Everton’s recruitment over the last decade has been incredibly hit-and-miss.
There have been some real successes like Jordan Pickford, who was signed for a then-club-record £30m from Sunderland in 2017.
Pickford has established himself as England’s number one and is widely considered one of the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League.
Jarrad Branthwaite has been a fantastic addition, as he was signed for just £1m from Carlisle United in 2020.
However, the transfer blunders probably far outweigh the successes, with the likes of Davy Klassen and Jean-Philippe Gbamin instantly springing to mind.
Ruben Vinagre would probably fall into the category, too, after his underwhelming loan spell during the 2022/23 season.
Vinagre made just four appearances as he suffered from injuries but it was the Everton doctors who actually saved his career, as they recommended him to get surgery despite previous medical professionals advising against it.
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Ruben Vinagre reinvented in Poland after Everton doctors advised surgery
Former Everton defender Ruben Vinagre has been reflecting on the moment which changed the trajectory of his career, as Toffees doctors advised him to get surgery on an injury which wasn’t healing.
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“I felt that in Sporting, after the injury, I could never fight to show my true value again,” Vinagre explained.
“Because the injury was not treated well, I ended up having surgery later, later, the next year. Only after this operation I felt, okay, I’m back to my level.
“At the time it was decided not to operate, and later, after realising that I had a lot of difficulties doing a lot of things, I talked to experts at Everton, and everyone said they had to operate. They operated and it was the best thing I did in my life, because even walking… (was difficult).”
Vinagre now reinvented in Poland
Vinagre is now plying his trade in Poland with Legia Warsaw, who are enjoying an exceptional campaign in the UEFA Conference League.
The 25-year-old has been influential for Legia this season, laying on a whopping nine assists from left-back.
It seems his injury troubles are long in the past, so while his Everton loan didn’t go to plan, it certainly was a valuable year on Merseyside as he’s now back to his best.
Vinagre’s impressive form will surely earn him a move back to one of Europe’s top five leagues this summer.