Summer targets 2019
With the transfer window opening on Thursday the 16th, it's time for my annual transfer piece so turn away those whose blood boils at the wannabe kids amongst us who like to play a bit of real life Football Manager. I had a look back at the targets I suggested last year and was pleased to see the likes of Zouma, De Ligt, Perreira, Madison, Ziyech, etc there who have all done well. Though I did also suggest Wilshere as an option and look how that turned out.
Anyway the task is especially tricky this year as it less clear exactly what we need and, indeed, which of our current first team will be staying. So, before picking some juicy targets here is a very simplistic breakdown of our squad and what I think we will need.
Goalkeepers
All covered here. Perhaps we could get a better second choice to put pressure on Pickford but Stekelenburg is a reliable professional and I expect Virginia to become second choice next year and maybe even get some cup games.
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Defenders
Left back seems sorted, Digne being the main man with Baines and young Antonee Robinson able to backup. Right back sees the resurgent Coleman in possession though Silva does not seem to fancy Kenny greatly. Holgate could be a deputy having played there for West Brom on loan. I would not be surprised to see a new RB bought in but to my eyes it's not a priority. Central defence however is more of a quandary. Keane has been impressive at times and I believe we will see a lot more from Mina next year.
Jagielka may possibly leave which leaves Holgate (and possibly Pennington) as an option with the kids such as Morgan Feeney, Lewis Gibson to be looked at closer. Zouma has of course been the main man this season and if we had an option to buy it would be a no-brainer. But we do not and I don't believe Chelsea will sell him to us. Which means a new CB is needed to my mind.
Midfielders
Big question marks here too. Especially over the future of the talented Mr. Gana Gueye. I very much hope he's stays but at 29 would not begrudge him his dream move if it materialises. Gomes, I think, is more likely to stay though I am less convinced by him than some of my fellow TofeeWebbers. Davies will hopefully kick on with more game time and Schneiderlin has begun to look a proper player once more.
Sigurdsson will retain his place though it will be interesting to see if Dowell or Vlasic might get opportunity next year. Other loan players like Joe Williams might make an impact though Besic will surely leave as will McCarthy. I think the middle is where we have struggled for a while and see us needing at least one new player here, more if Gueye leaves maybe.
Attackers
A divisive issue but I believe the form of Calvert-Lewin has diminished the need for a new star striker. Yes he needs more goals but his all round game facilitates the team's success and he will surely only get better. But he needs more support. Bernard and Richarlison have been good additions though the former needs more goals. Lookman I continue to have high hopes for but seems yet to convince Silva. Onyekuru could prove an interesting option if his permit is approved though he looks a selfish player to me.
Walcott seems to have Silva's backing but his wages would surely be better spent elsewhere. Tosun tries hard but does not have enough in his game to be a viable alternative to Calvert-Lewin. Josh Bowler has looked great recently in the U23s and could be an option, Vlasic and Dowell could also potentially play wide but I'm not sure either has the work ethic to suit Silva. The team definitely needs more goals so I will suggest that we bring in at least one new forward.
So a centre back, a few midfielders and at least one forward. Most of the players I pick will be young as Brands has said he is mainly looking for players 25 or under. See what you think.
Centre-Back
Mainly I think we need what Zouma brought. Pace and strength. Dominance in the air but ability to recover quickly (something Keane and Mina lack) and potentially bring/pass the ball out.
Kurt Zouma — The obvious choice! Though I fear we won't get him. Rudiger is injured, Luiz is on the wane and Kurt may well be starting as first choice at Chelsea. Our slim hope rests on their ban being overturned and buying new defenders.
Ibrahima Konate — Zouma's heir apparent. 6 ft 4 but quick along the ground and able to dribble out like a certain RS Dutchman. This 19-year-old has been integral in the Leipzig team with the best defence in the Bundesliga. He would be hard to get and a risk that young perhaps but a future star I believe. His team-mate Upemecano also an option.
Jonathan Tah — Another fast strong defender plying his trade in the German league. He's not progressed as some expected but still an impressive CB with Leverkusen with his best years ahead of him.
Mario Hermoso — The Spaniard has had an excellent season at Espanyol. Though he's not the tallest at 6 ft he makes it up for it with his speed and comfort on the ball. A good distributor from defence who can tackle too.
