Michael Ball shares major Beto reveal from Everton – ‘I’ve heard…’
Everton’s financial issues have hampered the Goodison Park outfit in recent years and Beto is an example of that.
The disastrous ownership of Farhad Moshiri led to points deductions and the Blues constantly fought against relegation under his reign.
They had to shop in the bargain bin rather than bringing in the best talent as Profit and Sustainability regulations wreaked havoc on Kevin Thelwell‘s recruitment plans.
Beto did not cost Everton any upfront money
The Blues’ Sporting director Thelwell is set to join Rangers when his contract expires at the end of the season as the club go in a different direction.
Michael Ball has revealed that the 51-year-old did not pay any fee upfront for two striker signings when asked about his reputation as a negotiator ahead of his move to Scotland.
Speaking to the Daily Record (25 April), he said: “I’ve heard he’s a mean negotiator. He brought two players – Youssef Chermiti and Beto – that cost the club no money up front, only future instalments.
“Getting a club to give you their prize asset without offering up a single penny of up-front cash is pretty impressive.
“There’s a joke going round Liverpool that we’re paying for these guys on Klarna! But it just shows his adaptability.”
Thelwell should take credit for Beto deal
Beto has emerged as a genuine option to lead the line for Everton this season as Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign and looks set to leave upon the expiry of his contract.
The 27-year-old has notched eight goals in 29 matches in all competitions, with the majority of those strikes coming when David Moyes returned to Merseyside.
| Stats (Premier League) | Beto |
| Matches | 25 |
| Started | 10 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Minutes played | 1120 |
His goal return has dwindled recently, and he has gone seven matches without a strike hitting the back of the net after a run of five in five beforehand.
However, he has shown that he can score goals in the Premier League if given the service and should be able to thrive if Moyes can bring in attacking reinforcements in the summer.
It promises to be an exciting summer for Toffees supporters as the Friedkin Group are set to back Moyes but they would be wise to remember the work that Thelwell did, when the club was at one of its lowest points and he was working with a shoestring.
Negotiating deals that have no upfront fee for a club that was in the Blues’ position at the time is a brilliant move, and if the instalments are met, then they have probably performed well.