Kieran Maguire: Everton ‘close to the FFP limit’ as Benitez talks confirmed
Everton may not have dismissed Rafael Benitez as to do so would “push them close to the limit” in terms of financial fair play.
So say finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Benitez’s chances of a long-term stay on Merseyside.
The Spaniard was involved in a behind-the-scenes power struggle with ex-director of football Marcel Brand, as revealed by this site on 1 December.
Brands, who was seen as responsible for a transfer strategy that culminated in an annual loss of £139.9million last year, left the club a week later.
As relayed by The Guardian last Saturday (25 December), Benitez confirmed that he has since reassured Everton’s academy prospects that there is pathway to the first team under his stewardship.
Maguire claims that Benitez’ talks with Toffees rising stars indicate that he is here to stay.
The finance expert also insists that Everton’s dire financial situation will have factored into the board’s decision to keep hold of Benitez.
“Their FFP situation would certainly impact any decision,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“Everton have relatively little wiggle room compared to other clubs in the Premier League.
“Benitez has not been there very long so his advisors would expect full compensation.
“That would push them close to the limit if they did dismiss him. They have been trying to get players off the books.
“In the main, they are not going because Everton have probably overpaid. And these discussions would indicate that Benitez himself is going to stay. “
Everton have won just one of their last 11 matches and are 15th in the league table.
They face 19th-place Newcastle United on Thursday (30 November).
In other news, pundit tips Everton to complete Nathan Patterson signing after Rangers twist.