Pardew cools talk of imminent Blues deal for Bolasie

, 10 August, 103comments  |  Jump to most recent
Updated

Everton were thought to be close to unveiling Yannick Bolasie in a £20m+ deal but comments from Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew suggest that, from his perspective at least, no deal is is imminent.

News that the two clubs had settled on a fee for Bolasie, initially reported as being somewhere between £22m and £30m, broke yesterday and sources claimed that the DR Congo international had undergone a medical even though media reports had it that Bolasie was still waiting for permission from the South London club.

Bolasie has been included in Pardew's squad for the match against West Bromwich Albion, putting paid to any chances of him leaving until next week.

It looked as though the 27-year-old winger would become the Blues' second-most expensive signing behind Romelu Lukaku this week and that, like Ashley Williams whose arrival was confirmed earlier today, the winger would be eligible to face Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's Premier League opener at Goodison Park.

Reports that Crystal Palace were keen to secure striker Oumar Niasse on a season-long loan as part of the deal for Bolasie remain unconfirmed.

In his pre-match press conference ahead of his club's own start to the new season, Pardew, while not ruling out a deal could happen, has at least poured cold water on suggestions the transfer would go through before the weekend.

"Yannick is contracted here," Pardew said. "He's a great player and a great person. I love him. We'll treat him with the utmost respect in any situation. Bolasie, and my conversations with him, will stay private.

"But I am dictated to by my board and there is no deal done as far as I'm aware. He's a player I don't want to lose but if I lose him, I'll replace him with like."

Should it go through, Bolasie's move from Selhurst Park would bring to an end a four-year spell with Palace, during which time he has emerged as one of the most feared wingers in the Premier League on his day.

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A reported target for Tottenham Hotspur last summer, he ended up staying in south London to help the Eagles to the FA Cup final where they were eventually beaten by Everton's conquerors in the semi-final, Manchester United.

Everton are hopeful of adding Ivory Coast defender Lamine Koné as well this week, although it remains unclear whether an £18m fee has actually been agreed with Sunderland.

 

Reader Comments (103)

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Pete Cumberlidge
1 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:14:22
Not sure. At £20m probably. Perhaps it's £20m cash or £25m cash plus Niasse?
Muj Rasul
2 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:15:42
Koeman's recent interview was quite profound. He said that we were too soft and need to be more aggressive. With Kone, Williams and soon to be Bolasie he is buying players that will make us stronger physically. I agree with his assessment considering our soft centre throughout last season

However we need a new centre-mid like Witsel or Schneiderlin, Mata/Draxler on the left, Bony as backup to Lukaku and Begovic as first choice goalie. Saying that I think Witsel's attitude is pretty awful so someone like Strootman or Isco would do.

I would also say I am not against selling Jagielka and making Williams captain. If that happens I think we should try to sign Koulibaly.

We also need to get rid of Niasse, McGeady, and Kone. However, I would keep Cleverley as Besic is now injured and all teams need a utility player.

Ste Wallace
3 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:17:29
Good signing. Fast,direct.
Iain Thomson
4 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:17:53
Ignoring the fact that all fees are now batshit crazy im moderately pleased... hope he delivers more end product than he has for palace though
Anthony Dwyer
5 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:20:41
If RK and co want him then just get him done, but we need more, a keeper has to follow along with Mata, Kone, Bony and a Ziyech style set of signings and we will be in a position to kick on, ATM were still miles away.
Anthony Jones
6 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:25:13
This guy is frightening when it all comes together for him. He isn't the best wide player in the league but he carries a real threat that will stretch the opposition. Most of what players do is off the ball, contrary to the Martinez philosophy.
Andy Williams
8 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:27:15
The fee is ridiculous but the market is insane. Although he is inconsistent he has improved year on year. He puts the fear of god into defenders as they have no idea what he is going to do. We could do with a player that causes havoc even if his distribution is not the best and I for one hope this goes through.
Jason Thomas
9 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:28:37
Anthony D. If all those happen, then there won't be one Evertonian not throwing a street party. It's well possible also!
Colin Glassar
10 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:30:16
£20m? Well that's better than the £30m previously mentioned. I wonder if my earlier idea of throwing in Niasse and mcgeady for a combined £10m was accepted?
Matt Kennell
11 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:33:34
Koeman and Walsh are clearly working together with a plan in mind. First going for Arnautovic now Bolasie? Both similar players in that they are big, powerful, fast, and skilled.

Bolasie may not be the best winger in the league and the fee might be eye popping; however, he will add a totally new dynamic to the team which is what is needed to shake things up. Next up, a creative player would be nice.
Chris Corn
12 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:34:17
Muj @2. Seems like your playing a bit of fantasy footy league there. My advice to you as an Evertonian of 40 years ,don't set yourself up to be disappointed.
Teddy Bertin
13 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:36:12
I think a lot of clubs will be watching on with intrigue as to how this works out. World class on his day but goes missing too often. Whether that is because he was in a team that was struggling or because he runs out of ideas against certain defenders we'll soon see.

