FAN ARTICLES
Transfer fees
By David Barks : 22/06/2007 : 
Comments (16) :
Now it is being reported that Arsenal have sold Henry to Barcelona for 16 million. This price for one of the best strikers in the world is the same price that Charlton are reportedly demanding for Bent. The reason I'm bringing this up is that maybe, just maybe, this can bring some reality back to the Premier League in regard to the transfer fees being asked by clubs for mediocre players at best.
I know that we are still dealing with rumours, so everything has to be taken with that perspective in mind, but Marlon Harewood's price being requested by his club is reportedly £5 million. Nobody can tell me that Harewood is one third the player that Henry is. I am really hoping that Henry's sale does go through so that teams like us, who are looking for good talent can point to a world class striker like Henry and say, "do you honestly expect me to believe that Bent is just as good a striker as Henry and warrants the same amount of money?
I've been reading the outrage on this and other Everton forums about us possibly losing out on Nugent. But he is not worth what Preston are asking for him. It would be stupid to just pay what the other team want instead of what the player is worth. Negotiating is part of business. The problem with the English market currently is that these few owners have come in and just splashed out cash on undeserving players, causing an inflated market place that will eventually come back to bite them.
We all know the example of Leeds, so there's no need to go into more detail about them, but lets just look at the likes of Sunderland and what they are reportedly trying to do. They need to build a team capable of staying in the league, but are going to spend 7 Million on Nugent, reportedly of course. Sure they can come up with that money now, but they need more than just Nugent to compete, so will spend more on other players as well with their future completely resting on staying in the Prem.
What happens if they do get relegated this next season? Keane will leave, as he has now gained a reputation as a good manager, so he has no problems taking these risks as he can just walk away. Nugent will demand to be transfered to a Premiership side, assuming he proves to be good enough, and the team will not have the negotiating power to demand a descent fee compared to what they paid since they could not afford to keep him on his high wages and the other teams knowing this. A team like Everton could come in and say that we'll give you 3-4 million and they will have to accept this, losing 3-4 million in just one year.
West Brom are wanting more that £5 million a piece for Kamara and Koumas. Again, there is no way these players warrant this. But maybe some team will pay this, and that's fine with me, because that team will not get the desired performance from these players, they just aren't as good as their price would assume. So Moyes is playing it safer right now and being careful with how he spends his money. I don't have a problem with this. I know we need to sign some players, but our current squad is still very good.
I just recently watched the replay of our game against Spurs at White Hart Lane, which we won 2-0 with 10 men. That side is still together, we do have quality, and they are young and will continue to improve. We don't need to take big financial risks on unproven Championship players just because they call themselves Evertonians or tell a newspaper that they want to come here. We need to improve Arteta's contract, I totally agree with this and would like it to be done sooner rather than later. But it's not as if he is demanding a transfer or is out of contract next week.
Relax, people, and instead of constantly worrying about us failing next season, let's talk a little more about the positives of the season just passed. It was pretty good you know, we took 4 points of the Shite, beating them 3-0. We should be talking about this every day, it brings a smile to your face doesn't it? Smile, ya know you want to.
Comments (16) : Reader Comments (16)
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keiron
2 Posted 23/06/2007 at 09:36:19
2 Posted 23/06/2007 at 09:36:19
I can not see EFC bringing in a lot of big name players because of the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham, Man City, Newcastle, Portsmouth all going for the limited pool of talent that is available. Hopefully EFC will get some younger players for the future and some cover for the first team. I think the Henry price is an over inflated price for a 30 year old who missed most of last season. He is world class but only has a couple of years left at the top level. My concern is who will AFC want to replace him. Lets hope AJ is not a target.
Franz Saber
3 Posted 23/06/2007 at 10:07:10
3 Posted 23/06/2007 at 10:07:10
Very poor article! Not only the lack of paragraphs (or none for that fact), it makes no sense. We currently live in a climate where players are over-rated, but to live with the big boys, we have to pay these prices. And with our scouts in the bars rather than watching players, there is no other solution.