Joachim Andersen — The 22 year old Dane has had a very good season at Sampdoria. He's maybe not as quick as the rest on this list but is great in the air at 6 ft 4 and a very competent all round defender.
Fikayo Tomori — The Chelsea loanee has done very well for Derby this season and has fantastic pace whilst being solid in the air and decent on the ball. He has a mistake in him (as do most 20 year olds) but has at least a good experience of English football after starting 44 games in the Championship.
Adam Webster — The Bristol City man was one of the best CBs in the Championship this year. Not fast but not slow and very strong in the air. He could be a cheap option and at 24 has room to learn.
See also: Godfrey, Gbamin, Akanji, Denayer, Saliba, Diallo.
Central Midfielders
Much will depend on who goes so I'm looking potentially for a ball winner and a more creative midfield presence, a Gueye type and a Gomes type to keep it simple.
Andre Gomes — Classy player no doubt. Sometimes I think he looks better than he is and needs to add a bit more end product to his game, playing in his position he needs to bring goals and assists.
Ibrahim Sangare — I really like this player. He makes almost as many tackles per game as Gueye whilst completing more dribbles than Gomes. He's an all round midfielder who just had an excellent season for Toulouse. His versatility means he could play a variety of roles in the middle. Only 21 but has some great attributes.
Wilmar Barrios— Would have been a good swap for Gueye if he had moved in January. The young Colmbian is tenacious as hell but composed at times too. He moved in January to Zenit who would be reluctant to sell as he's made a good start there.
Giovani Lo Celso — The 23-year-old Argentine was bought by Betis this year and has had a scintillating debut season is Spain with 16 goals and 5 assists (take note Gomes!). He can pass, he can dribble and clearly he can shoot. He may lack stature for the English game but he is determined and again his all round game means you could play him in a variety of positions.
Kai Havertz — An ambitious one for sure as the young German is highly prized by Leverkusen and well thought of globally. Might he be enticed by a promise of game time that he may not receive elsewhere? Probably not but the 19 year old has vision, pace, strength and composure. 19 goals from midfield this season.
Thiago Mendes — A little older at 27 but Mendes was apparently all lined up to replace Gueye if the PSG move happened. If he does not make as many tackles as Gueye then he is better on the ball and more a deep lying playmaker able to tackle too. He's been a big part of Lille's excellent season.
Diadie Samassekou — This 22-year-old has been excellent for Salzburg this season and is one of the few players to get around the park as well as Gueye does. He has energy to burn and is more than decent on the ball. Expect a move to a bigger club this Summer.
Sander Berge — The young Norwegian has been spoken about as a prospect for a while and has an excellent time at Genk who topped the Belgian league. He is a big physical presence but surprisingly agile. He may need to prove himself in a more proficient league before making the step up but could be a punt worth taking.
Philip Billing — Relegated players are often contentious but the big Dutchman did well at times for Huddersfield. Strong as a rock, composed on the ball and a force in the air. Not quick enough for my liking but a ball-winning option.
See also: Pellegrini, Grealish, Jordan, Lobotka, Weigl, Lerma, Joao Mario, Loftus-Cheek.
Forwards
We definitely need more goals. I expect Bernard and Calvert-Lewin to add to the tallies next season and hopefully Lookman to come to the party. Pace and work rate are important components of a working Silva team though perhaps we could do with something different too.
Leandro Trossard — Another Genk player, he certainly brings goals with 21 this season including an impressive 8 in 11 matches in the Europa league. He's been linked with us in the papers and looks a decent winger who mainly plays on the left.
Rafael Leao — A promising Lille striker who has also been linked with us. Quick and tall and strong he resembles Calvert-Lewin in ways but with better shooting one would hope. Would probably not come cheap and has not established himself as a goalscorer but has 8 in 16 starts this year which is pretty handy.
Callum Wilson — Another solid season for the Bournemouth man who at 27 is maybe older than Brands would like. He would not come cheap and rumour is that Chelsea are interested but would bring the promise of hard work and goals.
Sebastian Haller— The imposing Frenchman has scored 19 goals for an over-achieving Eintracht team this year and would bring a strong physical presence as well as decent mobility. He also bagged 12 assists, which speaks volumes for his work-rate and teamwork.
Yussuf Poulsen — Timo Werner may be superstar striker at Leipzig but the young Dane has almost matched him scoring one less at 15 goals. He's taller than the German and has a solid all round game.