If he finds a way to play at the top end of his game every week then that price tag will like seem a bargain. Especially after the Niasse fiasco

or

"NIASSCO"!

Joe O'Brien
14 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:41:14
£20 mil sounds a whole lot better than 30.. those sad west ham supporters will be very disappointed.. will be great if we see ripping Spurs apart on Saturday.
Phil Sammon
15 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:44:19
£20M feels a lot better than £30M.

He's a player I've always liked and 'on his day' he can be quite incredible.

We are still lacking guile and craft in midfield though and I don't think Bolasie solves that. Can Mirallas, Barkley or Deulofeu? Even Tom Davies who is as elegant a player you're ever likely to see?

I would love to see Mata.

Also, Aussie viewers may have noticed that Aaron Mooy has made the move to Man City. It's a big step up from the A-League but the lad is an absolute Rolls-Royce. I wonder if he'll cut it, aged 27?

Dennis Ng
16 Posted 10/08/2016 at 23:47:26
Might drop to £15m by deal time LOL

A decent price based on the insane market. Interesting to see how many players we can get on the back of the Stones deal.

Everton Wint
18 Posted 10/08/2016 at 00:02:10
Just get it done. This guy will frighten defenders to death under Koeman. God he scared me every time we played palace. Also or forwards never got much against our Ash against Swansea. COYB
Jamie Sweet
20 Posted 10/08/2016 at 00:02:40
If he brings his A-game early on, he is the sort of player we will love having play for us.

I've seen him rip teams to shreds, but I've also seen him be bang average.

To really become a crowd favourite, he would need to add a bit more end product too.

It's certainly got me intrigued has this one! Watch this space .

John Raftery
21 Posted 10/08/2016 at 00:08:55
Transfer fees have more or less doubled following the new TV deal. Bolasie will offer a physical presence at 6 ft 2 in and weighing over 13 st. His goal scoring record is not great with only 12 goals in 132 league matches for Palace but he certainly creates issues for opposing defences with his pace, strength and work rate.
James Watts
22 Posted 11/08/2016 at 00:10:46
Crap signing for me, a faster McGeady, nothing more. Was really hoping this wasn't true. No doubt he'll be on the bench quicker than you can say 'cross the f**king ball will you'.

At least the price has come down from the 30 million we saw last night.

Rob Tedford
23 Posted 11/08/2016 at 00:11:54
Alot of people sayin he's great on his day , I can't argue with that but so are Deulofeu and Marallas ,

He'd be a good signing but not great. I would love a player who produces on a bad day,but his pace will be dangerous. Not jumping for joy just yet

Keeper and a Number 8 are the signings we should be looking at

Would definitely take a gamble on Ziyech but looks like we won't with signing Bolasie.

Mike Moore
24 Posted 11/08/2016 at 00:16:50
Oh give it up James, hes in a different league to Mcgeady et al, typical Everton fucking doom and gloom merchant! Lets be shit and moan eh!
Teddy Bertin
25 Posted 11/08/2016 at 00:23:50
I don't think that's a fair assessment of Bolasie #22 James. He's unplayable on his day whereas McGeady has been unplayable for totally different reasons.

Comparisons to Mirallas would be fairer in terms of consistency, ability and impact on matches.

Charlie Burnett
26 Posted 11/08/2016 at 00:42:54
It's £25 mil plus £5 mil add-ons. Who knows what that could be? Champions League, we give a million. Win the league, another million. Score over 20 goals, a million. It could be anything. Rooney's contract was full of them.

If we sell him in 2/3 years, he probably won't fulfil the add-ons. I think on his day he controls games. I would like us to go for a gamble now though. A striker like Bacca or Tevez.
James Watts
27 Posted 11/08/2016 at 00:43:03
Not at all Mike (24). You have your opinion, I have mine. I'm very happy with the other couple of signings we made, and I'm normally very optimistic with signings. Even McGeady I was willing to give him a chance before we all saw first hand what we had brought. However, I just do not rate this player one little bit. I've seen him several times live when it's not been his day, and the same thing we shout at McGeady is the same thing the Palace fans shout at this guy. You've been warned, believe me or not.

And I agree with you to a certain extent Teddy (25). But for me Mirallas is much better overall (last season removed), except the sulking of course.

Time will tell and I'll be there cheering him on. It's what I do. And I hope to high heaven he proves me wrong and if he does I'll be the first on here saying I was wrong, but at the moment, I just can't see it.

Anthony Dwyer
28 Posted 11/08/2016 at 00:45:53
Jason Thomas 9.

It looks like a lot, but we have new owners and apparently new investment, plus we've just got £47.5m for Stones.

£7.5m on Gueye and Stekelenburg.
£12m on Williams.

I asked for Bony, Mata, Kone, and Ziyech im guessing they should cost around £65m all in, added to the fees above puts us up to £85m.

That's us all in at £37.5m less Hibo's, Pienaar's, and Ossie's wages.

It's not asking a lot IMO.

