The Blues endured something of a frustrating summer transfer window.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman before the match
Writing in the Mirror, Robbie Savage has warned Everton they will need to secure Champions League football if they wish to bring top talent to Goodison Park.
The Blues were expected to be busy in the summer transfer window, as Ronald Koeman had reportedly been handed big funds by Farhad Moshiri.
That did not prove to be the case though, as only five players arrived at the club and they actually ended up £1 million in profit following the sale of John Stones to Manchester City.
New Everton investor Farhad Moshiri in the stands
They did try to make marquee signings, however, they faced a tough ask in convincing the top talent to make the move to Merseyside.
And Savage has warned them that will remain the case unless they can qualify for the Champions League.
“The Toffees got gazumped by Tottenham in the £30 million deadline day race for Moussa Sissoko, which was a brutal reminder of the club’s current predicament,” he told the Mirror.
“Koeman will have to qualify for the Champions League — or do a Leicester and win the title against mountainous odds — before they land the big fish.”
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
While Everton fans were left somewhat disappointed by the lack of a marquee signing, a closer reflection shows it was a good window for them.
Rather than completely overhauling the squad, Koeman’s signings were specifically made with a view to improving the issues that plagued the side under Martinez.
In a transfer window of inflated prices, it is arguable that that approach is actually one by which they should be pleased.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman before the match
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