Five game-changing signings Everton missed out on under Kevin Thelwell

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As Kevin Thelwell’s time at Everton is coming to a close, many will look back on his tenure with mixed emotions.

It’s hard to say Thelwell was successful with the Toffees but you can’t half give him some credit for the job that was laid out for the Director of Football.

With their being mixed emotions it seems as though his departure has been taken well as Everton fans have praised Thelwell.

The fact he took on the task in 2022 says a lot about his character, as Everton were in deep water with the Premier League, but all in all, he’s managed the whole situation remarkably.

Thelwell didn’t exactly lack in the scouting department, as the DoF sprung up some exciting names, and these are the five best that would’ve made excellent additions.

Mohammed Kudus

A player David Moyes will certainly know well, being he was the one that signed him for West Ham.

Mohammed Kudus proved to be a great piece of business for the Scotsman in his first season, as Moyes would no doubt love to replicate a signing like the Ghanaian in his second spell with the Toffees.

Hopefully, it will be inspired for Moyes, as Thelwell himself had a look in before the Everton boss got the deal done with the Hammers.

Everything looked good for the Toffees though as Kudus had a deal agreed with Everton but it was Antony’s move to Manchester United which ruined Thelwell’s chances with Ajax not wanting to sell two wingers, as the deal was just wrong timing.

Viktor Gyokeres

One of the best strikers in world football at the minute was seemingly spotted by Thelwell early on, as Viktor Gyokeres could’ve been repping the Blue of Everton.

Whilst at Coventry City, Gyokeres had a £25m asking price set, which is unfathomable now as the Swede is valued at £83m, due to his release clause with Sporting.

Of course, this signing will never happen now, but Thelwell having a keen eye proves his credentials.

Everton had their chance with Gyokeres, as Thelwell almost completed the deal of a lifetime.

READ MORE: Premier League winner says David Moyes almost signed him at Everton, but he chose Joleon Lescott instead

Luis Diaz

A controversial one to say the least, but this signing was extremely close to happening in a brilliant spot from Thelwell.

Before Diaz made the move to the red side of Merseyside, Everton were inches away from signing the Colombian.

The only reason it didn’t happen in the summer of 2021, was down to James Rodriguez’s failed return to Porto.

To make matters worse, Diaz saw Everton as a ‘priority’ but instead Jurgen Klopp came sniffing.

Adam Wharton

Arguably the most promising talent coming out of English football at the moment is Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Thelwell hit the nail on the head with this one.

As Blackburn Rovers were looking increasingly likely to lose their prized possession, Everton joined the likes of Newcastle United in 2023.

Around £12m for Wharton was all it took to get over the line, but again bad timing set Everton up for failure.

How Moyes would love a midfielder like the 21-year-old now, as the youngster looks like England’s next best thing.

Serhou Guirassy

The final one on this list would’ve no doubt finally replaced Romelu Lukaku at Everton, as still to this day the Toffees have struggled to emulate the Belgian.

It was thought Guiarassy was the perfect option for Everton, but for some reason unknown, the background team just didn’t quite find legs in this deal.

Thelwell once again showed his excellent eye for talent, as after their interest in the summer of 2022, the striker took Europe by storm and still does to this day.

The 29-year-old completes the list of what could’ve been at Everton, as Thelwell’s knowledge of the game will be missed, now the baton is handed over to Angus Kinnear, as The Friedkin Group are hopefully building something special.