Phil Jeffries
30 Posted 11/08/2016 at 00:53:17
This is a top signing. He is lightning quick and destroyed us on more than one occasion. He has a habit of doing the business against that shower across the park too. Away from home he will give us even more on the counter. Williams and Bolasie are extremely welcome and improve our squad.

I truly believe that Koeman knows he can't sign 5 star players just now as we can't offer Europe and there are a lot of teams awash with cash after the TV deal. Get us placed well in December/January and we may just get a decent marque Christmas pressie. COYB...

Victor Jones
31 Posted 11/08/2016 at 00:55:09
I would like to see Mirallas and Delofleu given a chance. And let's hope that they can take that chance. And make it hard for Koeman to drop them.But Bolasie would be an alternative. He would be something different. He would give Koeman a plan B. And maybe a plan C. But it could also push some of our youngsters down the pecking order. But he could also turn out to be another Atsu. But surely he will not be as bad as Niasse. Remember his transfer fee. Not always a guide to what you actually get.

Surprised that Palace are showing an interest in Niasse. What can they see in a player with the skill and agility of a wheely bin. Or does Pardew think that he can get a tune out of him. I'm baffled by this interest. But let's hope that the loan deal goes through. And as for Pardew getting a tune out of Niasse ...I very much doubt that the Beatles combined with The Rolling Stones with a sprinkling of The Who would get anything there.

John Daley
32 Posted 11/08/2016 at 01:25:13
"...but at the moment, I just can't see it."

Probably because he hasn't even signed yet, let alone set foot on the fucking pitch or clumsily punted a ball in a Private Pyle style.

Seeing a player 'live...several times' (care to quantify the number of games 'several' consists of?) surely isn't enough to be sure of his future status as a spunked down the drain fugazi. Different team, different manager, different stage. You don't even know what his role in the team will be or what attributes have convinced Koeman's he can be of use to the cause.

Maybe he just thinks he's a master of the slightly shocked 'shit, just walked in on me own mum naked' look he's modelling in the picture at the top of the page and wants him to wander about with that on his face all fucking game as a compliment to Lukaku's patented hands clasped over his mouth party piece?

Steve Kelly
33 Posted 11/08/2016 at 01:42:59
James Watts
35 Posted 11/08/2016 at 01:59:30
Hang on John (32), why so angry? I'm stating my opinion based on what I have seen. This is not 3rd party crap, this is my opinion, with my own eyes. Several times? Well I couldn't tell you the exact number, probably somewhere between 15 - 20 times over 2 or 3 years (sorry, again can't give you an exact number) as I have two Palace fan mates who have season tickets and get invited if one of them can't get to a game. Does that make you happy??

The same two Palace fans have sent me several text messages saying (powerphrasing) how crap he is 'most of the time'. I'm tired with this 'on his day' phrase as he doesn't have many of those. Believe me if you want, but couldn't care less if you don't. I'm happy it's not 30 million (hopefully) as I think this is a waste of money and could be better spent on a goalkeeper or other options on the left wing.

True he hasn't signed, nor do I know his role in the team (I could have a very good educated guess though but we will have to wait and see) but the post you have taken offence to is response to someone else - and you'll see that was a largely cordial discussion. It's my opinion. Nothing more, nothing less.

As for the rest of the crap you're spouting, didn't even waste several seconds of life on it. But there you go. Again, sorry I couldn't quantify how many seconds for you.

And don't forget I also said "And I hope to high heaven he proves me wrong and if he does I'll be the first on here saying I was wrong ..."

Does that explanation work for you?

Lee Courtliff
36 Posted 11/08/2016 at 02:22:05
I'm not the least bit excited about this signing!

He's just another inconsistent winger who doesn't score enough goals.

It wouldn't be so bad if he was 21 with plenty of time to develop but he's about 27, in the prime of his career, and he's still just another 'on his day' type player!

And the fees being touted are insulting...but in fairness we just received near £50M for a defender who can't really defend yet!

Jay Harris
37 Posted 11/08/2016 at 02:25:08
I heard it was £18m with Niasse valued at £7.5m to go on a seasons loan to see if they want him otherwise its £7m in cash at the end of the loan with Place paying his wages.

Personally I think Bolassie will do very well for us. Don't forget he was injured for a large part of the season and was in and out of a poor side.

John Daley
38 Posted 11/08/2016 at 02:31:52
Does that explanation work? For me?

Not really, but I suppose 'me mates said he's crap most of the time' will serve nicely as an example of this new fangled "powerphrasing".

As will the numerous other posts you've made over the last 24 hours banging on about how Bolasie is such a bad buy along with the frankly fucking boring and off beam 'another McGeady' assertions.

"Powerphrasing": Link

If you don't rate the player, fine. No problem with you saying so, but attempting to pummel the point home by repeatedly injecting said opinion at every opportunity makes your claims of "cheering him on" and hoping "to high heaven" he proves you wrong, ring hollow as as a rebound from another sling of Cap's rusty 'wank' shield. 

