LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

Report: Rafael Benitez expecting contract offer from Everton soon

David Blunsden/Action Plus via Getty Images
Follow us on Google Discover
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

According to The Mirror, Rafael Benitez is expecting a contract offer from Everton after holding further talks with the Toffees.

The Spaniard became one of the favourites to replace Carlo Ancelotti last week, after the Italian headed back to Spain with Real Madrid.

Fans were far from happy though, placing banners outside Goodison Park making it clear that Benitez – a former Liverpool boss who once called Everton a ‘small club’ – wouldn’t be welcome.

Moshiri undeterred

TalkSPORT reported on Monday that Benitez to Everton was off, with the deal going quiet in light of the fan protests.

However, it’s now stated that the talks haven’t been scrapped, and Benitez’s camp are confident that a deal is still in the pipeline.

They’re even expecting a contract offer very soon, with 2005 Champions League winner Benitez still the favourite to become Everton manager in the near future.

Photo by Visual China Group via Getty Images/Visual China Group via Getty Images via Getty Images

Benitez not what Everton fans want

Benitez hasn’t exactly endeared himself to Everton fans in the past. Being a former Liverpool man is bad enough, but his comments about Everton haven’t been forgotten.

Additionally, Benitez plays a fairly conservative brand of football, which Everton fans didn’t want after Ancelotti. They were seeking something more exciting, but Benitez isn’t really the man to bring that.

Benitez didn’t enjoy much success in China either, and whilst he did well at Newcastle, Steve Bruce matched Benitez’s best Premier League points tally with the Magpies this past season.

Is that really what Everton need? When you think about Benitez’s history with Everton and Liverpool as well as his recent record, it’s a surprise to see Moshiri ignore the fan concerns and go ahead with a move.

gerrard everton
Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images