Mick Stanley
4 Posted 23/06/2007 at 12:21:16
4 Posted 23/06/2007 at 12:21:16
Most of your article makes sense. £7M for Nugent, absolutely not. Working as I do in the Blackpool area, I know a lot of PNE fans. While most rate him as good, even very good, I rarely hear any of them raving about him as though he were the best thing since sliced bread. He might make the grade in the Premier League, but then he might not. Can EFC afford to take that level of gamble, for £7M? No. Whether in England or abroad, I dare say that there are a good number of striker alternatives that would offer better and safer value for money. Personally I would vote no to Nugent.
Manny Fernandes, is he worth Benfica’s valuation. Possibly yes. As I recall, when the loan deal was struck in January, Benfica’s valuation was only around £6M but, and it is a very big BUT, we would have to pay a further £6M on top to release him from his 3rd party owner. Effectively EFC, or anyone else for that matter, would have to pay double his value to secure a permanent deal. That simply does not make any kind of business sense. Unfortunately, I can not see EFC ever being able to buy Manny. Could he come back on loan? Comments attributed to Manny last week would suggest that he both enjoyed and was grateful for his time at EFC. But is a further loan deal in his own best interests? I can’t answer that, it is up to Manny himself and also, of coarse, Benfica. They might well tell Manny that it is time that he earn his corn for them and fight for his place. I would love to see him back but I err on the side of caution. At this time I would not rate our chances at much better than 40%.
Some of you may have read articles that I have posted in the past. I make no excuses for repeating myself when I say that Phil Neville should not be our No.1 option for central midfield. He is a good defender and a good club captain but, at best, he is only a stop-gap midfielder in my opinion. Do we really want to start the next campaign with a stop-gap? Why make this point now? The rumour mill has been fairly quiet of late regarding EFC but we do seem to be linked with an inordinate number of right-backs, suggesting that Mr Moyes is looking to play PN in midfield. Personally, I can not think of a more negative statement that the club could give me than that. Last year we payed £8.6 for AJ. Didi we see a full return on that investment last season? I would say not, although I hasten to add that I do not blame AJ himself but rather the way that we consistently fail to make best use of the considerable asset that he represents. How many times did we see AJ chasing down a hopeful punt towards the corner flags? Is that where we really want to see him? Even when he won the ball, beat a defender and put the ball into the middle, there was often no-one to take advantage. In my view the two priority positions that we should try to fill this summer are:
1. Central Midfield. A class player capable of spotting and playing the cute or killer ball into the channels, where AJ’s first touch is in sight of goal. This of course applies equally to Vaughan, Anichebe and any other striker that we employ. If we play to AJ’s strengths, then I believe we could realistically look forward to a 20 goal, or maybe even a 20+ goal season from him, in short a much better return on our considerable investment.
2. Left Midfield, the position that VDM was supposed to fill but never did. Someone to take some of the pressure of expectation off Mikel Arteta.
3. Defence - probably Jagielka. Like it or not this coming season is likely to be Alan Stubbs’ last, possible Nuno Valente’s as well. Defence is largely about forging partnerships and trust. Better that we start that process now than when Stubbs and possible Valente retire.
4. Replacement for Beattie, and possible McFadden. Some may query that I would let McFadden go, but he has never been able to hold down a regular first team place despite being at the club for several years now. We have all seen him produce some magic moments, but he has consistently failed to be just that, consistent. I don’t really want to see EFC spending ’new’ money on a striker but would be quite happy to see us spend whatever we can get for messers Beattie and McFadden.
As a response, I seem to have gotten carried away!! I make no apologies however and look forward to any constructive comments.
