The Standard Liege attacker should have been pictured in Everton blue by now. As it stands, he is still in Belgium as talks continue to stall.
There is a reason why Everton were so determined to make Steve Walsh their new director of football last summer. Few behind-the-scenes appointments have elicited such excitement in a football club, but the Toffees’ success in securing the brains behind Leicester City’s Premier League title triumph had fans dreaming of a similar impact at Goodison Park.
After all, the Foxes’ historic achievement was not spearheaded by big-money marquee signings but instead little known gems plucked and polished for a minimal fee; Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and N’Golo Kante to name just a few.
Therefore, reports in Voetball Krant that Everton’s pursuit of Standard Liege striker Ishak Belfodil, a firm favourite of Walsh, is being held up by disagreements within the club about his quality are enough to make even the most reserved supporter’s head spin.
Why appoint one of the most esteemed talent spotters in the game to then ignore his advice?
The same publication adds that Everton are now unwilling to pay Liege’s asking price. This comes just a few days after the Guardian claimed that the Toffees had agreed a £10.4 million fee for the former Lyon and Inter Milan forward.
Yes, Belfodil may not be the most illustrious name on the market and his CV hardly suggests that he can take Everton to the next level, but few expected Vardy, Mahrez and co to make their mark in the Premier League, let alone win the thing.
Therefore, an Everton side who, for one reason or another, have missed out on countless targets this season should maybe try listening to the man they appointed to identify these hidden diamonds.
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