Nick Ware

Thu 21 October 2021 15:10, UK

Norwich City chiefs were left infuriated with the conduct of Marcel Brands when Ben Godfrey made the switch to Everton last year.

The Telegraph‘s John Percy and Sam Dean published a report today highlighting the “slick transfer strategy” at Aston Villa, but there was also a mention for Everton, though not in the most favourable of lights.

“Norwich, however, were impressed with [Christian] Purslow’s professionalism and conduct during negotiations [for Emiliano Buendia], in contrast to the talks when Everton signed Ben Godfrey last October. At that time Norwich were said to be annoyed with Everton’s director of football, Marcel Brands, who they believe talked down to them as if they were a small club.”

Brash Brands?

Brands hasn’t made himself the most popular figure on Merseyside with a slew of uncertain signings over the last few years, and it appears that he is not making many friends at boardroom level either.

Godfrey joined the Blues in a £25million [The Athletic] deal last year and has gone on to make himself a firm favourite among the Goodison faithful with some powerful and industrious performances.

Everton supporters are unlikely to be too bothered by the dealings undertaken by Brands behind-the-scenes, as long as the Dutchman brings in top-quality signings to improve the first-team squad and team.

However, making enemies among other clubs in England may not be the wisest move as that can lead to strained relationships which disrupt potential future negotiations for players.

Norwich have a few talents that Everton may consider in the future, notably Max Aarons and Todd Cantwell, but perhaps the Canaries will make life more difficult for Brands and co if they come calling.

In other Everton news, the Blues have made contact over this striker that Pep Guardiola called ‘Incredible’, and a January transfer is on the cards.

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