Outspoken pundit and sports presenter Richard Keys has boldly predicted Everton finish above Liverpool in the next campaign after the two Merseyside clubs’ summer business to date.
The Toffees have moved swiftly this window to secure their targets as they prepare for a Europa League campaign with each of Michael Keane, Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen, Sandro Ramirez and Wayne Rooney all joining, while Henry Onyekuru was also signed before being sent out on loan to Anderlecht.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are running at a slower pace despite qualifying for the Champions League themselves and they have so far only added youngster Dominic Solanke from Chelsea and Mohamaed Salah from AS Roma.
Now, after Rooney’s addition on Sunday afternoon Keys told his followers via his personal Twitter account that he was “loving” Everton’s summer business and that they would finish above Liverpool next season.
https://twitter.com/richardajkeys/status/884036561725251584
This is somewhat of a bold claim from Keys given that Liverpool have only failed to finish above Everton twice in the past seven years.
Additionally, there was a clear 15 points separating the two Merseyside rivals in the league last season and neither team will have the advantage of a short fixture list in the next campaign with both playing in Europe.
It will also be a massive failure for manager Jurgen Klopp if Liverpool fall out of the top four with him in charge, while Ronald Koeman may have to take Everton into the Champions League spots for the first time since 2005 if they are to finish above Liverpool.