Manny Fernandes, is he worth Benfica’s valuation. Possibly yes. As I recall, when the loan deal was struck in January, Benfica’s valuation was only around £6M but, and it is a very big BUT, we would have to pay a further £6M on top to release him from his 3rd party owner. Effectively EFC, or anyone else for that matter, would have to pay double his value to secure a permanent deal. That simply does not make any kind of business sense. Unfortunately, I can not see EFC ever being able to buy Manny. Could he come back on loan? Comments attributed to Manny last week would suggest that he both enjoyed and was grateful for his time at EFC. But is a further loan deal in his own best interests? I can’t answer that, it is up to Manny himself and also, of coarse, Benfica. They might well tell Manny that it is time that he earn his corn for them and fight for his place. I would love to see him back but I err on the side of caution. At this time I would not rate our chances at much better than 40%.
Some of you may have read articles that I have posted in the past. I make no excuses for repeating myself when I say that Phil Neville should not be our No.1 option for central midfield. He is a good defender and a good club captain but, at best, he is only a stop-gap midfielder in my opinion. Do we really want to start the next campaign with a stop-gap? Why make this point now? The rumour mill has been fairly quiet of late regarding EFC but we do seem to be linked with an inordinate number of right-backs, suggesting that Mr Moyes is looking to play PN in midfield. Personally, I can not think of a more negative statement that the club could give me than that. Last year we payed £8.6 for AJ. Didi we see a full return on that investment last season? I would say not, although I hasten to add that I do not blame AJ himself but rather the way that we consistently fail to make best use of the considerable asset that he represents. How many times did we see AJ chasing down a hopeful punt towards the corner flags? Is that where we really want to see him? Even when he won the ball, beat a defender and put the ball into the middle, there was often no-one to take advantage. In my view the two priority positions that we should try to fill this summer are:
1. Central Midfield. A class player capable of spotting and playing the cute or killer ball into the channels, where AJ’s first touch is in sight of goal. This of course applies equally to Vaughan, Anichebe and any other striker that we employ. If we play to AJ’s strengths, then I believe we could realistically look forward to a 20 goal, or maybe even a 20+ goal season from him, in short a much better return on our considerable investment.
2. Left Midfield, the position that VDM was supposed to fill but never did. Someone to take some of the pressure of expectation off Mikel Arteta.
3. Defence - probably Jagielka. Like it or not this coming season is likely to be Alan Stubbs’ last, possible Nuno Valente’s as well. Defence is largely about forging partnerships and trust. Better that we start that process now than when Stubbs and possible Valente retire.
4. Replacement for Beattie, and possible McFadden. Some may query that I would let McFadden go, but he has never been able to hold down a regular first team place despite being at the club for several years now. We have all seen him produce some magic moments, but he has consistently failed to be just that, consistent. I don’t really want to see EFC spending ’new’ money on a striker but would be quite happy to see us spend whatever we can get for messers Beattie and McFadden.
As a response, I seem to have gotten carried away!! I make no apologies however and look forward to any constructive comments.
Gavin Ramejkis
5 Posted 23/06/2007 at 13:40:03
5 Posted 23/06/2007 at 13:40:03
Mick I have to agree with you on so many points; Neville excels at right back far more so than Tony Hibbert and going forward can deliver a sweet cross too, Hibbert’s crossing has always been his weakest point, in midfield his ability to keep possession and pass completion rates are poor to terrible.
The problem we have with Valente and I rate him far beyond the limited Naysmith is his age and increasing number of injuries, it would be like Pistone all over again, last season’s friendly against PNE showed Boyle as a better left back than Naysmith but is he still injured and favoured by Moyes? Playing Yobo and Lescott in the centre has always allowed us to defend further up the pitch and counter attack very well.
A central midfielder that can both hold the ball and distribute should be the first priority followed very closely by a winger to deliver weighted crosses as Vaughan has already proved he can win more headers in one game than lardy JB can all season.
To me, McFadden has had a few too many chances, he obviously has no interest in playing as a winger and is more effective as a striker but his conversion rates make him squad filler material and not first choice, trouble with Moyes tactics are the bench are often required to recover a game point not defend a lead, so is he what we need?
