancelotti era requires a new approach, one which sets out to take the Toffees closer to their long-term goals, as opposed to falling further behind new, emerging competitors. 

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