Marcel Brands has stepped down as Everton’s director of football.
Brands arrived at Goodison Park to great fanfare in 2018 following an eight-year spell in his homeland overseeing PSV Eindhoven’s recruitment strategy.
During that time with the Eredivisie outfit, he was credited with helping unearthed the likes of Hirving Lozano, Gini Wijnaldum and Dries Mertens.
He was promoted to the Blues’ boardroom within six months of his initial appointment and signed a new three-year contract in April this year.
But the 59-year-old has faced growing pressure, along with the rest of the hierarchy, following a downturn in results under manager Rafael Benitez.
The controversial appointment of the former Liverpool boss is understood to have been conducted almost entirely by majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri.
However Brands and Everton chairman Bill Kenwright endured fierce criticism from supporters in the aftermath of Wednesday’s Merseyside derby mauling.
He said: “This decision has taken some time and some consideration and was one of the most difficult I have faced in my career.
“The board and I agreed that there is a clear difference in the vision and direction for this beautiful club and, with that in mind, the decision was taken.
“I want to thank everyone in the club who I have worked closely with over the last three and a half years.
“There are a lot of talented people at Everton with huge passion and commitment to move the club forward, both on and off the pitch.
“I want to wish all of the squad every success, and I am convinced that there is enough quality to improve the current situation quickly.
“It has been an honour for me to work at this fantastic club and I wish everyone associated with Everton the very best for the future.”
Everton confirmed Brands’ departure late on Sunday evening alongside plans to review their footballing operations with a long-term vision at its heart.
“The owner and directors would like to thank Marcel for the service he has given to the club over the past three and a half years and wish him well for his future,” read a statement.
“A strategic review of the football structure will now take place which will inform the best model for the club to proceed with in the long-term.
“In the meantime, the owner and board of directors will continue to provide our manager, Rafa Benitez, with their full support.”
Fans are preparing to stage a 27th minute walkout during Monday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal in protest at the mismanagement of the club.