If there’s one thing Everton probably regret doing in the summer transfer window, it is letting Beto go.
That’s not because the striker was prolific on Merseyside, or indeed particularly well loved, but because of the situation his departure left Everton in.
Their failure to get the deal for Folarin Balogun over the line on deadline day meant that Thierno Barry was left as the only recognised striker in David Moyes’ squad.
Even though selling Beto and bringing in €18m made sense – at least financially – it’s easy to imagine the Everton manager would like to have him back at his disposal now.
And the striker may be wishing he was still at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as well. Why? Because his move to Fiorentina has been nothing short of a nightmare.
Regrets over summer business
As Fiorentina Uno explain, that Fiorentina’s squad is currently failing to meet expectations. And one of the most pressing issues is in their attack.
The departure of Moise Kean left a significant void in the squad that the management are yet to fill. The players brought in to replace him have not delivered as hoped, and Beto is one of those players.
Indeed, the summer signing from Everton is the ‘primary concern’. He has so far failed to showcase his strengths or justify the €18m spent on him. He has also failed to find the back of the net.
Fiorentina signed him for his strengths – most notably his physicality and ability to attack the space behind the defence – but neither of those have been on show. Even his appearances off the bench have been less than convincing.
Worrying situation
Fiorentina’s manager has tried to shield the striker publicly. But time – and it seems patience – is running out in Florence. Even fans are beginning to lose faith in the summer signing. They certainly expected something different.
Now sporting director Fabio Paratici has a decision to make. Writing Beto off now would be a significant decision given the money spent on him.
That’s not really an option anyway as Beto can’t play for another club until next season. He’s already played for Everton and Fiorentina this season, locking him out of a move.
The club need to find a way to make the move work out. They want the player who impressed at Udinese and had his moments in England with Everton. Right now, he’s nowhere to be seen. The summer move is nothing short of a disaster.
