Yet to find the replacement for Romelu Lukaku for when the Belgian eventually leaves Goodison Park, Everton did their best in the January, but eventually pulled the plug.
The target was Standard Liège’s Ishak Belfodil, with the transfer being reported in Belgium as all but done, yet when Ronald Koeman was asked to make a decision, the Dutchman said ‘no’.
The reason behind this remains a mystery, with some saying it was the Algeria international’s behavioural issues, while other claim agents who weren’t initially involved in the negotiations tried to get a piece of the action, and made the deal collapse.
Belfodil’s dream was to play in England, and Everton offered him that very opportunity, but his form since the failed transfer has been nothing short of a nightmare.
Six appearances and no goals, just the one assist, have led to a few questions surrounding whether or not the whole January ordeal got to him.
However, as his agent revealed to Sport/Foot this week, the cancelled transfer to the Toffees has had to little to no impact on his client.
He said: “His drop in form is clear, and he doesn’t deny it, but it has nothing to do with Everton. He quickly closed that chapter. His disappointment only lasted a few hours, he quickly moved on. He’s a professional who has known ups and downs in his career, and knows exactly how football business works.”
The 25-year-old striker, despite his recent poor run of form, has been a key member of Liège this season, scoring 14 goals in 31 appearances and helping out with six assists.
