Everton is reportedly aiming to secure two additional signings before their Premier League season commences with a match against Crystal Palace on August 22. These potential acquisitions are anticipated to significantly boost team morale and address key areas identified within the squad.
The club has already completed three permanent transfers this summer, bringing in Merlin Rohl, Tyrique George, and Hayden Hackney. Rohl’s permanent move was confirmed after Everton secured their Premier League status. George, a winger, returned to Merseyside following renegotiations with Chelsea. Hackney, a midfielder from Middlesbrough and the Championship Player of the Season, was signed despite competition from other clubs. These early transfers were seen as setting a positive tone for the transfer window.
Despite these additions, the mood among supporters was reportedly low after a late-season collapse against Sunderland and a subsequent defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. While the initial transfer activity provided some satisfaction, the club is now focusing on further strengthening the squad to lift spirits ahead of the new campaign.
Addressing defensive needs
A new right-back remains a top priority for Everton. The departure of Seamus Coleman and the potential exit of Nathan Patterson have highlighted the need for reinforcements in this position. Jake O’Brien is currently an option, but he is not considered a natural right-back. Manager David Moyes even started Merlin Rohl at right-back in a pre-season friendly against Dundee, potentially signalling the urgency for a specialist in that role.
Several names have been linked with the club for the right-back position, including Raoul Bellanova, Guela Doue, Djed Spence, Ben White, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The club is under pressure to identify and secure a player for this role, ideally before the season opener. An attacking right-back is seen as crucial not only for enhancing the team’s capabilities but also for demonstrating to supporters that a long-standing issue has been resolved.
The transfer market has been affected by the World Cup, which has slowed activity across the Premier League. Other factors, such as numerous managerial changes and an inflated domestic market, have also complicated transfer dealings. However, there is a strong belief that a new right-back must be integrated into the squad, if not the starting line-up, for the upcoming match against Crystal Palace.
Potential return of Jack Grealish
The return of Jack Grealish is considered another significant potential signing that could further boost the club. Grealish’s previous loan spell with Everton was cut short due to a serious injury. He is currently nearing a return to training with Manchester City, which will address one of the primary concerns regarding his potential return.
Discussions surrounding Grealish’s return are reportedly complex, partly due to his recovery and the financial implications. The 30-year-old is in the final year of his contract at Manchester City, who are reportedly seeking a permanent sale rather than another loan, which is understood to be Everton’s preferred option. Grealish’s reported weekly earnings of £300,000 also present a challenge for any potential deal.
Despite these hurdles, Grealish’s impact during the first half of last season, where he scored two match-winning goals and provided six assists, makes his return a highly anticipated prospect among teammates and fans alike. Securing both a new right-back and Grealish would be seen as transformative for the club ahead of the new season.
Other transfer considerations
While the focus is on a right-back and Grealish, the club is also assessing its overall transfer strategy. There is a feeling that Everton needs to accelerate its transfer activity, especially with the Premier League season approaching. The pre-season campaign has begun, with Everton securing a 4-0 victory over Dundee, but concerns remain about the squad’s current state.
The future of Iliman Ndiaye is also a topic of discussion. Ndiaye has reportedly rejected multiple contract offers from Everton and is believed to be seeking Champions League football. Several top clubs, including Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester United, are reportedly in the market for a winger, and Ndiaye could attract concrete interest. Everton reportedly paid around £15 million for the Senegalese international, and while they might demand over £60 million, this figure is considerably less than what Aston Villa received for Morgan Rogers.
Moyes’ decisions in the friendly against Dundee, such as playing Rohl at right-back and George as a centre-forward, have led to speculation about whether he is testing players in new positions or sending a message to the board about the need for a striker and a right-back immediately. The club has also seen youngsters like Adam Aznou and George Finney impress in friendlies, showcasing energy and balance that the team has reportedly lacked.
Everton’s transfer plans are being assessed a month before their opening fixture against Crystal Palace.
Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk