Steve Walsh is regarded as an Everton failure by many.
Everton appointed Steve Walsh as their new sporting director in 2016 and it was a hire met with great fanfare at the time.
Walsh had built much of Leicester City’s Premier League title-winning team, unearthing hidden gems like Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante.
But, many of his Everton signings simply didn’t deliver, and he was sacked less than two years into his tenure.
However, years removed from his departure, it turns out Walsh actually recommended a number of top players whom the club decided against signing, with Erling Haaland, Andy Robertson and Harry Maguire being a few notable examples.
Now, another one of his targets has just shone on the big stage.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Steve Walsh target Francesco Acerbi becomes Champions League hero vs Barcelona
Back in 2017, Everton were in the market for a centre-back with Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams both past their peak.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Walsh recommended then-Sassuolo defender Francesco Acerbi, who was valued at around £12m.
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Ultimately, the Toffees opted to spend a whopping £30m on Burnley’s Michael Keane, which has turned out to be a very hit-and-miss recruit.
Meanwhile, Acerbi is ageing like fine wine at Inter Milan and scored a last-minute equaliser against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals last night to take the tie to extra-time, which they subsequently won.
The 37-year-old has established himself as one of the best defenders in Italy and is set to play in the final against either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain.
Everton must learn from past mistakes this summer
Ultimately, it’s decisions like this that have landed Everton in hot water PSR-wise over the last few years.
So, the Friedkin Group must learn from the club’s past mistakes and ensure the correct due diligence is carried out on forthcoming signings.
It’s understood Everton are trying to hire Leeds chief Nicky Hammond, who’s recruitment in the Championship has been near perfect.
The American investors are also eyeing highly-rated talent-spotter Gary Penrice, so the club should be in a much better position to make transfer decisions moving forward.
A big summer awaits the Toffees.