Carlo Ancelotti took charge of his first game as Everton manager on Boxing Day 2019, with the Toffees starting the match in 15th place, nervously looking over their shoulders at a potential relegation battle.

Since then, they have gradually moved their way up the table, and in his first full season in charge, Ancelotti has guided his side into European contention. Everton's rise can be put down to the Italian manager's coaching skills, but also their heavy expenditure in the transfer market. 

In his three transfer windows at the helm, Ancelotti has spent £67,383,000, which breaks down at £16,845,750 per player, according to Transfermarkt.

GIVEMESPORT's Sam Brookes takes a look at Ancelotti's three most expensive purchases since arriving at Goodison Park...

Ancelotti's three biggest Everton signings                                                                                    1. Ben Godfrey - £24.75m

Godfrey was relegated in 2019/20 with Norwich, as the team conceded 75 goals on their way to dropping down into the Championship.

Ancelotti saw something that he liked, though, and his instinct has proved to be spot on. The defender has shown his versatility by playing all across the backline, and looks set to be an important part of Everton's defence for years to come.

2. Allan - £22.5m

Coming over from Serie A side Napoli, there may have been some doubts as to how Allan would adapt to the rigours of the Premier League. He has taken it all in his stride.

The combative midfielder has made more tackles (65) than any of his teammates, and has added some much-needed steel to the Everton midfield. It is now clear why Ancelotti, who worked with Allan in Serie A, wanted to bring his former player over to Merseyside last summer.

3. Abdoulaye Doucoure - £19.89m

Like Godfrey, Doucoure was relegated from the Premier League last season, this time with Watford. Similarly to Godfrey, he has shown that he is fully capable of putting that behind him and has performed at a consistently high level for Ancelotti's men this term.

The veteran manager admits that he did not initially want to buy Doucoure, but was convinced by the club. Now, he acknowledges that he is very grateful to have the player on board.

Three signings Everton could make this summer                                                                        1. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

There's a pattern emerging here. Everton were able to pick up a couple of gems from relegated sides last year, and they reportedly have their eye on another one this summer.

Anguissa is facing relegation with Fulham, but has been a rare shining light for them, registering three assists and earning an average match rating of 6.98 from WhoScored - only Ademola Lookman (6.99) has received a higher mark for Fulham in the Premier League.

2. Sander Berge

You've guessed it. Another player who's about to drop down into the Championship.

In fairness to Berge, he has missed four months of Sheffield United's dismal campaign through injury. When he has played, he has impressed, and Everton are rumoured to be keen on extending his stay in the top-flight.

3. Gareth Bale

Ancelotti has got the best out of Allan and James Rodriguez this season, two players who he previously worked with at Napoli and Real Madrid respectively. It seems that he has now set his sights on another reunion, this time with Bale.

The pair won a Champions League trophy together in 2014, and Ancelotti appears to be interested in seeing whether he can manage Bale once more to take Everton to new heights in 2021/22.