Everton seal Sandro transfer

Would still rather have seen him with the shirt on, to know it was actually true.

I remember not that long ago, there was a player, I think he was called Fernandez, came to Goodison, got the VIP treatment etc. flew out on the Sunday, and signed for some other side, in Spain or Portugal.

I would like to think we have moved on since then, and wouldn't be so naive, to announce the signing, if it was likely to go pear-shaped.

If this is Walsh working his magic then kudos to him but having a high profile name managing us who is held in great esteem at Barca and in Holland must have helped with this and the Klasson deal.

But ultimately, well done Mr Moshiri – another feather in your cap?

Hope he has his picture taken in the new strip, the one he was given when he last flew over must have had 'Hafnia' on it.

With the other newcomers and maybe one or two more plus the youngsters coming through we can be forgiven for licking our lips for the next season, all being well that we can get the tactics right and the main starting eleven gels quickly.

"What's Our Name?"

They weren't first teamers but many were fillers. And the starting 11 has got older. With the likes of Lennon, Cleverley and Kone gone, we still need to keep buying what with the Europa League coming up.

Under Moyes, I would have been stunned by this level of signings yet this squad was a cobbled together affair in Koeman's first season, probably able to get to 7th because of the likes of Jags, Coleman, Lukaku, Barkley, Gana and the bonus that was Davies.

Keane needs to come in to truly replace the void left by Stones, we've hopefully answered our goalkeeper problem for many years yet, however we do need to look at left backs and a centre-forward who knows the Premier League and will get into double figures. I suspect more chances will be spread out across the team once our contracted semi-final penalty missing Champions League wannabe has departed.

Lock and load, prepare to fire again!

Fill the void left by Stones? Is that the huge gaps he used to leave by getting too far forward? Or the void left by a failure to defend set pieces properly? Or is it the dancing around in his own box void? Keane is about as far from Stones (thankfully) as a defender at the same position can get. I still think he has demonstrated weaknesses with pace and mobility outside the 18 but he is excellent in the box.

Good deal if we can get him but I think some overvalue and over-hype him due to his being English. I watched almost every Burnley game last season and Heaton and mostly, Mee, covered for his mistakes outside the 18 too often for comfort. Maybe Koeman can get him straightened out though.

Lastly, the cynical Blue in me gets reminded of the gs, mostly unknown to the league – the season we sign last summer like this, with a slew of continental signings, Dacourt, Materazzi, Collins, and Bakayoko later on. Hopes were high and all were excellent players, but just didn't settle well and fuse together as a team. Dacourt and Materazzi I remember had terrible disciplinary records while Bakayoko, a great debut aside, remained an enigma.

Then Dunc got sold and PJ left. I'd like to think we and the Premier League has moved on from those dodgy times, but history can sometimes repeat itself.

7th last season was good, but I expect for a slightly higher finish this season and to beat the red shite at least once. I'm not getting excited but hope that Everton are truly on the way back to were we belong the Top team on Merseyside.

Doesn't Mirallas also speak Spanish? I hope Joel is still around this season. Pickford will be in the spotlight a bit more at Everton... and we all know how patient the Goodison crowd can be.

Couldn't resist. :)

You are sharing my thoughts exactly there, regarding the younger promising players, I do hope they are more involved, this coming season we have the Europa as well as the domestic Cups and of course the Premier League, to contend.

Like you say Jonjoe Kenny, Mason Holgate, to name but two, IMO good enough now to play a role if chosen. It must be disheartening for these lads, to have come this far, be knocking on the door, and they go and buy someone for that position.

I do appreciate the need for getting rid of a lot of dead wood, along with needing a bigger squad to cope with the extra games, but please let's not forget what we already have in the cupboard!

We Evertonians in Nigeria say "Keep banging in the goals" for the Blue side of Liverpool city.

But a few cameos from Dowell, Walsh and Robinson would still be progress for them personally. I'm confident Walsh could happily go away on another loan at a higher level than Yeovil and do a great job but Dowell for some reason doesn't strike me as the type to thrive in a lower league so he really needs to break into our team sooner rather than later.

For years we've called for 'early' signings and it's ironic that now our dreams are coming true the timing coincides with a rare crop of young 'graduates' of our own !

The odd appearance on a wet Thursday night in Usbekistan will be scant reward for seeming 'to make it' at Everton. But that's football,today, I guess !

I suppose this is what happen s though, when Sky Sports News have 24 hours a day of television to fill. Jesus wept.

*a website rumour page

We need to invest in top young players, invest in our academy, and invest in seniors. We were not exactly awash with players coming through when we were a poorer team.

Almost the opposite of driving off the forecourt with a brand new car that is now worth half it's value (I would imagine).

We should have enough spare cash to buy another goal scorer without Moshiri putting his hand in his pocket at all.