"Hang John"? It's clearly not me you're set on stringing up before even being given the benefit of a fair trial (What was it yesterday? Worst signing of the summer?"). In fact, you're so adamant and ahead of the game I expect poor Mrs Bolasie is living in fear that her pre-pregnancy past self is going to get a fucking bang on the door and upon opening it find you kitted out in biker jacket, shades and an Uzi, saying (in a clearly put-on wooden Austrian accent) "Sarah Conner? Sorry, I mean... Yanick Bolasie's yet to be mum? Soz love, me mates didn't tell me your maiden name".

Paul Kossoff
39 Posted 11/08/2016 at 02:45:18
I think out of the four wingers we already have Bolasie is the best. We need finished articles in this team, not potential. In fact, we have too many 'finished', and too many 'articles', in the side.

Hopefully this signing with the other new boys will give this team the much needed kick up the arse it needs.

Rumours that Bony could be next, what's the odds that would see Rom on his way?

James Watts
40 Posted 11/08/2016 at 02:51:48
*sigh* Okay, John. You really go off on a tangent quickly don't you?

You ignore the fact I've seen him play? Have you? Do you have friends who watch him many times and give you banter about him? If so. Ditto. If not just bash me and try and fail to be funny instead. You think my posts are boring? You ever had to read your rubbish? You probably think you're funny. I don't. See, different opinion.

We'll have to agree to disagree. I think he's crap. You think I'm wrong. No worries.

And my other posts and things I have said, I stand by. You don't have to agree. But this is my last post on what I think of him. Probably to your delight.

ps: That was a typo that's been rectified.

James Watts
41 Posted 11/08/2016 at 02:58:09
Just to confirm Jay. We pay 7 mill cash if they don't want Niasse at end of season?
Jim Harrison
42 Posted 11/08/2016 at 03:01:24
John Daley, priceless.
Colin Metcalfe
43 Posted 11/08/2016 at 03:13:20
£30M for a player that Newcastle would normally sign!

Let's be honest, yes, he ripped us up a couple of times but over the last 2 seasons we have rolled over for most of the Premier League! Even Sunderland thrashed us on what was Martinez's last game. No, not for me, sorry!

James Watts
44 Posted 11/08/2016 at 03:18:19
Careful Colin. You'll have John Daley on your case...

Probably something like 'not for me!' are you kidding? Have you seen him play? Well when Rome was burning did you hear Nero say bla bla bla... And so on and on and on and on and on... *snooze*

John Daley
45 Posted 11/08/2016 at 03:32:18
James,

1) I pointedly did not ignore the fact you've seen him play (live!). I specifically asked you how often and you answered.

 2) Yes, I can go off on a tangent at any given moment. Don't think that will come as a surprise to anyone on here. It's a simple thing to do, provided you're not singularly focused on pointing out a particular player is 'shite'.

3) As for having 'banter' buddies. No. I can safely say I don't have any friends who would give me 'banter'. I'd even like to think my worst enemies would have enough about them to leaven humorous words with at least a little wit. "Banter"? No one word could invalidate an argument as instantaneously in my book. Could have dropped it in earlier and saved me the bother, like.

James Watts
46 Posted 11/08/2016 at 03:44:12
We friends again now John? ;) I'm pretty new on here posting and let my emotions get the better of me when I first saw the news. I have no argument with you, well apart from the above of course.

I do sincerely hope it works out for us, if he signs. And I really do hope I'm wrong. After all people far more qualified than me seem to like him.

Either way, I'll be watching and cheering.

Richard Leeming-McHale
47 Posted 11/08/2016 at 05:36:59
Yes, yes, very nice, BUT WHERE IS THE GOALKEEPER?!
Paul Burns
48 Posted 11/08/2016 at 05:37:07
Poor McGeady must be terrified at the prospect of bumping into himself in the street given the number of people just like him or poorer that are knocking around.
Lewis Barclay
49 Posted 11/08/2016 at 05:56:24
Living not too far from Selhurst I've got a lot of friends who are Palace fans who all same the same thing:

"Bolasie is immense when he can be bothered but too often recently he can't be bothered."

Let's hope a change of scenery and higher wages (I'm guessing) can make him bothered.

Christopher Kelly
50 Posted 11/08/2016 at 06:05:52
For sure the coolest player in the league.
Ed Fitzgerald
51 Posted 11/08/2016 at 06:29:59
I can't understand this signing at all. Not a priority position to fill. As others have stated he has doesn't score many and often drifts out of games. I'm less than impressed by the acquisitions made by Koeman and Walsh thus far. Has Galloway gone to Newcastle if he has that's another decision I find incomprehensible given the really promising start he made here last season.
Tim Locke
52 Posted 11/08/2016 at 07:01:59
Jame Watts I would hang onto this thread because give it a couple of months and IF he is playing crap every man and his dog will be wanting to post what a waste of money this was.

On the two main threads on this, the summary of the comments have been.

- Seriously, has it come to this.
- £30m no way
- £20 is better than £30, guess we have some accountants in our mist.
- He is unplayable on his day - you could take that one of two way he is so crap he should be in the stands, or he is 'world class' as one person wrote.
- we need a defender, goal keeper and not another winger.
- hopefully we can throw Nessi in with him.