Tammy Abraham — Chelsea do have an annoying amount of young talent! The 21-year-old plundered 26 goals in 39 matches for Villa this season but I don't see many strikers at Chelsea who he will fear unless they get to splash the Hazard cash. If they do buy a new star strike then perhaps the Young Englishman will look elsewhere for top billing.
Maxi Gomez — A few teams are apparently looking at the clinical Uruguayan who has bagged 30 goals in 70 games for an unremarkable Celta Vigo team. Perhaps Sandro Ramirez warnings still ring about goalscorers in la Liga but at 22 this guy has done it for 2 seasons and looks quick and tough and like he knows where the goal is.
Jarrod Bowen — Silva gave the youngster his chance at Hull and he has not looked back since. He plays mainly on the right wing and has managed an impressive 22 goals for a mediocre Hull team this year. The next James Madison perhaps? I'm not sure his all round game is as good but he certainly brings goal threat.
Steven Bergwijn — One of the two PSV wingers who has terrorised the Eredivisie this year. The 21-year-old is 2 years younger than Lozano but matches him in output with 14 goals and 12 assists. He is fast and skillful able to play anywhere across the front 3 but mainly on the left. Of course Marcel brands will know him well.
Andre Silva — Would the ‘new Ronaldo' fancy coming to play for his namesake? Maybe. The young Portuguese has had a patchy time with Sevilla scoring only 9 in 27 but showing signs of the talent that sees him with 15 goals in 33 for his country. Perhaps his countryman could get the best of a player that many thought would become a top class striker?
See also: Sarr, Wesley, Giroud, Zupata, Chukwueze, Maupay, Pepe, Kouame, Mitrovic.
Usually I would choose my new players and add them to the current crop to make a starting lineup for next season but it's too hard this year with so many unknowns about who will stay and who will go. I'll leave it to you. But the players on that list who excite me the most are Konate, Sangare, Lo Celso and Leao. Continuity will be a big part of Silva's plans and for that reason Gomes and Zouma will rightly be priorities. I just hope Chelsea and Barcelona don't mess us around too much and hold us business.
Reader Comments (104)
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2 Posted 15/05/2019 at 15:38:08
3 Posted 15/05/2019 at 16:40:06
4 Posted 15/05/2019 at 16:42:55
I am not in any way decrying your article Sam, because if it gives you pleasure to put forward potential targets then that's your right, but I believe that as comprehensive as your list may be, someone else will have an alternative list just as large. Because my opinion does not influence the decisions that are made in the transfer deals in and out of the club, I just sit back and await developments.
As I have stated Sam, my response is not a criticism of your article, which is well presented, and you obviously have done quite a bit of research on the subject, it's just that we have a different outlook on our involvement in matters regarding Everton.
I largely reflect on things that have happened, rather than attempting to forecast future events, a case of one man's meat I suppose, but the important thing is that you and I have the right to express our views in an amicable way.
5 Posted 15/05/2019 at 16:54:37
RB position if we go for anyone it would be Danny de Costa for me. A wing back mainly but can do both attacking and defending. One of Frankfurts star players this season.
Midfield totally agree on Samassekou. Haidara. would be good as well but as he only moved from Saltsburg to Leipzig in January cant see this as an option. Havertz we have not got any chance, would be great, be he is destined for big things and will surely be gobbled up by one of the big European clubs unless Levekusen make 4th at the weekend when he may stay for another season. Julian Brandt from Leverkusen may be more of a possibility.
Forwards Haller is the best on your list although Poulsen has really come on at Leipzig this season. One player who has totally gone of any radars is Andrea Belotti but I would jump at the chance of taking him. Gets he fair share of goals, quite fast, holds the ball up well and has incredible workrate.
6 Posted 15/05/2019 at 16:59:20
I'd like to see us cast an even wider net -- perhaps Everton can do what Betis did with Lo Celso and PSV with Lozano, and recruit directly out of Latin America. There's a ton of comparatively unknown talent there.
7 Posted 15/05/2019 at 17:40:31
I think Brands will have a great knowledge of the South American market though work permit issues are always a consideration. FYI- Lo Celso came from the PSG youth ranks, always a decent place to find talent!
John- I certainly hope Brands has a bigger list than me! All good, just some whimsical speculation.
8 Posted 15/05/2019 at 17:43:27
9 Posted 15/05/2019 at 17:55:07
I 100% agree.
