Michael Ball makes Everton transfer suggestion after Newcastle takeover
Former Everton player turned popular pundit, Michael Ball has suggested that the Toffees should look for “different avenues” following Newcastle United’s takeover this week.
The Magpies, backed by Saudi Arabia funds, are likely to make major investments in the transfer markets as they embark on a new journey to make the club a powerhouse in England once again.
Ball has suggested that Everton should not look to copy their strategy as “it hasn’t worked” for them before. Rather, they should look at other ways to become successful.
He has suggested that while Rafael Benitez should be backed with funds in the transfer market, Everton should look to bring in young talents and nurture them. He wrote for the Liverpool Echo:
“We’ve got to keep boxing clever like we’ve already done with Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray, keep producing our own players through the Academy and having the pull of a manager like Rafa Benitez.
“The Academy is always going to be there in the decades ahead and we need to keep investing in it and make sure the quality is there, both in terms of the recruits we’re producing and the coaches who are shaping them because we can’t rely on being the big spenders in the transfer market.
“The Newcastle takeover highlights how Everton might have to look down different avenues like we did with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, buying him young and then bringing him on. It’s not all about breaking records every transfer window, as we know it hasn’t worked for us and doesn’t guarantee success.”
Spot on
Based on what the new owners at Newcastle have said, it doesn’t look like they are going for a short-term fix, rather they are likely to see gradual progress.
Everton can only focus on their own business and try to do things their own way. In the past, they have been guilty of spending big in the market, while the results haven’t gone their way.
At the same time, it is unfair to expect that every time a manager can work wonders with a tight budget. There should be a balance.
The signings of Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray have made a big impact, no doubt, but it’s not always easy to replicate that every window.
Everton will need to compete in the market to sign good players. Ball is absolutely right that bringing in young talents is equally essential.
If Borussia Dortmund can lure players like Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland, there’s no reason to believe why Everton cannot replicate that model.
At the same time, it requires a proper platform and the willingness from the club to take risks as well.
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