I would hardly call this a ToffeeWeb endorsement. At best it's welcome, I've got my eye on you.

Kieran Fitzgerald
53 Posted 11/08/2016 at 07:12:42
Would rather have spent the money on trying to coax Bony or Mata to the club. An inconsistent winger just doesn't catch my imagination in the same way.

However, Koeman expects a huge amount of workrate from his players by all accounts. Maybe this will help in getting more out of Bolaise. Him, plus a hard working Lennon and a Mirallas with a new lease of life might all work well.

Steve Jones
54 Posted 11/08/2016 at 07:13:09
Bolasie, as has been said, is about Koeman's stamp of authority on the side. The need to be more aggressive.

Gana is going to add something of that immediately in front of defence and Bolasie higher up the pitch. Bolasies goal return isn't impressive but his assists were if I remember right. If he can make space for Deulofeu, Mirallas or Rom to dart into he's going to be effective.

As to the cost?. The day Jordan fucking Ibe is a £15mn quid player Bolasie could be anything £20mn suddenly doesn't sound as bad!

Dan Nulty
55 Posted 11/08/2016 at 07:13:27
He regularly plays on the left, it is a problem position that needs filling. He therefore makes us stronger. Koeman won't accept off games so he will work hard.

We need a goalkeeper (I honestly can see us getting Hart if city buy someone else) and another centre mid. If we do get Mata, great but we also need some more bite.

To the naysayers, we are better spending money on guys who know what the premiership is all about and have the right character. Clearly our dressing room is mentally weak and the character he has brought in appear to be strong ones. I am super confident this time next month we will be happier. Not sure we will do well in the Tottenham game though, probably come two weeks too soon.

Joe Clitherow
56 Posted 11/08/2016 at 07:13:31
Stop Press:

If the players who can destroy teams "on their day" made that "every day they play" they would not be signing for Everton right now. You wouldn't be paying £18-20M for them either. They would have Man City, Utd, Chelsea battering their door down for £60, 70, 80M. I've seen this guy destroy teams "on his day" single handedly, including us and the RS and right now we have no-one in our team who can do that. Not Deulofeu, not Mirallas, neither of them for a long, long time (err not McGeady ever). On this basis he is an upgrade for us which is what we need.

What it comes down to is whether or not you think Ronald Koeman can get more consistency out of a player than Alan Pardew: a manager for whom the phrase "on his day" could have been created. The occasional good patch or the odd game in a season but you just know he will go through a prolonged horrible spell which is far longer.

I'll take a destroyer "on his day" plus Koeman right now.

Gareth Clark
57 Posted 11/08/2016 at 07:22:43
Joe #56 -

Put a smile on your face, you sour, negative man.

Joe Clitherow
58 Posted 11/08/2016 at 07:28:28
Gareth Clark

Put a lightbulb above your head when you can read and understand, you comprehensionally challenged man.

I smile all day and I'm pleased with Everton's business over the past few days. My post was putting the doomsayers in perspective. We won't be signing Ronaldo or Messi which seems to be the expectation of some here who are knocking this.

Try and keep up.

Abhishek Saha
59 Posted 11/08/2016 at 08:09:39
Out - - - In

Howard - - - ? (Stekelenburg is no.2; we still need our no.1 keeper)
Osman - - - Idrissa Gueye
Pienaar - - - ?
Hibbo - - - ?
Stones - - - Ashley Williams
Niasse (surely) - - - ?
Lukaku (if) - - - ?

In summary, we need another 5 signings (4 if Rom stays) which are 1 keeper, 1 right back, 1 left winger, 1 or 2 strikers.

COYB!

Rob Esteva
60 Posted 11/08/2016 at 08:39:37
The goalkeeper situation

All I can assume is that they are holding on for Tim Krul to get fit again to sign him. Doesn't make sense otherwise for not having moved for somebody yet.

He gets hammered on here, but I'm a huge fan of Begovic, but i'd be happy with a fit Krul.

Eddie Dunn
61 Posted 11/08/2016 at 08:46:00
Providing we keep Geri and Kev, then Bolasie is surely another weapon in our armoury. If one of them is having a mare, then we can hook him off and throw on another to see if he can do any better. The competition for place will surely be good for them all.

He offers us something that our other wingers don't have – he has size, and power along with pace.

Now we need another striker to give Rom some competition, as I for one, don't want to pin my hopes on Kone getting us a goal.

Paul Tran
62 Posted 11/08/2016 at 08:47:09
Is he better than what we have now? Mirallas is great on his day and has been here long enough to show me that he isn't going to have more good days than he does now. Deulofeu is talented, lightweight, lacks resilience. Impact sub at best for me.

Koeman's had a look at them preseason and this signing tells me what he thinks. And I agree with him, he's better than what we have.

Koeman's been brought in to rebuild the team. That means buying and getting the best out of players who are good on their day (Bolasie) and finding the odd cheap gem (Gueye). The superstar players won't come until it's clear he's building something special.

