‘NEVER AGAIN’ Cost the club £33m: Everton must really regret “the worst signing of the Moshiri era” – opinion

Everton’s £33m Mistake: The Jean-Philippe Gbamin Fiasco

Farhad Moshiri’s tenure as Everton’s majority owner has been marred by questionable transfer decisions. One of the most egregious errors was the £25m signing of Jean-Philippe Gbamin from Mainz in 2019. The Ivorian midfielder’s time at Goodison Park was an unmitigated disaster, earning him the unwanted distinction of “the worst signing of the Moshiri era.”

Gbamin’s Promising Start

Mainz’s reluctance to sell Gbamin, coupled with interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, suggested Everton had secured a top talent. Marco Silva’s project needed a dynamic midfielder, and Gbamin’s £75k-per-week wages reflected his potential.

Injury-Plagued Tenure

However, Gbamin’s Everton career was ravaged by injuries. He managed just six appearances, struggling to adapt to the Premier League’s demands. Two loan spells, with CSKA Moscow and Trabzonspor, failed to revitalize his career.

Financial Fallout

Gbamin’s contract termination in 2023, followed by a move to Dunkerque, brought an end to a costly experiment. Everton absorbed a staggering £33m loss, equivalent to £4m per appearance.

Comparison to Idrissa Gueye

The re-signing of Idrissa Gueye in 2022, for £2m, highlighted the Gbamin fiasco. Moshiri effectively admitted defeat, revisiting a proven player rather than nurturing new talent.

Lessons Learned

As the Friedkin Group prepares to take over Everton, they must learn from Moshiri’s mistakes:

1. Due diligence: Thoroughly assess potential signings to avoid costly missteps.
2. Adaptability: Ensure recruits can handle the Premier League’s physicality and intensity.
3. Squad balance: Prioritize cohesive team building over individual talent.

Everton’s Revival

Sean Dyche’s recent improvements offer hope, but sustained success demands smarter transfer strategies. The Toffees must:

1. Identify undervalued gems.
2. Foster youth development.
3. Strengthen squad depth.

Conclusion

Jean-Philippe Gbamin’s Everton tenure serves as a cautionary tale. As the club embarks on a new era, they must prioritize shrewd transfer decisions to reclaim their status as a Premier League force.

Key Takeaways:

1. Jean-Philippe Gbamin’s £25m transfer to Everton proved disastrous.
2. Injury struggles limited Gbamin to six appearances.
3. Everton absorbed a £33m loss on Gbamin’s contract.
4. The club re-signed Idrissa Gueye, highlighting Gbamin’s failure.
5. The Friedkin Group’s takeover offers a fresh start for Everton.