The problem we have with Valente and I rate him far beyond the limited Naysmith is his age and increasing number of injuries, it would be like Pistone all over again, last season’s friendly against PNE showed Boyle as a better left back than Naysmith but is he still injured and favoured by Moyes? Playing Yobo and Lescott in the centre has always allowed us to defend further up the pitch and counter attack very well.
A central midfielder that can both hold the ball and distribute should be the first priority followed very closely by a winger to deliver weighted crosses as Vaughan has already proved he can win more headers in one game than lardy JB can all season.
To me, McFadden has had a few too many chances, he obviously has no interest in playing as a winger and is more effective as a striker but his conversion rates make him squad filler material and not first choice, trouble with Moyes tactics are the bench are often required to recover a game point not defend a lead, so is he what we need?
Brendan Fox
6 Posted 23/06/2007 at 11:58:51
6 Posted 23/06/2007 at 11:58:51
Franz you are entitled to your opinion but what a load of crap! Where you get your contrived notion that our scouts are in bars rather than watching players!where is your proof or is this just another stupid comment?
David is right there are examples to follow, for example if you look at what was happening in Serie A in Italy during the late 80’s & 90’s clubs were paying rediculous fees and wages for anybody with a modicum of talent(sound familiar!). The likes of Fiorentina,Parma,Sampdoria,Lazio the list goes on all these clubs are so massively in debt or have gone into administration at least once. Is this an example you would like EFC to follow?
Lets face facts EFC too are in debt after mismanagement through the 80’s & 90’s but are now looking in much better health financialy and even with BK at the helm than I can remember.
Spending over the odds on unproven or players not worth the fees clubs are asking is financial suicide, going for youth both home and abroad in all the leagues is the way the club appear to be looking and that to me makes so much more sense. Franz & any other sceptics what would you prefer 1 Jason Koumas is over rated much like Simple Simon Davies or 5 young prospects British or foreign to bolster our paper thin squad?
David is right there are examples to follow, for example if you look at what was happening in Serie A in Italy during the late 80’s & 90’s clubs were paying rediculous fees and wages for anybody with a modicum of talent(sound familiar!). The likes of Fiorentina,Parma,Sampdoria,Lazio the list goes on all these clubs are so massively in debt or have gone into administration at least once. Is this an example you would like EFC to follow?
Lets face facts EFC too are in debt after mismanagement through the 80’s & 90’s but are now looking in much better health financialy and even with BK at the helm than I can remember.
Spending over the odds on unproven or players not worth the fees clubs are asking is financial suicide, going for youth both home and abroad in all the leagues is the way the club appear to be looking and that to me makes so much more sense. Franz & any other sceptics what would you prefer 1 Jason Koumas is over rated much like Simple Simon Davies or 5 young prospects British or foreign to bolster our paper thin squad?
David Barks
7 Posted 23/06/2007 at 15:58:11
7 Posted 23/06/2007 at 15:58:11
Franz, I wrote this for the mail bag section but they moved it here. I originally did write it with paragraphs, but it must have gotten re-formatted somewhere along the line or maybe it didn’t transfer over correctly because I am on an Apple computer. So I apologize for that.
But you miss the entire point of the article. In business you do not just spend what everyone else is spending. As in the housing market, when the prices go outrageously high, some people buy even though they can’t really afford it. They borrow more money than they can really afford, and when the housing market comes back to reality, like it is in America, a huge amount of forclosures ensue with the people losing their homes to the banks and having nothing but incredible debts and terrible credit to show for it.
On the other hand, some people recognize that the market is out of control, rent a place waiting for the market to stabilize, and when the prices go down, which is what they have been doing over here for the past 1-2 years, then they jump into a house they can afford and wait for it’s value to go up.
