Everton almost signed a World Cup winning striker until he demanded a tax-free salary whilst at Goodison Park
Everton have had a number of ‘what could’ve been’ signings over the years.
Everton once had Erling Haaland on trial but remarkably, the club decided against signing the Norweigan striker.
Indeed, Haaland has since gone on to establish himself as one of the best players in the world and is breaking records on a regular basis at Manchester City.
Even as recently as 2023, Everton turned down the chance to sign Mateo Retegui, who is now considered a world class forward as the top scorer in Serie A this season.
With that said, we’ve decided to explore another transfer blunder story, this time regarding Brazil World Cup winner Muller.
Why Everton’s deal to sign Muller collapsed
After the 1994 World Cup in USA, Everton were keen to bolster their forward ranks and tried to sign Brazil striker Muller.
In fact, the Toffees were practically on the verge of completing his signing from Sao Paulo, as he visited Goodison Park to sign a contract with his advisors.
However, the transfer broke down at the final stage when Muller’s representatives demanded Everton to pay him a tax-free salary.
“After six weeks of protracted negotiations, the deal fell through when the player arrived at Goodison Park with his advisers and demanded a tax free salary,” journalist David Prentice said.
Then Everton manager Mike Walker was convinced Muller wasn’t at fault for the deal collapsing, but rather his greedy agent.
“I don’t think the player was the problem. He looked more embarrassed than anyone,” Walker explained.
We sent a contract out to him a few days ago which he agreed to in full, but then an adviser turned up with him yesterday demanding more.”
Everton ended up signing Duncan Ferguson instead
Whilst at the time it was bitterly disappointing, it all worked out in the end as Everton ended up signing Duncan Ferguson on loan just a month later.
Ferguson went on to net eight times in 23 outings that season and completed a permanent move to Goodison Park in December.
The Scotland international would eventually become a club legend for the Toffees and later worked as an assistant manager under the likes of Carlo Ancelotti.
To this day, Ferguson is still loved and adored by the Everton faithful, so there was certainly a silver lining in the failed Muller transfer.
