Rafa Benitez expects Everton will operate on a tight budget in the January transfer window, but feels worthwhile deals are doable after speaking with Marcel Brands, via The Guardian.
The Toffees spent just £1.7m in the summer to bring Demarai Gray to Goodison Park amid Financial Fair Play concerns. While picking up Andros Townsend, Asmir Begovic, Salomon Rondon and Andy Lonergan on free transfers.
A raft of injuries for key players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure have highlighted a lack of depth, however.
Benitez has already discussed Everton’s plans for January transfers with the cub’s Director of Football, Brands. The Dutchman assured him funds will be available, but still limited.
“I had a conversation with Marcel,” Benitez explained. “I think we will have some money to spend, but I don’t think that will be too much.
“If we consider that Townsend is a free transfer or Demarai is £1.7m, maybe we can find the right players for us. It doesn’t matter the price, it is more about the mentality.
“The fans know the kind of players that you need here, they know the kind of character that you need here and the quality that you are looking for.
“You need to find these players because they are in the market. If we can buy them, fine. If not, we can loan them and make sure that they can stay here with us in the future. We can find solutions.”
Where does Benitez need to focus Everton’s transfer plans in January?
Benitez did well with what funds Everton had in the summer to secure transfers for Gray and Townsend. But the Spaniard will know he and Brands must strengthen in January.
The Toffees host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday without a win in their last four Premier League games. They have also only won once, against Norwich City, since September 13.
Goals have proven to be scarce at Goodison over that period, with the Toffees netting just six in seven games. Two of which came in their win over the still winless Canaries.
Despite only playing three times all term, Calvert-Lewin also remains their joint-top scorer with three goals.
Calvert-Lewin is level with Gray and Townsend, while Rondon – who has played 184 more minutes – is yet to score once. A haul Benitez will hope improves as the season progresses with the Everton boss cautious over what the club’s plans will be in the January window.
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