But you miss the entire point of the article. In business you do not just spend what everyone else is spending. As in the housing market, when the prices go outrageously high, some people buy even though they can’t really afford it. They borrow more money than they can really afford, and when the housing market comes back to reality, like it is in America, a huge amount of forclosures ensue with the people losing their homes to the banks and having nothing but incredible debts and terrible credit to show for it.
On the other hand, some people recognize that the market is out of control, rent a place waiting for the market to stabilize, and when the prices go down, which is what they have been doing over here for the past 1-2 years, then they jump into a house they can afford and wait for it’s value to go up.
Steve
8 Posted 23/06/2007 at 20:15:58
8 Posted 23/06/2007 at 20:15:58
I couldn’t agree more with the way Moyes is handling the transfer period, although we say we have had no transfer activity in. Moyes has been extremly active in the department which i believe is the most vital. Our immediate youth, like David’s article said we have a strong team which has proven it can compete in the PL. Over the last 12 months Moyes has signed some young exceiting talent that alot of other clubs where chasing, although we may not be winning the battles of signing over priced players, because we are not trying to hard. we are doing a great job in bringing in highly rated 16-17 year old. and hopefully another one this week the welsh boy from cardiff. if we sign one or two strong competive players Jags 4mil & manny on loan. and start to introduce these young talented players like vaugh & Anchi, I believe we will build a strong club for years to come.
Connor Rohrer
9 Posted 23/06/2007 at 20:30:36
9 Posted 23/06/2007 at 20:30:36
I think we need to strengthen the midfield and defense more than upfront. I really rate Valente but Im not sure he can last a full season. I think the critisism of Naysmith is unfair. He will never be a first team player but he is good cover. He showed against the likes of Spurs and Liverpool that he can come in and do a job. The right back position is probably going to need strengthening. I would rather have Neville over Hibbert. For the simple reason he offers more. I have got a feeling he will be our first choice right back next season. We definatly need a centre mid. People keep on telling me we need a Keane, Viera or a Guttusso but they are wrong. We need FERNANDES simple as. He can pass, shoot, tackle, cross and has pace. If anyone is going to develop his workrate then it is Moyes. The left side of midfield is also a must. We need pace as an outlet. It was great to see Lescott bursting down the left hand side last season even though it was from fullback. The people mentioned are the likes of Richardson and Downing. I wouldnt mind Richardson. Man utd have Giggs and now Nani ahead of him so I think his time there has come to an end. He has pace and a good left foot and he also has something to prove. I know people dont fancy him but I think he could be a good buy. So in my opinion, we need a left back, righback, centre mid and a winger as the priorities. After that look at a centre half, goalkeeper and striker on a free, loan or on the cheap.
Ben
10 Posted 23/06/2007 at 22:57:56
10 Posted 23/06/2007 at 22:57:56
That is actually a great point.. I have jus realised.. West Ham almost bought Darren Bent for more than Barca for Henry.. phenomenal.. I mean.. Bent aint proven for England yet.. Henry’s proven in everything. I’m kind of glad Moyes doesn’t over spend.. but still.. a few exciting signings would be nice. Jagielka for us.. awesome.. a quality player who can play in three positions.. better than Phil bloody Neville anyway... now a centre midfielder and a winger please.. Barnetta from Leverkusen.. he’s never mentioned yet a great winger.. and midfielders.. hmmm... Fernandes on loan!! : D
Nigel Banks
11 Posted 23/06/2007 at 23:04:43
11 Posted 23/06/2007 at 23:04:43
I would still keep McFadden by the fact he is quite versatile.. winger and striker, even if he isnt that good, players liek that may be pivotal, especially in the UEFA cup campaign.
We need a winger... to keep the pressure off Arteta or Osman... dunno about VDM.. just need another guy like that.. I was thinking Lee Cook from QPR... could be another good Championship signing.
Secondly, we need a centre midfielder, somebody who can replace Lee Carsley.. but (and a big but) who is a good passer... Fernandes would be the perfect option.. but the cheaper option.. I have nooo idea!
