Everton hire Marcel Brands as new sporting director with Steve Walsh leaving in summer clearout

The Dutchman arrives from PSV Eindhoven where had occupied the same post

Ed Malyon
Sports Editor
Wednesday 16 May 2018 15:42 BST
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Marcel Brands (l) joins Everton from PSV Eindhoven
Marcel Brands (l) joins Everton from PSV Eindhoven (Getty)

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Everton's summer clearout has continued with the hiring of Marcel Brands as the club's new sporting director.

Brands' arrival from PSV Eindhoven, where he operated in a similar role, confirms the expected departure of Steve Walsh, who arrived from Leicester City as a much-heralded recruitment expert in 2016 but has spent over £150m with little positive return.

And with Sam Allardyce also departing the club on Wednesday, it confirms that the Toffees are keen to have a full rebuild this summer and ensure they never again slip close to relegation as they did towards the end of Ronald Koeman's reign.

Marcel Brands (r) joins Everton from PSV Eindhoven
Marcel Brands (r) joins Everton from PSV Eindhoven (Getty)

Brands, a highly-respected Dutch executive, told PSV that it was hard to leave but that Everton were offering an opportunity that was impossible to decline.

"It is a very difficult decision, but I think this is a good step at the right time," he said.

"I have had a great time here and PSV gave me the choice to do it for more years. It's really hard to let go of something that's good, but I'm going to do that now."

"In my job, the Premier League is of course a great thing. It is the biggest competition in the world, in all respects. Now, I get the chance to do something there in my own way. I am looking forward to that."

Brands arrives with no manager in place but Everton are already in long-standing conversations with Watford over a compensation deal for their former head coach Marco Silva.

The Merseyside club were accused of tapping up Silva at Watford before their form began to slide and the Portuguese was relieved of his duties. Everton are keen to reach financial agreement with Watford so that they can drop their action and the Goodison Park club can announce their new manager.

Wayne Rooney is also expected to leave Everton this summer as owner Farhad Moshiri prepares for a new era.

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