Tony Scott has been speaking on the All Together Now podcast about how Everton managed to secure the signing of Dwight McNeil.
Despite Everton being in a tough position when it comes to finances, they sold Richarlison this summer which landed them a cool £60m, and they have finally reinvested some of that into the squad with the signing of McNeil – their first and thus far only permanent arrival on a transfer fee – despite previous interest in ex-Clarets teammate Maxwel Cornet.
It has been reported that McNeil will cost Everton around £20m, which may be seen as a lot for a winger that managed just one goal or assist in Burnley’s relegation season, but that doesn’t paint the full picture, according to Scott.
McNeil is not going to cost Everton £20m upfront, as Scott has gone on to explain.
He said: “I think from what we’re hearing there, I think what they tried to do with the Cornet situation, we tried to get him on loan, I think we heard.
Will McNeil be a success at Everton?
Yes!
No!
“The way it’s structured apparently, the McNeil deal, it’s a £5m or £6m downpayment for the first season and then the rest follow on with a lot of add-ons.”
TIF Thoughts on the McNeil deal…
It was obvious that Everton and Frank Lampard needed reinforcements in the final third once Richarlison left, as he registered 15 goal involvements in the league for them last season, however, it remains to be seen whether midfielder McNeil will be part of the answer.
The 22-year-old will arrive with a lot of experience, having racked up 134 Premier League appearances during his time with Burnley, but it’s very difficult to look past his average record in the final third of just 24 goal involvements in the top flight, however, for an initial downpayment of just £5-6m as Scott claims, it could be an astute piece of business.