Everton turned down the chance to sign Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson while he was at Hull City, according to former Toffees’ director of football Steve Walsh.
The ex-Leicester City scout, who oversaw they recruitment during their incredible title win in 2016, has claimed that the Blues passed up on the chance to land the Scottish captain and Manchester United colossus Harry Maguire for a combined fee of just £20 million.
Speaking to the Athletic, he said: “While I was at Everton, I offered them Andrew Robertson and Harry Maguire deals, when they were at Hull, and it was worth £20 million for the pair.
“Everton wouldn’t take them.”
OPINION
There are mistakes, and then there are calamities, and this firmly falls into the category of the latter. To have Robertson offered up to you on a plate and to turn him down is borderline criminal. Obviously, back then, the Scot wasn’t the all-conquering elite level talent that he is now, but his potential was plain to see, and with Walsh going as far as to recommend the move, this is really a blunder that Everton will want to forget in a hurry. From Liverpool’s point of view, however, it couldn’t have worked out much better. Since arriving from Hull, Robertson has made himself into a vital player for the Reds, and his average match rating of 7.30 this season, as per Whoscored, is perfect illustration of just how consistently excellent he is. With four goals and an assist already in the Premier League this season, he is flying, and it’s hard to imagine him playing anywhere but Anfield these days.