The best managers look at players first hand, then decide what they're going to do. Ultimately it's about what we do on the pitch. I'm happy with what he's doing so far.

Mark Murphy
63 Posted 11/08/2016 at 08:48:50
Joe from Clitheroe - AMEN brother - with you all the way!
This site is like them Dementors off of Harry Potter - sucks the life out of you!
Joe Clitherow
64 Posted 11/08/2016 at 08:55:32
Someone's gonna have to remind me the last time Mirallas was great on his day, and for a full match ideally.

The last time I recall he even looked like he was going to get me on my feet was only for a few minutes before he was viciously and deliberately taken out of the game by that snide Suarez. Without subsequent punishment obviously.

Kevin has developed even more of a bad habit of throwing himself to the ground and waving his arms when things aren't going his way in recent seasons, which is a real shame for me given his talent.

Alan Maher
65 Posted 11/08/2016 at 09:03:35
@ Joe 56. Completely hit the nail on the head. Whilst he wouldn't have been a player I would have thought of signing, he does bring power, pace and strength to an area we are lacking in.
James Hughes
67 Posted 11/08/2016 at 09:29:12
Joe, my original opinion of him joining was a big fat why. Your point is very well put and has convinced me
Andy Meighan
68 Posted 11/08/2016 at 09:35:31
Well said, Mike (#24). All you hear off some fans: "We need players now". "Nowhere close to signing a few more". "He's shit him"...

Yes, Bolasie is unpredictable but also a game-changer on his day. Let's be fair, Mirallas and Deulofeu very rarely last a full game so they're going to have to work to get in the side ahead of him.

We've got to trust Koeman. He's obviously thought the spine isn't strong enough. Now for a dynamic centre midfielder and a striker to replace the miserable fucker up front and it's happy days!

Sam Hoare
69 Posted 11/08/2016 at 09:36:05
Not convinced. Though untested I'd prefer to take a gamble on Ziyech and/or Ghezzal who are younger and have more time to develop into something truly special.

Think Bolasie will certainly serve a function and is a much more physical option than Mirallas or Deulofeu. Few right backs will relish a game against him. £20m seems more palatable than £30m (i know its not my money!). It would appear there is a plan to buy strong, athletic players who have performed well in the premier league over the last year or so and that seems a sensible plan. Bolasie would not be my pick but i'll trust RK/Walsh on this one.

Victor Yu
70 Posted 11/08/2016 at 09:42:54
I think we should stop thinking about 'potential' and 'resell value'. If we want to move forward, then we need to get players who are at their prime.

Why are we so obsessed with signing 21-year-olds only? If they reach their potential, then we flip them for profits?

Get the best players at their prime is the way to go.

Trevor Lynes
71 Posted 11/08/2016 at 09:48:04
If this guy can be played properly he could well be the answer to our wide problems up front. I can see him playing in front of Baines forming a similar partnership as Baines had with Pienaar.

I see us with three centre backs, two wing backs in Coleman and Baines. Gueye and Barry in midfield with Barkley/Mirallas, Lukaku and Bolasie up front. Subs G/K, Cleverley, Deulofeu, McCarthy, Holgate, Lennon and Davies.

I want a younger midfield player than Mata. Someone like Draxler or Ziyech.

Denis Richardson
72 Posted 11/08/2016 at 09:52:32
The way the market is right now I think we have to just ignore the fee and the reported 90k/week(!) Bolasie's been offered. We needed someone big and fast who can also play on the left so this ticks a box.

Hopefully there will be at least 3-4 new faces in the team to face spurs so that'll be a sizeable chunk who have not been 'Martinezed'. If we could wrap up Bony and Kone this week, then that would be potentially 6 out of the first team who are new. Obviously it'll take a bit of time for them to gel but at least the spine of the team will be a lot more solid.

Big KO just 2 days away, if we sign anyone today would they be registered in time for Spurs?

Jonathan Miller
73 Posted 11/08/2016 at 09:58:15
Bolasie occupies the opponent's full back, tracks back and will defend. Physically he is a right handful and I think Baines will be delighted to have him in front of him. He has always been threatening when he has played against us. Good signing for me!
Robert Workman
74 Posted 11/08/2016 at 10:06:58
Interesting that Koeman has signed 2 physical players and may sign a couple more. Clear weakness in our previous set up detected.
Chris Corn
75 Posted 11/08/2016 at 10:09:06
Sam, 69,as you allude to, it is obvious that Koeman wants to address what he has identified as our weaknesses with players from the premier league in the first instance. They are used to the pace and physicality and can fit in straight away. I would suggest he is not looking at two or three years down the line and is preparing for the here and now. I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing, because the days of managers hanging around circa SAF, Moyes and Wenger will pretty much be over once the latter eventually packs up.

Tbh I've never heard of Ziyech or Ghezzal but I don't watch that much footy outside of Everton. I do note Ghezzal has played circa 60 Ligue 1 games, which for a 24 yr old does not seem a lot. Is he a late bloomer?

