Why Everton made a big blunder by not signing Malcom
According to a report from the Daily Star, Everton manager Marco Silva wanted to sign a left-footed winger to operate on the right flank in the summer transfer window.
The Toffees managed to sign seven players in the summer with as many departing the club. They have started the new Premier League campaign well as they are the only team yet to concede a goal thus far. Marco Silva’s side drew their opening game 0-0 at Crystal Palace, before securing a 1-0 win at Watford last weekend.
Everton found scoring goals tough last season, as Cenk Tosun struggled to live up to the expectations of the Goodison Park.
Silva addressed the need for a new centre-forward with the signing of highly-rated Moise Kean from Juventus. He also strengthened the wide department by adding Alex Iwobi, who’ll compete with the likes of Richarlison, Bernard and Theo Walcott.
The Toffees were also interested in signing Malcom but failed to thrash out a deal and Barcelona later sold the 22-year-old forward to Zenit St. Petersburg.
Malcom struggled for opportunities last term after joining Barcelona from Bordeaux and his hopes were dented further by the arrival of Antoine Griezmann.
His departure from Nou Camp was inevitable and Marco Silva has missed a big trick by not signing him.
Generally, Walcott started on the right-wing in Silva’s 4-2-3-1 formation last season. However, the 30-year-old struggled to hit the top form that made Everton’s attack a tad predictable.
The ex-Arsenal man’s massive dip in form meant this summer would have been the right time for Silva and co. to replace him with a young, dynamic and exciting wide man.
Malcom would have been a perfect fit for the Toffees. He is a left-footed forward that predominantly plays on the right but is also comfortable playing on the left and through the middle.
The Brazilian international is pacey, agile, and skilful and likes to cut in on his right and test the goalkeeper with powerful shots from outside the box.
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The former Barcelona man would have been useful in many ways for Silva, given his sheer talent combined with versatility.
Having already shown his flair at Barcelona despite the restricted playing time under Ernesto Valverde, Malcom wouldn’t have found it much difficult to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
Verdict
Everton did make some exciting signings during the summer transfer market and had they managed to also bring Malcom, Silva’s side would have been favourites to achieve a place in Europe.