Embarrassing if it’s true, but fans are doubting the authenticity of the ‘statement’.
Everton were pipped to the signing of Moussa Sissoko by Tottenham Hotspur late on transfer deadline day. Both clubs matched Newcastle United’s £30m valuation, but the French midfielder decided to take his talents to London.
Had Sissoko opted for Everton, James McCarthy was in-line to leave the club, with Crystal Palace understood to be interested in signing the Republic of Ireland midfielder on a season-long loan deal.
McCarthy’s first-team chances appear to be limited at Goodison Park this season. The 25-year-old played the opening game of the season at right wing-back, and was substituted in the first-half of Everton’s win over West Brom.
Idrissa Gana Gueye and Gareth Barry were understood to be Ronald Koeman’s preferred central midfield choices. Now that Sissoko has signed for Spurs, McCarthy may get first-team chances, but it doesn’t bode well for his future at the club that they appeared to be actively trying to replace him.
However, according to this ‘statement’ from Everton’s owner, sourced by Sky Sports News presenter Jim White, the club pulled out of the deal to sign Sissoko because they didn’t want to “jeopardise” McCarthy’s place in the squad.
Post #DeadlineDay statement from @Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri… pic.twitter.com/P97IvbnQiO
— Jim White (@JimWhite) September 1, 2016
The ‘statement’ reads:
“Sissoko is a great player. But when I bought into Everton, I made it clear I was proud to join a family. And we don’t turn our backs on our own. Keeping James McCarthy was a priority and ultimately we could not proceed with a deal that would jeopardize his place at Everton. We wish Sissoko the best.”
Such an excuse, after actively chasing another player, is embarrassing. Or it would be if it Farhad Moshiri, the club’s majority shareholder, actually made the statement.
Twitter users, Everton fans and the Liverpool Echo’s Everton editor doubted the authenticity of the statement, wondering why the club’s majority shareholder would go through a television presenter to get a message across.
Or why would he write it in iPhone notes? Or how was it written within two minutes of White tweeting it?
Or just why would he make such a baffling statement in the first place?
If something’s too good to be true, it usually is.
I'm not having that Moshiri statement RE Sissoko is genuine. Surely not??
— Greg O'Keeffe (@GregOK) September 1, 2016
That "Moshiri statement" is bizarre. I'm hugely sceptical about this. Surely @Everton need to clarify?
— Simon Magner (@Simon_Mag) September 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/Toffeegirl13/status/771341440878252032
I would've expected a statement on transfers from Walsh, Koeman, or Bill before Moshiri since they'd be the ones in charge of signings.
— Gyorgi (@TweetGyorgi) September 1, 2016
I'm just not having that "statement" from Moshiri. I just don't believe that it's true.
— Karla (@DuckyMomo65) September 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/ITrader123/status/771320715412905984
https://twitter.com/SophieG45028765/status/771320419467071488
Statement from Farhad Moshiri that was most likely made up by Jim White. (Source: @JimWhite) pic.twitter.com/5Ym6sOGuvh
— Everton Blue Army (@EvertonBlueArmy) September 1, 2016
It's clear. Jim White talks shite. I hope Moshiri comes out and counters this silly statement. https://t.co/nHkpiXJVp7
— TheEvertonForum.com – Register now (@TheEFCForum) September 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/SamInk92/status/771312054875467784
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