When Rafa Benitez took over as Everton manager, he needed a vibrant start to life at Goodison Park in order to banish the controversy of his appointment.

Not being given much to spend in the transfer market, therefore, would not have helped his cause.

What’s the word?

Fortunately, despite spending a very minimal sum of money over the summer, Everton have started the campaign vibrantly.

The Toffees are just a point off top spot and some of their recent acquisitions have hit the ground running with aplomb.

Another positive is that they’ve been able to shift James Rodriguez from the wage bill. His salary proved a major stumbling point in terms of recruiting new faces but he has finally left on a permanent basis.

Speaking amid his sale, Fabrizio Romano had some exciting news for supporters.

He said on the Here We Go podcast: “Rafa Benitez was confirming that saving James Rodriguez’ salary was important to have more opportunities to plan for January.

“Also to sign one or maybe two new players, so with James leaving for Everton now, they have the opportunity of thinking of something new – they will do it.”

Fans buzzing

The four words ‘they will do it’ have surely sent Everton supporters into a mini-frenzy.

They will be the first to admit that their summer window was a disappointment. The fans are used to seeing massive sums of money spent during their transfer markets so after just £1.7m was shed, concerns were rightfully raised.

However, Benitez has triumphed significantly since becoming the new manager with his signings flourishing.

He has transformed Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend into considerable threats, something that supporters certainly wouldn’t have expected.

The former had found the net on just 13 occasions in 169 outings for Leicester while the latter is someone who’s now in the twilight of his career.

Incredibly, Townsend is now the club’s top-scorer on four strikes and Gray is shining on a regular basis with four goal involvements of his own.

If you combine those shrewd additions with an eye-catching arrival in January, something Romano hints could happen, the Toffees should be in an extremely good position for the second half of the season.

After all, the Toffees are still near the summit of the table despite missing Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin through injury.

Their returns, combined with a set of new signings in a few months time will only make them better. Everton fans should be delighted with ongoing developments at Goodison Park.

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