Everton’s recruitment has been really hit-and-miss over the last decade.
During Farhad Moshiri’s reign, the Toffees made a number of transfer blunders, with Davy Klassen and Jean-Phillippe Gbamin as notable examples.
Even in more recent years, the likes of Beto haven’t really lived up to his lofty price tag, though, it looks like he could be reborn under David Moyes.
Signings haven’t been the only issue, though, as Everton have also missed out on far too many opportunities in the market.
The Toffees came close to signing Luis Diaz in 2021, but Rafael Benitez blocked the transfer after deeming him a risk.
And, there’s another transfer blunder that’s just coming to light as a striker offered to the club in 2023 is now the top scorer in one of Europe’s biggest leagues.
Everton offered Mateo Retegui in 2023
It’s now resurfaced that Everton were offered then Boca Juniors striker Mateo Retegui during the summer of 2023, per 90min.
Ultimately, for whatever reason, the Toffees passed up on the opportunity to sign the promising centre-forward and now he’s plying his trade in Italy with Atalanta.
Retegui has enjoyed a prolific campaign, netting 23 times in 33 outings and he’s currently leading the top scorer charts in Serie A, just ahead of former Everton man Moise Kean, ironically.
His form has alerted Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, who have been keeping tabs on his situation with a £49m pricetag mooted.
The 16-cap Italy international is considered ‘world class’ and it’s another case of ‘what could’ve been’ for Everton.
Everton should try to sign Retegui this summer
Over the last few years, players like Retegui, at this stage of his career, have been completely unattainable for Everton.
But now with the Friedkin Group at the helm and a substantial budget at Moyes’ disposal this summer, perhaps the club should launch an ambitious bid to sign the Atalanta frontman.
Moyes has spoken of his desire to sign elite players to match the first-class new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock, so this would be the perfect chance to get the ball rolling on that vision.
If Everton can continue to push on and up the table, they’ll become a much more attractive proposition for talented players on the continent.
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