On this day in 2019, Carlo Ancelotti signed a 4-and-a-half-year deal at Goodison Park, sending Everton fans into a frenzy of excitement.
Following a period of palpable optimism, the Italian made a surprise return to Real Madrid in June 2021. So much has changed around Goodison Park since then, with Everton’s current starting XI completely unrecognisable from Ancelotti’s short spell at the club.
Indeed, the Champions League winner made 8 signings as Everton boss, but where are they now?
The first recruit of the Ancelotti era was quite understated, with teenage centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite joining in January of 2020 from Carlisle United. There are high hopes for the young defender, and following a loan at Ewood Park, Branthwaite is currently at Eredivisie club PSV until the end of the season. One for the future.
It would be summer 2020 before Ancelotti brought in his next recruit, another youngster in the form of right-back Niels Nkounkou who joined for free from Marseille. Currently on loan at Cardiff City
Brazilian Allan reunited with his former coach, joining the Blues from Napoli for £21 million. A regular starter for 2 seasons, he was a consistent performer, but departed to UAE side Al Wahda in the summer.
James Rodriguez was the statement signing that we had all been hoping for, and after initially living up to the hype, the Colombian suffered a series of injuries. Soon after Ancelotti’s departure, James left for Qatari side Al-Rayyan and is now at Olympiacos.
Next up was the £20 million signing of Abdoulaye Doucoure from Watford. The Malian international has since seen game time limited, slipping down the midfield pecking order. Linked with a move to Fulham, it is likely the 29-year-old will soon depart Goodison.
A further £20 million was spent on Ben Godfrey of Norwich City. A versatile defender, the 24-year-old won ‘Young Player of the Season’ in 2021. A horrendous opening day injury against Chelsea saw the centre-back side-lined for 5 months.
Goalkeeper Robin Olsen joined on loan from Roma for the 2020/21 season, making 7 league appearances. Now at Aston Villa.
Josh King joined the club in February 2021 and was Ancelotti’s final signing. His made 11 league appearances, without registering a goal and is now at Fenerbahçe.