Ian McDowell
76 Posted 11/08/2016 at 10:25:14
I'm all up for us signing strong, athletic players. The EPL is more physically demanding than La Liga or Serie A who's leagues are perhaps more technical.

Drew O'Neall
77 Posted 11/08/2016 at 10:30:20
Credit where credit's due to Everton for feeding the media price tags higher than the actual deals to ward off rivals for Williams and Bolasie while they got the deals done.

I expect Kone will come in at well below the £18m mark if it happens.

Chris Kelly
78 Posted 11/08/2016 at 10:34:17
I will keep an open mind until I see him play for half a season. The two big unknowns in all of this is whether the players that will form the team gel, in that Davy Thomas/Bob Latchford way. Secondly is whether Koeman can start to get the players we have or buy in, performing consistently at a higher level.

That is what Ranieri did and that is what I understand that Koeman did at Southampton. Martinez sucked the life out of the team last year, we clearly have decent players, if Koeman can get them playing in their best positions, working effectively together, then we have a chance.

Jonathon Laws
79 Posted 11/08/2016 at 10:37:30
Happy to see the general sentiment is positive. We've actually got some real offensive talent in the squad, and Bolasie will add power to our Swiss army knife of offensive talent. Setting up a defense to withstand the attacking talent of a Mirallas, Lukaku, DelBoy, Bolasie, Barkley setup (with Baines n Coleman bombing it on the flanks) will be a massive headache. Especially when Funes Mori, Willams, Gueye and Barry are anchoring them.

This is it boys.

Patrick Murphy
80 Posted 11/08/2016 at 10:43:43
Drew (77) Is it perhaps possible that Everton FC are making public, the lower transfer fee to keep some of the 'how much? for a player of that age?" critics off their back and put a positive spin on things. I don't particularly care if we paid slightly under or over the odds as long as the player arriving produces the goods in an Everton shirt.
Steve Cotton
81 Posted 11/08/2016 at 10:49:21
re the new number 10 we are after, I would suggest that potential signing of Mata would hold up the progress of Barkley and we would struggle to keep both happy. Mata wouldn't come to sit on the bench.

If we were to go with a lesser name who would be prepared to sweat for the shirt and fight his way into the team then yes that could be accommodated. This would also be a cheaper option.

Ziyech maybe would fit the bill better.

Drew O'Neall
82 Posted 11/08/2016 at 10:54:43
Patrick, yes it's possible but I prefer to think that smart negotiators are publicising a higher fee. It's actually in the interest of both parties when you think about it because if a higher fee is vaunted and rival interest still comes in for the player, the selling club has a raised negotiation starting point.

Carrying on the theme of the Machiavellian strategies of transfer dealing, I wonder whether we discuss/publicise big fees to get the opportunity to speak to (read tap up with a big contract offer) other clubs' players prior to reaching formal agreement ergo strengthening our bargaining position when the player demands to leave the selling club.

By extension I wonder if we have done something along those lines with Kone (and even Witsel), offering the players highly lucrative contracts, and the selling clubs are digging their heels in at the lower offer we are actually tabling now we are leveraging player interest in leaving.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall in the war rooms.

Declan Campbell
83 Posted 11/08/2016 at 11:09:03
Sam Hoare, where do you get the time to enable you to have intimate knowledge of every player in the world? Not being smart, pal, but these names you whip out, how often could you have possibly seen them play?
Sandra Bowen
84 Posted 11/08/2016 at 13:41:00
Wingers are pretty much all inconsistent. It's the nature of their position. They're asked to change games by getting on the ball, take risks and drive their team forward. They're going to lose the ball more than most but you need them in the side for the reward that the risk brings when they get it right.

You can stick a Cleverley, Osman type player out there and they'll keep the ball better but they're not going to effect the game as much.

I look forward to seeing his unplayable games and when it's not working, we change it.

Now let's get Mata in to ensure these players get the ball.

Jim Burns
85 Posted 11/08/2016 at 13:41:44
James @ 35 . Whilst I don't necessarily agree with your view of Bolassie - I respect it ,and appreciate how you've argued it.

I suppose it just goes to show that we are all sideline experts when these decisions need making - but thank god we don't have to actually make them!

( Would be happy to get it badly wrong for a while though on those pay levels ).

I happen to think he is a good buy and in any case am prepared to back RK's judgement based on his track record - thumbs up from me! Time will tell.

James Watts
86 Posted 11/08/2016 at 13:59:57
Oh well, I guess by Pardew's comments we won't be seeing him in an Everton shirt just yet.

After all this, wouldn't it be funny if we don't even sign him?

Dave Pritchard
88 Posted 11/08/2016 at 14:09:27
James, I wouldn't necessarily believe what Pardew has said but then again he might be telling the truth. There is many a slip between cup and lip. All managers, players, agents etc are cautious when discussing transfers.
Brian Williams
89 Posted 11/08/2016 at 14:18:22
Pardew's a prick!
Patrick Murphy
90 Posted 11/08/2016 at 14:20:03
Brian (89) I don't think that counts as breaking news mate! :)
Dave Speed
91 Posted 11/08/2016 at 14:22:38
Bolasie will be a great success for us. RM will educate him, as well as others like Ross B, on when to pass and when to dribble. Under RM Bolasie could rival some of the great EFC wingers of bygone days. He fits in perfectly with having a strong defence that can feed him and quickly turn things into a fast counter attack.