If Brands and Silva have watched what I've watched all season and aren't moving heaven and earth to bring a more reliable goal scorer into the club this summer then I would be very concerned about the future of the club.
No one can surely want us to go into another season with DCL and Tosun as our only striking options.
10 Posted 15/05/2019 at 17:56:13
Do you know, or does anyone, what has happened with Beni Beningime ? I was very enthused over this lad in the few games I have seen him for u23s and first team, but he seems to have totally disappeared off the radar. Liam Walsh has disappeared also, since moving to Bristol City. I would have wagered good money on Liam becoming a stand-out star. I loved his quick first time passing, touch and vision, so I'm obviously no judge.
As Martin says, Andrea Belotti seems to have gone off the radar. I mentioned him on one of the threads this time last year, but the general opinion was that he was beyond our means. I wonder is that still the case.
Sam, A touch of deja vu in relation to Lo Celso. Impressive stats of 16 goals for Betis. What would you say to a player who scored 14 for Malaga in 30 La Liga games, 21 year old from Barca academy, on a cheap 5m buy out clause ? I'd say yes please, a no-brainer, go get him, as most did two years back.
The chemistry of fitting in with the players and staff is something we as fans do not see. Marcel has done well so far and I am confident he will continue to do well. There may be some Kroldrup's and Sandro's along the way, but hopefully he continues along the lines of Digne, Gana etc. Hey, maybe we need to raid Lille for the striker Leao and hope he has the same mentality as our joint Player's Player Players.
11 Posted 15/05/2019 at 18:18:37
12 Posted 15/05/2019 at 18:27:43
As you also so succinctly mentioned what do we as fans know? Although in our defence (lol) we never get the full picture or story, but in Beni's case it is a mystery, why he has only played (as far as I know) one game for Wigan, then no further mention or explanation as to why. Maybe Top Cat or Officer Dibble can join TW and give us the real story. :-)
While also on the subject of potential transfers, we all see things, and players, differently in many respects, and one's we think would be a 'fit' may not be that easy to get, or work out that way. My old adage of 'Horses for Courses' always springs to mind, and even the experts don't always get it right!
13 Posted 15/05/2019 at 18:43:08
As much as I like Ademola Lookman, and would love him to stay, if this last season is any yardstick to go by, it would appear that Silva will only play him as late sub, or as a last resort. I wouldn't be surprised given the Leipzig connection that some sort of swap deal could well be in the offing.
14 Posted 15/05/2019 at 18:50:22
I don't see any harm with suggesting potential targets and inviting people to give their views on them. I certainly don't see it as an attempt to forcast future events
The season is over, the next is months away. These sort of discussions will already underway on just about every football clubs websites
Fantastic research by the way. I havent even heard of some of those players.
15 Posted 15/05/2019 at 18:51:14
Good research and thought provoking suggestions.
My view is more general.
We have a definite need to improve the quality and goal output of the squad without surrendering our "newfound" defensive resilience.
I agree we need a "permanent" CB as good as or better than Zouma because I have little confidence in Mina and Keane needs a "covering" CB alongside him. Be nice to get a CB who scores a few as well.
You cant be too short of full backs and I would advocate a real go at Wan Bissaka and While we're talking Palace Batshuayi hasnt had a bad spell on loan at Palace.
I love little Bernard especially his link up with Digne but he doesnt score enough to warrant a regular game. Walcott is slightly better in goalscoring ability but no longer has the appetite or speed of thought.
I think weve seen the best and worst of Gomes and that worries me. I think we can do better and need to. Gana does what he does better than anyone else and I would like to keep him but with Schneiderlin and Gomes alongside him leaves us very weak on the goalscoring front and that is something we need to improve from central MF.
On Goalkeepers Pickford likes to play the clown too much and costs us points (I know some will argue he saves us lots of points too) and I would be looking at some serious competition for him.
16 Posted 15/05/2019 at 19:49:27
Phase 1: secure loan players + future of Gana
Phase 2: get rid of dead wood
Phase 3: sign identified targets + evaluate young players
Phase 4: last-minute signings
We have to remove at least 10 high earning players before we can make any realistic moves in the market.
Afterwards, I assume the players that come in will be relatively unknown, and there won't be many - maybe 1 defender, 2 midfielders, and 1 forward.
17 Posted 15/05/2019 at 19:55:20
Good research Sam, and a lot better than Steve Walsh going to Italy with a big leather brief-case, mate.
