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Everton’s new Director of Football Marcel Brands is very willing to be the new broom that sweeps clean a Goodison Park cupboard full of old, average or both players. While he and new manager Marco Silva have already identified some players they would like to clear out before they make some big signings in key areas, there are some others that might choose to leave of their own accord.
Speaking to the Daily Mail following the official interviews yesterday at USM Finch Farm, Brands revealed that he knew he would have to have some uncomfortable conversations with players regarding selling them on -
“We have to be honest when we take the decision with these players, do they have prospects here at Everton? Because yeah, some of the conversations will not be nice, but it has to be honest.”
Brands could be looking to reduce the squad size at Everton by a dozen or so players -
“Let’s say about 25-30 players. But now there are 38 players and a lot of them are not young players any more.
“Yes (Everton will sell to buy), but it’s not only a money thing. Of course money is also important, but it is also for a coach it is not workable to start with 38 players in your squad.
“I think we have to look for a squad Marco can work with and I think there always has to be space for young players to come to the first team.”
Silva had previously said yesterday that he had a list of big names that he wanted the Blues to go after this summer, but it was a short list in size.
Dominic King of the Daily Mail added that he thought Morgan Schneiderlin was one of the players who are choosing to be sold.
Brands knows a difficult summer in store with players on big contracts who will be reluctant to leave. Some want to go, though - Morgan Schneiderlin being one. Story on @MailSport
— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) June 5, 2018
Schneiderlin has had a topsy-turvy season with the Toffees, coming under fire earlier for some lackadaisical performances which culminated in his being sent away from training along with Kevin Mirallas following an altercation with then interim manager David Unsworth and coaching staff Duncan Ferguson. The Frenchman appeared to regain form later in the season but the goodwill with the fans appears lost and he has reiterated his desire to make a fresh start, likely in France.