We would then see the best of Lukaku if he stays, as he would start to make the runs again that he used to make before he got fed up with not getting the correct pass, and the runs he made last season when Gerry was putting in those excellent passes. The price is not his fault. He will justify it I have no doubt.

James Watts
92 Posted 11/08/2016 at 14:27:39
Well, one thing for certain, we probably all agree about Pardew ;)
Brian Williams
93 Posted 11/08/2016 at 14:32:43
Patrick#90.
Haha! I'm wondering about how many others I'll post that exact comment in the next 48 hours.
Jack Convery
94 Posted 11/08/2016 at 14:33:59
Pardews still coming to terms with the fact the FA put Allardyce before him - not to mention Bruce. Unless he turned it down of course !
Fran Mitchell
95 Posted 11/08/2016 at 14:34:35
Whenever I saw Bolasie linked with big moves in the past, I always imagined Liverpool would end up signing him.

He ain't a bad player, and 'on his day' can really tear it up. But he is just a bit, meh. Liverpool have signed in numerous players of his caliber. In that, 'yeah he's good but just a but...' bracket.

Hopefully Koeman knows what he wants from him and how he'll fit into the system he wants.

Mike Mulhall
96 Posted 11/08/2016 at 14:53:56
I spend all summer watchin for our spending on players, go to ibiza and it starts to happen.

I am not one for player manager, I thing if I don't rate him but koeman does the do it, end of the day all I won was goal of the season against tramways on scotty road in 1993

Brian Wilkinson
97 Posted 11/08/2016 at 15:03:46
Be glad if we get this over the line, cannot stand Pardew so will not go smoothly.
Brian Wilkinson
98 Posted 11/08/2016 at 15:08:40
Give Pardew credit though, he did say Newcastle were in a different league to Everton two seasons ago, wonder if he knows the Euro millions numbers.
Trevor Lynes
99 Posted 11/08/2016 at 16:02:10
Bolasie scared the life out of me when I watched him running through our defence at Goodison. On his day he is miles better than all our present forwards including Barkley!Mentioning him in the same breath as McGeady is astonishing.McGeady would not bring in a penny from any Premier League club. If the fans on here are satisfied with what we already have then BK will be absolutely delighted with you.Gueye plus hopefully Bolasie and Kone from Sunderland are a step up IMO. We still need a top goalkeeper a decent playmaker plus another striker to support Lukaku. But the three moves that are hotly rumoured are fine IMO.
Jimmy Salt
100 Posted 11/08/2016 at 16:06:20
Pardew is a square piece of cheese.
Eddie Dunn
101 Posted 11/08/2016 at 17:54:56
Pardew, has a problem with us, and may be angling for more money but it is probably out of his hands anyway.
I hope we land this fish - he is a big, slippery thing and I want to see him in Ronnie's keep net . Can't wait to see him thrashing about in the bigger pond that is Goodison Park.
Brian Williams
102 Posted 11/08/2016 at 18:54:36
Eddie#101.
Ok Eddie don't carp on about it or you'll be making a rod for your own back.

Eugene Ruane
103 Posted 11/08/2016 at 19:09:09
I'd back out just to tell Pardew "We don't want him now you horrible, shit-dancing, Harpo Marx-faced twat"

Link

Chris Williams
104 Posted 11/08/2016 at 19:14:27
I'm not keen on the smug get either Eugene
Joe Clitherow
105 Posted 11/08/2016 at 19:18:05
Or, Eugene, we could just buy him and say "you horrible etc etc Harpo Marx etc etc" anyway? That could just be a gift that keeps on giving
Jon Cox
106 Posted 11/08/2016 at 19:22:38
Pat, (90)

Not only do I think this should be considered breaking news, but our mate Brian should be given the anchor at SSN.

Sadly, Brian wouldn't get the job though,

he obviously likes the truth.

Dean Adams
107 Posted 11/08/2016 at 19:25:33
Dave Speed. I assume you meant RK!!
Alan Bodell
108 Posted 11/08/2016 at 19:55:29
Brian #98, weird that mate coz I remember when we tried to sign Chris Armstrong from them some years back Ron Noades, their then chairman said 'Why would he go there when we are bigger than Everton ?, the water pipes into Selhurst needs dope testing and thank fuck we never signed him, he was shite.
Jon Cox
109 Posted 11/08/2016 at 20:03:32
Brian 102,

He's on about getting a real winger and keeping him there.

You could say a plaice for everything and everything in it's plaice .

taxi for me .

Jon Cox
110 Posted 11/08/2016 at 20:08:35
Oh and while I'm at it

Alan, one hundred and whatever,

could you edit your post with sha la la la lee at the end of it please,

there's a good chap ;-)


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