Thirdly, centre back, thats already sorted.. Jagielka!! hopefully
Fourthly, a right back, im really glad we didnt get Phil Bardsley!!
We need a winger... to keep the pressure off Arteta or Osman... dunno about VDM.. just need another guy like that.. I was thinking Lee Cook from QPR... could be another good Championship signing.
Secondly, we need a centre midfielder, somebody who can replace Lee Carsley.. but (and a big but) who is a good passer... Fernandes would be the perfect option.. but the cheaper option.. I have nooo idea!
Thirdly, centre back, thats already sorted.. Jagielka!! hopefully
Fourthly, a right back, im really glad we didnt get Phil Bardsley!!
Eric Myles
12 Posted 24/06/2007 at 07:40:20
12 Posted 24/06/2007 at 07:40:20
When faced with a (supposed) 7 mill. Championship player or a 9 mill. (suuposed) proven Premiership and England player both (suposedly) on the market I don’t think we should be even considering the overvalued Championship player.
They both have their risks but wouldn’t it be worth an extra 2 mill to see the looks on the RS faces when Owen trots out for his boyhood heroes??
They both have their risks but wouldn’t it be worth an extra 2 mill to see the looks on the RS faces when Owen trots out for his boyhood heroes??
Adam
13 Posted 24/06/2007 at 21:54:14
13 Posted 24/06/2007 at 21:54:14
I agree with the points made, and would like to think that Moyes is genuine in his reasons for lack of activity rather than living up to his ’Dithering Davie’ nickname.
I think it is such a shame that our beloved game is turning into a farce with the volume of investment & take-overs of late involving mediocre sides such as Portsmouth & Birmingham.
I also fear that, if we continued to shy away from attracting such investment, we may fall behind. Surely Everton appear a far more atractive prospect than Man City and West Ham; So why has there never been a realistic attempt by one of these so-called Tycoons to purchase our beloved Blues?
...I sense a cover up from Mr Kenwright, although that may not be a bad thing.
I think it is such a shame that our beloved game is turning into a farce with the volume of investment & take-overs of late involving mediocre sides such as Portsmouth & Birmingham.
I also fear that, if we continued to shy away from attracting such investment, we may fall behind. Surely Everton appear a far more atractive prospect than Man City and West Ham; So why has there never been a realistic attempt by one of these so-called Tycoons to purchase our beloved Blues?
...I sense a cover up from Mr Kenwright, although that may not be a bad thing.
Matt Geraghty
14 Posted 25/06/2007 at 15:24:39
14 Posted 25/06/2007 at 15:24:39
While I agree that the price Spurs are paying for Bent is slightly high. I don’t think you can make a direct comparison with him and Henry.
Bent is at the begining of his career, is English and a potential England striker - Henry has passed his peak, and at 29 his value will continue to fall. That is the reason Arsenal sold him - he’s an asset.
Plus the fact that Barca are willing to pay him £128k per week over 4 years - £6m per year!!
Bent is at the begining of his career, is English and a potential England striker - Henry has passed his peak, and at 29 his value will continue to fall. That is the reason Arsenal sold him - he’s an asset.
Plus the fact that Barca are willing to pay him £128k per week over 4 years - £6m per year!!
Oliver McAdam
15 Posted 28/06/2007 at 20:19:00
15 Posted 28/06/2007 at 20:19:00
The sentiment of this article is true, I see it as more of a criticism of impatient fans desparate for a player to be unveiled. Not paying 6mil for Nugent, 5mil for Koumas and 12 mil for Fernandes is obviosly correct. Imagine signing them 3, we would have blown all our resources and our squad would still be wafer thin and not much better than last season, then the same fans that criticise for not buying them would criticise for wasting all our money.
I think Fernandes is a potentially great player, so a loan option with view to signing in a Rooney style deal is required (the more we succeed the more we pay, maybe percentage of sale clause instated to reduce a couple of mil).
