09 March 2024 , 13:33
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Wayne Rooney believes Everton are paying the price for their 'strange' signings in recent years and identified Gylfi Sigurdsson as one such player.
The Iceland international was signed for £45million in the summer of 2017. Rooney made his Goodison Park return in the same window and was left confused by Everton's moves in the transfer market.
Manchester United's top scorer was surprised to see the Toffees add so many No.10s during that period, with Davy Klaassen also arriving for £24m and an £8m move for Nikola Vlasic completed. Ross Barkley was already in the Everton squad before moving to Chelsea the following January.
Ronald Koeman was in charge as Everton utilised their biggest ever transfer budget having qualified for the Europa League. The Dutchman was relieved of his duties by October 2017.
Rooney believes the mismanagement at that time has had a hand in the club's current predicament.
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He said: "I was very confused at the time because you had a lot of No.10s coming in at the same time for big money, players like Gylfi Sigurdsson, Davy Klaassen, Vlasic. Some of the signings were a bit strange and I think they’re paying the price for that now.
"I think they tried to show ambition, tried to get into Europe on a consistent level but it didn’t work out and now they’re paying the price."
Gylfi Sigurdsson was released by Everton (GETTY)Everton were handed a 10-point deduction this term, since reduced to six, for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules. Sean Dyche's side could yet face further punishment after being alleged to have broken the regulations for a second time.
Rooney believes it will be a worry for everyone at the club. "It’s very difficult," he said.
"Not just for the fans and the players but the staff who work at the club behind the scenes who love it. I know many of the staff at Everton who absolutely love that club and it’s hard to see, you get frustrated, you get down and it’s difficult for them to process.
"As a player, you can go out on the pitch and make a difference but for everyone else, they have to watch and hope really. Hopefully they don’t get more points deducted, I think everyone is worried in case they do.
"In the last few seasons, it’s been very difficult because they’ve been fighting in relegation battles and just managing to survive and the fans haven’t been happy with the board. It’s been broken to be honest, and Everton is a massive club and you hope they can get back close to where they used to be."
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