Everton’s season has stalled recently after an impressive start but Moshiri is unconvinced that two of their primary targets would have made a difference.
Everton’s majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri has suggested that the club may have dodged a bullet by missing out on Moussa Sissoko and Lucas Perez in the summer, in quotes reported by the Liverpool Echo.
The duo were heavily linked with a cacophony of clubs throughout the transfer window, though reports had suggested that The Toffees had both players in the proverbial bag as Ronald Koeman aimed to shape a more competitive squad, boosted by the sound financial footing provided by steel magnate Moshiri.
However, despite triggering the release clause of Deportivo forward Lucas, who netted 17 goals in La Liga last season while thrilling supporters with his high energy bursts and clinical finishing, Arsenal nabbed the 28-year-old from under The Toffees’ noses, with Everton’s lack of European football proving a crucial sticking point.
And Koeman suffered further frustration when Sissoko, who had already agreed personal terms with Everton, opted to sign for Tottenham instead for £30 million with the transfer window creaking shut, the BBC reports.
However, both Lucas and Sissoko have struggled to set in their new surroundings, the forward limited to a cameo role in the first few weeks at the Emirates before being ruled out for six weeks with an ankle injury, while the latter has already drawn the ire of some Spurs supporters following a series of ineffective displays and picked up a three-match ban for a vicious elbow on Bournemouth’s Harry Arter.
And Moshiri has suggested that their failure to finalise a deal for the duo has proven to be a lucky escape.
“You don’t really know if they would have helped us,” Moshiri said in an interview with Talksport, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
“Lucas has been injured, Sissoko is suspended, you just never know.”
Everton fans may well agree but, after witnessing their side be torn apart by a rampant Chelsea on Saturday, it’s clear that more of Moshiri’s hard-earned cash is required if they are to close the gap to the traditional elite.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