As much as I loved Rooney as a player, I hope he doesn't come back, his best days are long gone IMO.

Eat those words with relish, Mr. Lukaku.

If you compare the team now to what it MIGHT look like at full strength this year, then there are huge differences between only a few years ago.

Howard Pickford
Coleman Coleman
Jagielka Keane
Distin/Stones Williams
Baines Baines
Barry Gana/Davies
McCarthy Schneiderlin
Barkley Klaassen
Mirallas Lookman
Osman Bolasie
Lukaku Sandro/Calvert-Lewin/Giroud/Onyekuru

I wonder is Rom thinking maybe worst case scenario, one more year might not be the worst thing ever, if Conte doesn't rate him?

It's the new, I won't believe the transfer until .
a) He's holding the scarf / shirt
b) He's paraded on the pitch
c) The Everton App buzzes you to confirm!

The first 11 that kicks off the new season is going to be a very different team to the one that finished last season.

Deal definitely done!!

Great signing, though!

Just as an edit: Bill is a very good snake-oil salesman, but he should be kept as part of the side-show, as this clearly shows he wasn't the main contact!

And it might make a trip home from Bournmouth a more pleasurable occasion on a cold wet night and anywhere else for that matter.

UP THE BLUES

I think with Sandro we might have a better arsenal than the lot at the Emirates Stadium if we can pair him with a top marksman to replace our want-away hotshot.

However, surely 7th ish is our best bet. :)

Ken, not next year, but the year after that, although I think we can settle for the Europa Lge, next season, if we can just get through into the group stages, and give the squad some time to gel!

At today's prices, his age, his profile, his career to date, this is a total no-brainer.

I wonder if all the more paranoid posters and conspiracy theorists who contributed to the 500-600 posts across 3-4 threads about this lad and his transfer, all the wild speculation and angst they expressed, will learn from this experience?

You know nowt about what is truly going on behind the scenes during each and any transfer window, either in general or about individual transfers.

Will how this transfer played out stop posters senseless, unfounded speculation? Will it buggery!

Human nature is a funny ole business...

Who woulda thunk it?

I've just watched his OS interview, all pretty standard stuff but he looks like he's dead keen, has something to prove and how many times did he say the RK was a major reason for him coming to us?

This is why Moshiri broke the bank for RK, all part of the masterplan .

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/824181/Everton-transfer-news-Michael-Keane-medical-sportgalleries

Drum roll, please

You would imagine in today's market that he will be worth a lot more in 2 or 3 years time, should he want to go back to Spain.
I wonder would he like Giroud to partner him?
With him also able to play behind the striker or on the wing could we see him maybe as part of a front three.

And, where have you gone Alexander Murphy? You disappeared after your complaint about the gun language. With all these gun puns being fired around I'd have thought you'd have plenty of ammunition for further complaint... although perhaps given your stance you'd be bringing a knife to a gunfight?

Sorry, couldn't resist! ;-)

Of course we're not going to get everyone we want, but to be opening the transfer window with 4 players already in the bag (albeit one a prospect for next season) plus one more waiting in the wings and plenty of discussions progressing elsewhere is genuinely satisfying.

Coupled with the stadium developments, new sponsorship deal and the performance of the youth players last season under Unsworth it really does feel like a new dawn for the club. Can't wait for the new season!

Without Lukaku we still need a potent goal scorer. Without Siggi we are still without a play maker.I am not so worried about the centre back position as Keane will need a Jagielka or Williams alongside him until he is completely bedded in.Filling the Coleman absence is more worrysome as Holgate is not a full back IMO. Perhaps Kenny can stake his claim ?

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He certainly looks pleased to be here and makes all the right noises, including an honest description of his qualities and praise for everyone involved in the deal.

I'm just curious as to where this was filmed and WHEN it was filmed and if Everton has been sat on it for some time waiting for the Malaga release clause to be activated.

Sandro I see as being what Son is to Tottenham - can be the #9 if our lead striker is injured but otherwise will play around him.

In terms of the LB, I'd happily see either Robertson from Hull come in or if we can manage it Sessegnon from Fulham, who I note can play LM/LW if required to do so.

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It involves various transport from Finch Farm, including a plane, to a still mysterious destination.

Of course, the TW curmudgeons will be right in saying these signings will all have to gel together.

But if you're not excited by these early signings .

Said a couple of weeks back, the quality of Everton's signings might just give the likes of Lukaku and Barkley pause for thought and make them think:

"Hang on! This might be worth sticking around for."

I'd happily keep both alongside the new arrivals.

Before Moshiri, I always was vocal about us giving our youth a chance to develop by playing, even if it meant mid- to low-table mediocrity for a few years. This is just as good! After all, we didn't do it the Man C way... We're splashing the cash late, and on young players!

