How Frank Lampard achieved Everton summer signing Rafa…

How Frank Lampard achieved Everton summer signing Rafa Benitez failed to make

Dwight McNeil had been in Everton’s sights for some time before finally arriving at Goodison last week.

In fact, the former Burnley winger was on last summer’s shortlist for Rafa Benitez as the Spanish manager looked to bolster the squad on a budget before his arrival. The 22-year-old signed for the Toffees on Thursday after a fee of around £20million was agreed with his former club, putting pen to paper on a five-year contract.

He followed James Tarkowski in leaving Turf Moor for Merseyside, with Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Vinagre also joining on loan last week. But Dwight McNeil’s arrival at Everton could have happened a year earlier with Benitez keen last summer to bring in traditional wide-men.

But a fractured relationship with then director of football Marcel Brands, coupled with Everton’s long-standing financial problems meant the Everton boss was unable to get his way. McNeil – who last summer had three years left on his contract at the then Premier League side – was valued around £30million, and with nothing like the money needed to secure a deal, Brands instead brought in Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend for a combined £1.7million.

And while the problems surrounding the club’s finances haven’t completely changed since last summer, the pair discussing and negotiating transfers have. Brands resigned as Everton director of football at the start of December after a host of high-profile disputes with Benitez, but just over a month later the manager was sacked.

Frank Lampard and Kevin Thelwell replaced the disruptive pair, and following on from securing Premier League survival the two have been working in tandem to improve the squad on a budget. Former Wolves sporting director has taken the strategic lead on Everton’s summer recruitment, but an open dialogue with the manager has allowed the pair to identify weak spots in the current squad and act decisively in finding improvements.

Tarkowski and Vinagre have both added depth to positions left vulnerable last season, while work continues behind the scenes to reinforce the midfield and front line. But their work in signing McNeil – a man wanted by Benitez over a year ago – highlights the importance of having a manager and director of football that come together rather than pull apart.

READ NEXT

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here