Hang your head in shame Rafa Benitez as Everton transfer blunder cuts even deeper after last night

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Everton’s recruitment during the Farhad Moshiri era was extremely hit and miss.

The likes of Richarlison, Jordan Pickford and current fan favourite Iliman Ndiaye have been successful buys for Everton.

But sandwiched between them are several big-money recruits who totally flopped, with Davy Klassen and Jean-Philippe Gbamin instantly springing to mind.

However, not all the blame can be pinned on the recruitment team, as former sporting director Marcel Brands actually recommended some really talented players who managers would sometimes turn down.

That’s certainly the case for Rafa Benitez, who rejected the chance to sign a player who just starred against Barcelona last night.

• READ MORE: Everton fans are starting to worry about David Moyes after hearing what he wants to do this summer

Former Everton target Denzel Dumfries shines vs Barcelona

According to the Liverpool Echo, Marcel Brands wanted to bring then-PSV right-back Denzel Dumfries to Goodison Park in 2021.

Dumfries had just come off the back of a sensational EURO 2021 campaign, however, Rafa Benitez turned down Brands’ suggestion.

Now, four years on, the Dutchman has established himself as one of the best wingbacks in Italy with giants Inter Milan.

Dumfries starred in the Champions League semi-finals last night against Barcelona, netting two goals to hold the Catalan club to a 3-3 draw.

So, in hindsight, it was a real transfer blunder by Benitez.

Everton still shopping for a right-back years later

Everton are still searching for a long-term successor to Seamus Coleman, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

The Toffees have earmarked Tariq Lamptey as a target, whilst Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters has been linked over the last few months.

Both are set to be available on free transfers, so it seems the club are keen to recruit a cheaper option to allocate more funds elsewhere.

Everton have been eyeing Sunderland’s £40m-rated Chris Rigg, who is one of the hottest properties in the Championship.

Whilst big-money moves for Liam Delap and Kieran Dewsbury-Hall have also been mooted.