I don't recognize the clubs leadership ! Early strategy, clear targets, go get them.. sure others will end of spending more but we look by far the most professional ! Waited so long to say that.

I realise Deulofeu is a totally different player but by the sounds of things this lad will work a lot harder, has a much better attitude, will score us loads of goals yet cost us almost half what we sold Geri for.

I was expecting us to have to insert some similar low release clause into his contract but it doesn't look it. I realise he might not be our 1st choice striker (or is he?) but it's a great bit of business and I'd say Malaga are fierce annoyed as they look at other players going for 㿀M+

I can't wait to see him, Bolasie and Lookman all in the one team. Would be nice if Rom would be there for one more season to see how that would work out. If Costa doesn't move then Rom might stay.

No way does a man build a young exciting Empire with a new stadium, then hands that stuff over to the next man.

Mr Moyes had you kept faith with us a little longer this could have been you. Enjoy retirement.

We're back.

If there was one good thing to learn from the transfer of our Belgian palm tree to Man Utd, I will hope this proves we at least learned a lesson! No silly release clauses!

Have we received any offer to buy Niasse for whatever RM threw at his former club in Russia? I should think not, but I'd love to get his wages offloaded!

The way forward is to have seasoned pros with young, hungry, intelligent players brought up together, a group steeped in Evertonia, proud to be with us; a band of brothers in effect.

I was very impressed with the interview on the OS a while ago with the three youngsters and Alan Myers...just 3 good mates taking the mickey.

We just might be seeing the beginning of soming...

I am beginning to be at a loss for words, and I'm not being cynical. Has any other club moved so swiftly and effectively into the transfer market, this close season?

Delighted with this signing. Great scoring record from last season. With his pace, enthusiasm and goals it could be happy days! Exciting times :)

You can just see him tearing the redsh*te apart!

Great to be getting lots of business done. With the current squad, new signings and great youth coming through, times are a looking up! #COYB

I bought the book "Here we go" (interviews with players from our mid-80's) quite some time ago, but only just got around to reading it. And the one thing many of those old players agreed on was that having a mainly young team that was doing not-to-good, but eventually getting some experienced players in (with Andy G and Peter R), was suddenly turning it all around!

So yes, we want all those young and hungry ones, and we need some older players with the proper winning mentality to gel them into a team that never have any doubts about where they can get to!

Goodness me – Everton, deadline day is gonna be so boring now. LOL

What is happening? Somebody wake me up, I'm dreaming! How are Sky going to run their 'top six' narrative all season now? Have I woke up in a parallel universe where we are kings again? Like a kid on Christmas Day here...

Giroud (quality)
Rooney (free – why not eh? its not like we are building our forward line around him - again, quality and he comes as very well known)
Dembele
Sigurdsson – as long as we are not held to ransom
A right back!?

We're buying EVERYONE!!

We are seeing a whole scale restructuring of the squad and we could end up starting the season with up to six new first team starters.

It often takes new players a while to gel, getting used to playing with each other. The early season fixtures have not been kind to us , so at a time new players are acclimatising we are playing some of hardest games.

In the long run strengthening the squad is a good thing but I do fear we may need a bit of patience in August and September.

We don't seem to be penny pinching anymore. Or is it that Lukaku has gone already.

They're running scared having only overpaid on a former Chelsea reject.

Loving every minute.

You killjoy!

While I have always believed, in exactly what you say about so many additions, to any team, it does as you say so succinctly, have a time to gel.

The beauty of these transfers, is that, the major ones are all in quickly before the pre-season fixtures get off the ground.

I hope you don't come back, to haunt me with, I told you so !

And we're doing it early enough for the team to gel together in pre-season.

This reminds me of one season in the early 80's when it was a very different looking team to the one that finished the previous season. The start of the HK Mk I era if memory serves.

Hopefully the start of our title-winning dynasty.

To the point, I share your suspicion. We haven't been this free spending since the 60s!!!

Who's next I wonder? Any bets on Mr Rooney?

Rom will go soon. Perhaps Giroud is Usmanovs favourite player...!

On the other hand, if he doesn't leave, then the buys would seem to be a true sign of a new era where we don't need to sell to buy.

Until it's clear whether he's going or staying (and it's not clear at the moment, because Everton might have decided he's going nowhere, despite what he's said to the press), surely we've no idea how these signings are being financed?

Well we've made 5 by July 4th! All young, all highly rated. No fear of spending to get our targets. We're doing exactly what we needed to do and we're doing it quickly!

Incredible. Sandro might be seen as one of the all time pieces of transfer business.

These signings all look good players, so I'm encouraged. But I'm not finding myself excited, not just yet.

Some folks are comparing what's happening with the John Moores era of the 60s. I hope it proves to be comparable, but the comparison seems premature at the moment.