18 Posted 15/05/2019 at 20:13:07
Derek, loved your callout of "Top Cat or Officer Dibble" , but that goes back about 55 years -- how do you even remember that stuff?
Fran, you're the South American subsidiary of this company -- who do you like over there?
19 Posted 15/05/2019 at 20:16:55
Santiago Sosa ( Argentina U20 Def. Midfield) is one Brands is looking at and will be playing in this years U20 World Cup tournament in Polland.
However I suspect there will be work permit issues.
https://tbrfootball.com/everton-reportedly-want-11-5m-santiago-sosa-who-would-be-a-classic-marcel-brands-signing/
20 Posted 15/05/2019 at 20:22:14
24 Posted 15/05/2019 at 20:39:48
Since 2019 [stats anyone?] we are in the ball park of competing with Chelsea, Manu, Arsenal and Tottenham. Next season they will have the euro games to contend with whilst we wont. They will know we are becoming a threat.
To maintain that 'top 4 form' we need to keep Zouma, Gomes and Gana.
And guess what to keep us out of the top four those teams above us need to make sure we don't keep them.
Man U - Gana, Zouma - Chelsea , Gomes - Tottenham. These moves will harm our form and chances of top 4, unless Brands can find better. That's going to be very tough.
If we can convince those 3 [and Chelsea] that we are on a march next season to the top 4 and a cup, we may get Gomes and Gana to stay.
Zouma's situation looks tougher to conquer. However he enjoys playing with Keane , the partnership is developing very well. When you have a defensive partner like that the game is a bit easier and enjoyable for him. There's a trust developing . I hope we exhaust every avenue to make it happen to keep Mr Z.
If we get those 3 then I would want a striker from Sam's list, Haller is a very interesting one with his goal threat and assists too. If we get that business done we are a massive threat to the top four [3rd and 4th places initially]. Dare to think big.
56 Posted 15/05/2019 at 22:17:12
57 Posted 15/05/2019 at 22:20:41
Must admit, I do not get the chance to watch as much football as I would like to (or indeed used to) but I did see a bit of the Rangers v Celtic game on Sunday and was very impressed with Glen Kamara the Rangers midfielder (Number 18). I would appreciate the thoughts of others on him, is he a viable target for us?
59 Posted 16/05/2019 at 04:19:48
Overall, I believe it is about finding the right blend for the team as much as anything you can derive from stats or watching games in different leagues. That's up to the manager and Marcel Brands to (hopefully) know better than anyone else. I'm content to wait until the dust settles and see what happens when the new season is properly underway.
Much as I like Gana Gueye, Andre Gomes and Kurt Zouma, I don't think any of them should be irreplaceable to the likes of EFC. There surely have to be viable alternatives if we can't keep those players.
One question I'd really like answering. It seems our transfer window has become massively misaligned with the other major European ones; does anyone know why and if it is likely to be in our favour?
60 Posted 16/05/2019 at 06:55:55
For all Calvert-Lewin's efforts he is not a goal-scorer and if Wilson could be persuaded to come to Goodison, he could be an asset.
61 Posted 16/05/2019 at 09:08:36
Some interesting additions. Belotti is one who I considered but I can shake the feeling that he reminds me of Tosun! Quick-ish but not rapid, strong but not an ox, decent in the air but under 6 ft, a good all round game but is there enough to justify £25m+?
I was one of the few advocating a move for Batshuayi in January. He'd lost his way a bit but if he could return to Marseille form he'd be useful. 5 goals in 9 starts at Palace is very handy though his all round game I'd describe only as OK. He works less but is more clinical than DCL and maybe thats a good balance?
Frank @10, its an interesting point you make about Sandro. He looked a great fit. Hard worker guaranteeing goals, young and all for £6m! Hard to understand how he has declined so much, I thought he would at least get to start and score some goals on loan this year at Sociedad. Buying players is a tricky business and hard to get right every time.
Banigime has sadly had a pretty terrible season with a loan move to Wigan that rendered only one start despite their poor Championship form. I don't know if he was injured or fell out with the manager but a shame that he's had so little game time this year, not sure it bodes well for his Everton future but perhaps he can turn it around.
62 Posted 16/05/2019 at 09:28:28
63 Posted 16/05/2019 at 09:29:03
Tosun is an expensive bench-warmer so we might as well cash in.
