OPINION
Everton manager Marco Silva might have been playing the long game heading into the summer transfer window, but with the market coming to a close, fans will still be uncertain about the business conducted at Goodison Park.
With Richarlison and Lucas Digne the only two faces through the door with 24 hours before deadline day, the Toffees faithful will be hoping that the new boss has an ace or three up his sleeves to bolster the first team in a bid to push on from an eighth placed finish last season.
There looks to be another new name for Silva to add to his squad soon enough, with Brazilian winger Bernard reported by Globo E Sport to be on the verge of completing a move to Merseyside on a free transfer, with a medical underway.
However, the Brazilian publication have also stated the supposed details of his contract at Goodison, and the figures suggest that Everton are taking a big money gamble on his capture in more than one way.
Firstly, his reported €6million-a-year contract equates to just over £100,000-a-week, a pricey deal for a man unproven in any of Europe’s top leagues, playing in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk following his move from Brazil.
With a four-year contract touted, that could be a costly move if he fails to hit the ground running, and offloading him if he flops will be no easy task.
Speaking of his potential exit, the Toffees may also find themselves in trouble if he exceeds expectations and dazzles in the Premier League, with a reported £40.5million (€45million) release clause said to be part of his agreement.
In today’s transfer money, that is nothing, and if a big spender from any of Europe’s elite come calling, he will be gone, leaving Everton £40million richer, but with a gap in their squad.
Either way, the Toffees are taking a financial risk on this deal, and they will be hoping it pays off.