This is not negative, it's just a kind of 'restrained positive'.

That said, we still bought the players before selling anyone, which isn't like us. Plus some of the signings may make Rom or Ross have a change of heart, meaning we will have hung onto some of our stronger players.

Plus spending as though we don't need to sell shows other clubs that we won't sell on the cheap to ensure we can buy Ronnie's first choice players. It almost guarantees huge money for Lukaku, anything like 㿼m+ is much more than we could ever of held out for in the past. Look at the Rooney deal, peanuts put down and the rest on the never never, look at the measly 㾶m we received for Arteta, and the way we had Lescott taken from us without us really standing up to Man City.

Since Moshiri we have taken crazy money off city for Stones, we've stood firm on Rom, and we've spent more money on players in 2017 than any other Premier League club.

If we sell Rom as expected, we will buy at least 1 main striker to replace him, but unfortunately we don't have the pull to buy someone worth anywhere near what Rom will go for.

We've now secured Sandro who along with Calvin-Lewin are going to replace Kone, Valencia and Niasse, who were bit part players, and Henry Onyekuru who will spend the season out on loan gaining invaluable experience playing for the top side in Belgium.

We will probably have offed 5 forwards in Kone, Valencia, Lukaku, McAleny and Niasse, this will result in more attacking signings being made so the spending will most definitely continue.

With his movement, and pace off the mark, Klaassen, Schneiderlin & Co in behind him, we're going to be so much more productive going forward next year.

Now we have Keane and presumably Williams as our first choice centre halves, we'll be solid there, and with Gana in front mopping up, I'm already excited to see how this new look team sets up & plays.

We have some genuine quality in this team now.

Loved the video of the trip from USM FF to wherever. So slick, showcasing how far the club has 'travelled' under the current regime.

The tenth anniversary of the murder of Rhys Milford Jones (aged 11) by a gunshot is approaching (22nd August).

Rhys was an Evertonian through and through. He was on his way home from football practice.

Sub Note:

Should Lyndon or Michael, or whoever see fit to remove this posting then I will not be offended, nor feel unwelcome amongst the Royal Blue community that is TW.

Okay you may be right that the signings don't gel or just don't work out – statistically 50% of signings are considered "failures". You may also be right that this, if all advance spending of the Lukaku money.

But if you were imagining a complete turnaround of EFC this summer (within realistic constraints) – what has happened this summer is exactly what you would imagine:

By far the quickest mover in the transfer market.
Getting players we are linked with (meaning they are our prime targets).
Putting enormous daylight between us and those below us, brushing aside competing bidders.
Buying before we sell.

Had we sold Lukaku I think would know about it. In the old days we waited to sign players at the end of the window to save on wages over the summer. We have credible plan to build a new stadium. The fact is it's a total transformation.

In those days we didn't have as much TV coverage so we didn't really know how good other players were. Bruce Rioch scored a lot of goals from midfield so got a lot of media coverage – but it turns out that's pretty much all he did (he had a rocket left foot).

Colin Todd was a very accomplished defender – but a bit on the small side for a centre back. But better than what we had before (although I can't remember who that would be... an end of career Mike Lyons or Billy Wright or Ken McKnaught?).

I agree that the changes are major, which is why I'm encouraged. But I'll get excited when we do stuff on the pitch.

We did stand up to Man City on Lescott, and we got 㿈m off them for him. That's more than we had paid for Keane!

We also mugged them for Rodwell, forget the fee but it was well over 㾶m. If you talk to fans of other clubs, then they all think of Everton as being up there with Spurs for getting every penny out of player sales.

They say good players can play anywhere, and those that learn the fastest go the furthest, but I have to agree with you about those early fixtures and it's the reason I'm not putting a bet on us to win the league!

Dan # 184 - that USM logo was sort of in your face wasn't it. Like a sort of subliminal message to Stan Kroenke.

It's good this isn't it.

Only time will tell if my confidence is warranted or misplaced.

We also have a well respected manager, a proven scout and an owner who is no mug.

Strangely maybe the "lovey" skills Kenwright has, the welcome he gives and selling a close knit community is also coming into its own, now that he no longer leads the business side.

I sniff a strategy.

Read post 195.
Any sign of respect to our little Blue ?

After one season he's more or less replaced a whole team though it might take time to bed them in.

I've a feeling there won't be any ugency now for Sigurdsson.

Then we can concentrate on signing a big target man to replace Rom, such as Dolberg or Dembele, and then someone with a bit more skill and guile as an alternative, such as Bacca. I would also like to sign a pacy winger such as Behrami. Those are three positions I would like to strengthen with the Lukaku money.

I hope Big Ron stops signing these work horse defensive players.

if Moyes was still here I would be worried about the ruining of another forward. He looks class

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