Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, is likely to regret not following up on the club’s initial bid for Barcelona striker Vitor Roque. The Blues had submitted a £23.9m bid earlier in August, but failed to improve their offer, allowing Real Betis to secure a loan deal for the Brazilian forward.
This missed opportunity comes at a crucial time for Everton, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s potential exit still looming. The club finds themselves in an uncomfortable position, having missed out on a striker who would have suited Sean Dyche’s team perfectly. Thelwell has had a good summer transfer window otherwise, bringing in players like Illiman Ndiaye, Jasper Linstrom, and Jake O’Brien, but missing out on Roque may be a regret that haunts the club.
Everton’s need for a striker is well-documented, and Roque would have been an excellent addition to the squad. His goalscoring record and ability to play in multiple positions would have made him a valuable asset to Dyche’s team. However, the club’s failure to follow up on their initial bid has allowed Real Betis to swoop in and secure a loan deal.
Thelwell’s decision not to follow up on the initial bid for Roque may be seen as a missed opportunity, especially considering the club’s need for a striker. The transfer window is not yet over, and Everton may still make moves to strengthen their squad before the August 30 deadline. However, the club’s chances of signing a striker of Roque’s caliber are slim, and they may need to focus on holding onto Calvert-Lewin and placing their faith in him until the January window.
In other Everton news, Sean Dyche has named two Everton players set to exit Goodison Park. The club is still active in the transfer market, having approached PSG for midfielder Carlos Soler, but may need to prioritize retaining their current players. With limited options available, Everton may need to cut their losses in pursuing a striker and focus on strengthening other areas of the squad.
Overall, Everton’s failure to sign Vitor Roque is a missed opportunity that may come back to haunt the club. Thelwell’s decision not to follow up on the initial bid may be seen as a regret, especially if the club struggles to find a suitable replacement. However, the transfer window is not yet over, and Everton may still make moves to strengthen their squad before the deadline.