Clearly every team is looking for strikers so goodness knows where we'll find one, but we clearly need one.
I wondered about Mooy as one from a relegated team but he kind of disappeared.
If we can keep this squad (including Gomes, Zouma), trim it of the players that we haven't used (Tosun, Niasse, Mirallas etc.) and add a striker, I'd be pretty happy.
I honestly wouldn't be too fussed if Lookman and Vlasic were out and replaced by another young forward that Silva wanted. They are far from deadwood - but that also means that they have value.
64 Posted 16/05/2019 at 09:56:00
Gana is almost irreplaceable, so there's two positions for starters that will need replacing and I suspect a few more, so any continuity we were starting to enjoy will be disrupted, and the new faces will have to have time to gel.
Mind you in all fairness to Marcel Brands he did say it would take up to 5 years to get that working model and a team that would be serious challengers, but I am encouraged more by what he has achieved in his first year.
Less so with Silva but I am starting to see we may have a Manager to lead us forward.
65 Posted 16/05/2019 at 09:59:31
I can't imagine how many hours were spent studying the players that Sam has considered suitable for Everton, only five that I have heard of, [Webster, Billing, Abraham, Wilson, and of course Zouma] It would take a great deal of time to evaluate the 26 players concerned and I don't think that many 'Lads' of my generation would have the stamina to undertake such a mission, it was a bit of an effort to read it. So I would like to congratulate Sam on producing a submission of quality, but unfortunately not my cup of tea.
66 Posted 16/05/2019 at 11:03:08
The south American market seems one that we can raid with more potential for good value depending on work permits obviously.
I am none too keen on Abraham as he has previous for scoring bucketloads in the championship but then flopping in the Prem like he did at Swansea
67 Posted 16/05/2019 at 11:48:20
As regards Tammy Abrahams, you must remember that he is still very young and while he wasn't as prolific at Swansea, (a struggling side in the hardest League in the World) I would hardly regard him as a flop there. If it's any consolation I believe (allegedly) that he is not interested in either staying at Villa, or any transfer to Everton or Wolves, who have also expressed an interest in him.
68 Posted 16/05/2019 at 11:49:26
Midfield - Dowell is out of contract and I've not heard much about him. Again, I read on TW that he started well on loan at Sheffield United, but faded as the season progressed. I'll be surprised if he is part of the first team set-up next season.
Vlasic I hope we get to see something of him, I'm sure he has something to offer, but as he isn't a Silva/Brands signing I think he might leave for a fee.
69 Posted 16/05/2019 at 13:17:16
One guy who has started the season brilliantly in Brasil is Guga, attacking right back with great delivery from Athletico-MG.
A brilliant midfielder also is Matheus Henrique from Grêmio, Grêmio are a club with traditions of playing classy football, their most recent export is Artur of Barcelona, and Matheus seems to be cut from similar cloth.
70 Posted 16/05/2019 at 13:23:29
We need to be better next season, better doesn't necessarily mean signings. I'd say a number of our players look better now than they did at the start of the season. A lot of it just comes down to playing them and forging a winning side.
Can this side keep winning? Can it get even better? Is there some youngsters (Feeney, Gordon, or maybe Simms?) who can be given a chance and take it (in a way Alexander-Armstrong has done for the RS)?
Silva is not a cheque book manager. Brands is not fond of singing loads of players. I would expect them to keep culling off the players with no part to play and to sign only a handful of players, including the loan stars.
71 Posted 16/05/2019 at 13:33:17
I suspect that we don't sign a right-back now. That Kenny remains as backup with the versatile Holgate and we trust in Coleman's recovery.
If this was Football Manager, sure we'd sign someone. But it isn't. I think Coleman recovered well enough to put off replacing him for at least 12 months and so bought Kenny 12 more months to prove he can take over.
Also, don't forget we have a fourth right back returning this summer. Yes that's right Cuco Martina! Also Callum Connolly can play there.
72 Posted 16/05/2019 at 13:40:04
I hope of of loanees, that Vlasic gets a chance, and so too Holgate. And maybe Williams and Robinson too.
Young players to be added to first teams squad, i'd say Bowler, maybe Broadhead, maybe Hornby, Deeney, Astly, Gibson, Adeniran. With at least half going on loan come the end of the window.
