In many ways, an unwanted elite player is a bit of a misnomer. How can someone be classed as elite if the big sides don’t want them? But Philippe Coutinho and James Rodriguez can hardly be classed as anything but.
Learning From The Past
Everton have tried to do this before and failed, but their transfer policy has shifted since the crazy months of 2017/2018 that saw over 100 million pounds spent and an influx of attacking players that contributed little. Davy Klaasen, Cenk Tonsun and even Theo Walcott all struggled on the field but came in on big money.
But now they’ve set their sights a little higher and purchases of Barcelona castoffs Yerry Mina, Lucas Digne and Andre Gomes have largely worked. Links with Rodriguez and Coutinho show the ambition to try and take the club into the top six and beyond, using players with a proven track record at a higher level.
Just because the pair have fallen out of favour with the European elites doesn’t mean they can’t come in and play to a high level in the Premier League and Toffies fans should be excited by the rumours.
Mouth Watering
At a base level, Everton have a good squad. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison are fine players but they need more support in forward areas and a bit more quality to get the ball of them. Coutinho or Rodriguez could provide the ammunition that keeps the pair firing throughout the rest of the season and beyond.
Another thing to consider could be the future of Richarlison, who has been the subject of some speculation over his next destination. A high quality arrival could help lessen the pain of anyone leaving.