Everton could swoop for Rafa Benitez

Everton could make a shocking move for former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez

The entire football world seems convinced that Frank de Boer is destined to be the next manager at Everton, but I’d counsel a little patience for the Toffees. They could, after all, make a run at Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez.

For the record, I don’t think de Boer would be a bad hire at all to take over for the departed Roberto Martinez. I thought he would have been a reasonable choice for Tottenham before they settled on Mauricio Pochettino and think his Ajax tenure speaks for itself. I like de Boer, but his success at Everton is far from certain.

More from Playing for 90

There’s also the added bonus that he’s clearly interested in the job. His brother admitted as much to Sky Sports today in the wake of his resignation from Ajax.

On the other hand, Rafa Benitez would seem to be available given Newcastle’s recent relegation. It’s hard to see the legendary gaffer piloting the Magpies in the Championship next season so it’s a reasonable bet that he’ll be looking for another gig. Surely a manager with a CV like Benitez’s would be worth a look by Everton.

Now some Everton fans wouldn’t be able to stand the idea of bringing a former Liverpool legend into their club and I can certainly understand that sentiment. However, I think Everton is facing an absolutely crucial managerial hire if they want to stay in the top half of the Premier League moving forward. One misplaced step could cause Everton’s world-class players to bolt and sentence the club to a fate like Aston Villa or Newcastle’s. Toffee fans would be wise to understand that their place in the Premier League’s top eight is far from assured.

That’s why I think it’s worth at least sounding Benitez out to see if he’d be interested in their job. I suspect he might pass on the opportunity due to his Liverpool ties, but it’s not as if he has a ton of other job prospects at the moment. Perhaps Benitez’s ego would motivate him to take the job just to throw a little barb at his former club.

If Everton were able to successfully bring Rafa in he would provide the club with instant credibility. Their stars would likely stay to enjoy his tutelage as opposed to seeking moves away this summer. Talented players across Europe would also be much more likely to consider Everton as an appealing transfer destination under such a talented manager.

Frank de Boer is likely going to end up the next manager at Everton, but the club is doing themselves a disservice if they don’t at least sound out the possibility of bringing in Rafa Benitez. He could be the perfect man to save Everton from their free fall down the Premier League standings.