Everton’s opening weekend victory was one that deserted the tone that had been set in pre-season.
Supporters were displeased at Rafa Benitez’s appointment and following a 4-0 defeat last weekend after a lacklustre approach to the market, everything looked negative.
However, step forward Richarlison, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin who caused Goodison Park to erupt on Saturday afternoon.
What’s the word?
It’s no secret that Everton have struggled to spend this summer but in light of their first win over Southampton, the Toffees may be on the verge of securing their fourth summer signing.
This comes after deals were completed for Andros Townsend, Demarai Gray and Asmir Begovic.
The Merseyside outfit have been trying to conclude a deal for Aurelio Buta over the last few days and a fresh update suggests the right-back is closer to joining.
Journalist Rudy Galetti took to Twitter on Saturday to say the following: “Advanced talks between Everton and Antwerp for Aurelio Buta. The offer for the right-back (around €4m) is under discussion. Evolving situation.”
Benitez will be delighted
Heading into the summer, acquiring a right-back was one of the most important issues to solve for Benitez. Consequently, this potential signing should please him greatly.
Their only convincing option in that third of the pitch is Seamus Coleman but his contract expires next summer, meaning they’d be without any full-back on the right.
It has been a frustrating few months with the Toffees ultimately missing out on what looked like their first option; Denzel Dumfries.
Although Inter Milan ended up signing him from PSV for just €12.5m (£10.6m) it proved to be too much for Everton in a window where their finances are severely restricted.
Buta, therefore, represents a handy alternative in a position where Benitez simply has to sign someone.
It’s hardly a marquee signing but at the age of 32, Coleman is going to need some sort of rest and rotation as the campaign plays out.
Therefore, the arrival of the Angolan-born defender would allow the Toffees to do that at a bargain price.
This isn’t the situation that Everton’s new manager dreamed of when he first signed on the dotted line at Goodison Park. He couldn’t spend how he wanted at Newcastle so it may have been an initial source of frustration for Benitez.
However, the way he’s commanded the market for bargains has been smart and this is a further move that should relieve his frustration.