Sean Dyche could be about repeat Roberto Martinez transfer mistake at Everton

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Everton’s unruly approach to transfers over the last decade has been a major factor in their recent financial struggles.

Ridiculous overspending on players without a clear plan has left them hamstrung and seeking to fight the Premier League’s recent punishment, which saw them docked ten points back in November.

Then, just last week saw another alleged breach announced.

If they are to sign anyone this window it will have to be born of ingenuity and frugality, thus explaining their interest in Krasnodar forward Jhon Cordoba.

However, Kevin Thelwell and Sean Dyche might be wary of repeating old mistakes, given one of the club’s higher-profile blunders came from that same Russian league.

Who is Jhon Cordoba?

A Colombian marksman who had enjoyed spells in both Spain and Germany before moving to Russia, the 30-year-old has enjoyed a fine few seasons of late despite the quality of his division being somewhat lacking.

His most infamous spell came with FC Koln, yet his tally of 37 goals in 86 games has already been dwarfed by the 38 goals and 18 assists he has already posted in 73 games for FC Krasnodar.

Those three years with the German outfit did see him lauded though, with Hertha sporting director (at the time) Michael Preetz noting: ‘Jhon has already proven himself in the Bundesliga and, in addition to his goal threat, he brings the attributes we’re looking for in attack: he’s powerful, dynamic and assertive.’

And whilst their interest in the £7m forward might prove exciting, particularly due to the opportunity to defer the payment, it is hard not to draw comparisons between Cordoba and Oumar Niasse.

How did Oumar Niasse play for Everton?

When he was tempted to Goodison Park in 2016, under the leadership of Roberto Martinez, fans were understandably excited after watching highlight reels that painted the picture of a refined marksman with a keen eye for goal.

After all, in the half-a-season before signing he had just notched eight goals and seven assists in the Premier Liga, as well as a further seven goal contributions in just six Europa League appearances.

The forward was undeniably thriving for Lokomotiv Moscow, and he promised to do so again at Everton for just £13.5m.

However, it quickly became clear that he was far from the player everyone thought he was.

Clumsy and painfully unorthodox, the 33-year-old actually grew into something of a cult hero figure due to his awkward play style which proved profitable for a very short period.

Apart from that, he would score just nine goals in 42 appearances for the Toffees, and has more recently been bouncing around the English football pyramid.

Ludicrous spells with Morecambe FC, Burton Albion and more recently Macclesfield Town detail the level he has now settled at, and whilst Cordoba is unlikely to be that bad, Niasse offers a word of caution for those coming straight from Russia to England.