We need rid of Stek (contract), Bolasie, Mirallas, McCarthey, Besic, Sandro, Niasse, Tosun, Walcott. Whilst young lads who will probably be better served moving on are Dowell, Pennington, Connolly, Galloway, Baningime.
If done that'd be a squad of:
GK: Pickford, Virginia, Hewlett
RB: Coleman, Holgate, Kenny, Astly
LB: Digne, Baines*, Robinson
CB: Mina, Keane, Deeney, Gibson, Holgate, Zouma*
DMC: Gana*, Williams, Schneiderlin, Davies
CM: Gomes*, Schneiderlin, Adeniran,
AMC: Sigurdsson, Vlasic, Bowler
FWL: Bernard, Richarlison, Broadhead, Lookman
FWR: Richarlison, Broadhead, Lookman
CF: Calvert-Lewin, Hornby
the weaknesses in the squad are clear to see, in attacking positions, in central midfield, and if Gana goes, defensive midfield. Central defense i'm not too concerned, but if we don't get Zouma, then maybe a short term deal for someone like Cahill, or a loan.
73 Posted 16/05/2019 at 13:44:30
Won't happen, just a shot in the dark.
74 Posted 16/05/2019 at 13:52:19
Having watched the U23s i'm not sure there are many who look ready to make the sort of impact Alexander-Arnold (comedy slip by you?!) has. The two who really caught my eye were Bowler and Gibson and perhaps if they have good pre-seasons they might earn themselves the opportunity. Gordon and Simms will need to establish themselves in U23 first, Feeney could well be 4th choice CB depending on Silva's view on him.
Fran@72 Tielemans would be quite a coup, he looks a complete player, but if he doesn't go to Leicester I suspect he will have offers from richer teams than us. I don't much fancy giving Cahill a shot! Better off keeping Jags another year if we need an older statesman type.
Right back is a tough one. Coleman won't last for ever and neither Kenny or Holgate have looked so far like they have the entire package but perhaps that could change. AWB will be going to a top 6 club if anywhere. Not seen much of the Brazil leagues but if there is talent there i trust Brands to know all about it.
75 Posted 16/05/2019 at 13:56:50
I'm actually printing your list off and keeping it on my desk for reference this summer.
I never (well, very rarely) watch any European soccer [football], so fly blind in transfer windows when it comes to Euro players.
Great piece! Love it.
I think priority #1 has to be to trim the dead wood this summer. Fire sale the shit out of players who have no future with us simply to get their salaries off the books. If you dump wages, you free up money for better signings. We have to get rid of the dead wood, even if it means selling at almost silly loses. This is the summer to rid ourselves of the Koeman era completely.
76 Posted 16/05/2019 at 14:07:54
77 Posted 16/05/2019 at 14:34:26
And Philip Billing is actually not Dutch but in fact Danish. I think he has been impressive for Huddersfield but not 100% convinced that he is top 7 Quality.
78 Posted 16/05/2019 at 15:04:06
79 Posted 16/05/2019 at 15:10:14
Henrik @77, thanks for that, I'm sure you know Poulsen better than me but would like to know more about your reservations; seems like he has height and decent strength along with good mobility and a high work rate; all good assets for the Premier League. Yes, my mistake on Billing, should have checked that as remember it feeling wrong when I wrote he was Dutch!
80 Posted 16/05/2019 at 15:39:20
I must admit I don't follow the Bundesliga, so my knowledge is mainly from the national team (so You might know him better than me).
81 Posted 16/05/2019 at 15:44:19
82 Posted 16/05/2019 at 15:47:10
83 Posted 16/05/2019 at 16:13:02
Jay #78, half-correct. Silva was highly complimentary of Stek last week in the Echo -- "...he has been fantastic since the first day... He is putting pressure on Jordan." But there has been no word of a contract extension. Silva even mentions the possibility of going into next season with the same three keepers.
[BRZ]
84 Posted 16/05/2019 at 16:14:50
I take a back seat each summer on the freak show that is the transfer rumour mill, but I certainly don't place your piece in that category. It is far more studied than the hysteria and angst usually associated with such rumours.
I can't quite fathom the need for one or two in the thread to get a bit 'sniffy' at your post. It made for a better read than the bulk of stuff posted on here, that's for sure.
I think you should be allowed to indulge yourself at least once a year, as has become the tradition, to offer your insight on what you believe the club needs and who fits the bill as you see it.
Keep 'em coming, Sam.