I dont understand the Nugent thing, he a decent and a blue. If he was 3-4 I would be happy but not to fussed either. We have Vaughan, Anichebe and AJ, all we need is a older striker to bolster aquad and add experience (Ezquerro on a free from Barca can also operate in midfield)
We will see after Jagielka signs who else, I think Everton are doing sensible, one at a time. This way you keep an eye on those finances. At 4 mil he is great value, only 24-25 nearly an England international and plays in numerous positions. Also, unlike many were linked with is proven in premiership.
On the wing, if we get a mil or 2 for VDM I would use that + McFadden for Knightly of Wolves. This kid looks class, quick and a good cross. Scores the odd goal too, at 21-22 he has great potential. For better value than Downing. Try for Zendan too, on a free can play both wing, centre mid and defensive mid. Isn’t class, looked poor in CL final but has experience and already lives here. Oliver Kapo is also good value at 2mil, a bit hit and miss but got Euro experience and plays right, left and centre mid. If ever Arteta gets injured he could be crucial.
If we also get Gunter then we have cover a back, and he could learn alot from Stubbs too. Along with the integration of Vidarsson, Boyle and da Silva we would be much improved from last year, without doing a Leeds.
In summary
In;Fernandes (loan), Ezqerro (free), Jagielka (4mil), Knightly (2+McFadden), Gunter (?), Zendan (free), Kapo (2mil) + de Silva, Vidarsson and Boyle.
Out;van der Meyde (1-2mil), McFadden (exch) maybe Beattie (2-4mil).
This would leave us with extra cash for when all the other clubs are in debt and the market goes down again, we will be far healthier for the future.
I think Fernandes is a potentially great player, so a loan option with view to signing in a Rooney style deal is required (the more we succeed the more we pay, maybe percentage of sale clause instated to reduce a couple of mil).
I dont understand the Nugent thing, he a decent and a blue. If he was 3-4 I would be happy but not to fussed either. We have Vaughan, Anichebe and AJ, all we need is a older striker to bolster aquad and add experience (Ezquerro on a free from Barca can also operate in midfield)
We will see after Jagielka signs who else, I think Everton are doing sensible, one at a time. This way you keep an eye on those finances. At 4 mil he is great value, only 24-25 nearly an England international and plays in numerous positions. Also, unlike many were linked with is proven in premiership.
On the wing, if we get a mil or 2 for VDM I would use that + McFadden for Knightly of Wolves. This kid looks class, quick and a good cross. Scores the odd goal too, at 21-22 he has great potential. For better value than Downing. Try for Zendan too, on a free can play both wing, centre mid and defensive mid. Isn’t class, looked poor in CL final but has experience and already lives here. Oliver Kapo is also good value at 2mil, a bit hit and miss but got Euro experience and plays right, left and centre mid. If ever Arteta gets injured he could be crucial.
If we also get Gunter then we have cover a back, and he could learn alot from Stubbs too. Along with the integration of Vidarsson, Boyle and da Silva we would be much improved from last year, without doing a Leeds.
In summary
In;Fernandes (loan), Ezqerro (free), Jagielka (4mil), Knightly (2+McFadden), Gunter (?), Zendan (free), Kapo (2mil) + de Silva, Vidarsson and Boyle.
Out;van der Meyde (1-2mil), McFadden (exch) maybe Beattie (2-4mil).
This would leave us with extra cash for when all the other clubs are in debt and the market goes down again, we will be far healthier for the future.
Kevin MacIver
16 Posted 03/07/2007 at 12:16:05
16 Posted 03/07/2007 at 12:16:05
From what I’ve seen of Everton recently, a left-back should be the priority. Get Lescott back in the middle with Yobo and go for Leighton Baines. Alan Smith and Richardson would make excellent additions too.
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1 Posted 23/06/2007 at 01:46:18
But yes we need to push on and have European football and good league finishes. But if going for it with rip off gambles in the transfer market (with our limited funds) means too high a chance of relegation is it really worth it?