Roberto Martinez is pleased with Everton’s business in the transfer window, even though he missed out on his biggest target, a playmaker.
Everton signed Ramiro Funes Mori and Aaron Lennon on deadline day for a combined total of £14million, but moves for Andriy Yarmolenko and Bernard failed to materialise.
Some Evertonians have voiced their discontent at the club’s business on social media, as Martinez had been discussing the need to bring in a no.10 for months.
But as ever the Catalonian had a positive outlook and told Everton’s official website how happy he was with his recruits:
‘I feel really pleased about the way in which our business during this transfer window will allow us to carry on with the continuity in our squad and develop some of our young talent while adding some outstanding characters to the football club,’ said the former Wigan boss.
‘Four full senior internationals for England, Argentina and Spain reflect the huge calibre of players we have been able to bring in, with some of those – Gerard Deulofeu and Aaron Lennon – already knowing our dressing room and our home.
‘They represent a guarantee in terms of settling in well to our club and adding to our squad.”
‘Our Copa Libertadores winner, Ramiro Funes Mori, will add some qualities that are needed in the team, alongside the bright goalscoring talent that Leandro Rodriguez will represent.”
The Blues also fought off pressure from Chelsea to keep John Stones at the club and no key players were sold for the second summer in a row.
Martinez also talked about the youth signings he made this summer and how they will help the Toffeemen’s future as part of Everton’s ‘golden generation.’
‘The window has been very positive for us in being able to bring in more exceptional young talent in the likes of Mason Holgate and David Henen, who represent a really exciting future, along with other talented players we’re developing at our football club.’
