Everton were on top of the world under Carlo Ancelotti when his reign truly began at the start of the 2020/21 season.

Having identified the gaping hole that was the Toffees midfield, he set out to fix it by adding Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan into the fold.

The decision to acquire the Brazilian, who was 29 at the time of signing, was one which indicated that the Italian was there to bring instant success.

He then had them sat top of the table having won their opening seven games in all competitions, with James Rodriguez’s classy displays lighting up an empty Goodison Park.

Looking back on that now, it seems like a fever dream.

What progress was made during that season was melted away after Ancelotti abruptly left for Real Madrid, and Rafa Benitez arrived to cull the club of all hope.

The signings like Allan for £25m (including add-ons), who were intended to bring instant success, changed from statements of intent to money misspent on ageing talent.

These moves did not take Everton any closer to their European dreams, although at first they seemed that they might, because the project remained unfinished.

Having now left for Saudi Arabia, he spent 107 weeks on Merseyside. Many would argue during his time at the club actually reverted.

That’s not to completely blame the 31-year-old, although he did sit on wages of £70k-per-week whilst only featuring 57 times for the club. In total, he has cost Everton around £32.5m.

He was advertised as a tough-tackling midfield general upon arrival, who could win and carry the ball whilst also possessing the talent to deliver in the final third.

Across these appearances, he did not score and only assisted three times, compared to the 11 he scored and 17 he set up for his former side Napoli.

Broadcaster and Everton fan, Dave Downie, at one point during Allan's Everton career, labelled him an “imposter” with regard to how he would go missing when playing away from home.

When signing a seasoned professional like him, Evertonians rightly expected a lot.

However, they were ultimately let down by him and the whole promise that was sold by Ancelotti.

That period will always be remembered with fondness, but at the end of the day, it is another example of Farhad Moshiri’s spending once again going to waste.