85 Posted 16/05/2019 at 16:17:31
If Silva has mentioned the possibility of using the same three keepers, then The Stek would require a contract extension!
86 Posted 16/05/2019 at 16:19:09
Good info. Makes me realize how out of the loop I am these days. When I was younger I could rattle off the names of just about every player in the football league plus France, Spain etc. Now I am like what is the kid on Barnsley called again? John Williams? Joe Wilson? Wilson Piggott, William Johns?
87 Posted 16/05/2019 at 16:21:32
On the block:
Besic, Mirallas, Sandro, Niasse, McCarthy, Pennington, Garbutt, Bolasie, Tosun, Galloway, Tarashaj, Martina.
Would look at offers for:
Walcott, Lookman, Dowell, Schneiderlin.
88 Posted 16/05/2019 at 18:51:54
89 Posted 16/05/2019 at 19:45:28
Move to plan B then.
90 Posted 16/05/2019 at 21:04:12
By the way, for those who haven't heard, Chelsea just got hit with another disaster. Loftus-Cheek may be in surgery right now to reattach his ruptured Achilles tendon. Blew it out yesterday in a friendly in Boston. He could be out for 9-12 months.
They better keep Sarri away from high buildings.
91 Posted 16/05/2019 at 21:10:23
Another face we have been associated with, Reece James, I noticed he has been recalled for their PR Exercise, so he must be fairly highly thought of too.
92 Posted 16/05/2019 at 21:17:40
93 Posted 16/05/2019 at 21:26:00
The difference is that RLC and Hudson-Odoi, who tore his last month, are 23 and 18 respectively. Younger tendons heal faster and more completely. They should be fine. Eventually.
Derek, I love Reece James. Electric young player.
94 Posted 17/05/2019 at 01:06:51
For the development and competition for DCL maybe look at getting a Mitrovic or Rondon. Relatively cheap, hard working, both have that aggression and finishing needed for the Striker role that Silva plays.
Would also look at getting Maupay from Brentford and Bowen from Hull. Both can finish have great work ethic and would work their butts off to play in the Premier League.
We don't need to break the bank to improve the squad, and I would rather see young players (or cheap experienced players) with the work ethic and desire, that know the physical nature of the league.
95 Posted 17/05/2019 at 01:26:10
As an example, that means PSG could potentially choose to keep working on enticing Gana for the next 10 - 12 weeks and still not need to wrap the deal up until after our transfer window closes, thus giving them the whip hand in any negotiations.
In any situation where we are looking to buy from the continent we are going to have to stump up the asking price to secure any player who could also choose a big club in Serie A, La Liga and Ligue 1.
Am I missing something / misinterpreting the situation? Is there any way that having an early start and early finish to our transfer window works in our favour?
96 Posted 17/05/2019 at 06:42:03
The other players you mention are on my list somewhere apart from Rondon who could be a hard-working stop gap but may fancy returning to Newcastle where he is settled and much liked.
97 Posted 17/05/2019 at 17:05:02
98 Posted 17/05/2019 at 17:07:20
99 Posted 17/05/2019 at 17:14:05
If we're going to buy a striker, it needs to be a genuine step-change. Otherwise we're better off sticking with what we've got.
100 Posted 17/05/2019 at 18:18:57
The forgotten Allardyce transfer, you think. Yes, recover that deliberately forgotten memory. The name is on the tip of your tongue.
That's right, Eliaquim Mangala. £42m centre back. Came to us on loan. Stunk the place out as we got smashed 5-1 at the Emirates then got injured and went back to Man City for treatment as it was confirmed he'd not recover before the end of the season.
The guy then did a John Terry and put on his full kit to go and get himself a League Winners Medal in their title celebrations, whilst he was still technically our player.
He's fit and not played all season. He didn't even make the bench for the Burton game. Not sure where he's up to, but clearly winding his contract down and picking up that pay cheque before going back to League 1 where he'll be paid in a year what Man City paid him in a week.
Well done Allardyce, what a signing that was.
101 Posted 17/05/2019 at 18:44:34
102 Posted 17/05/2019 at 18:51:10
As for Allardyce, he's going to remain a horror story we tell our grandchildren and they won't quite believe just how bad the football was. You might want to forget, but it's something I never can. The undoubted darkest memories of being an Evertonian was seeing a man who represents the opposite of everything the school of science stands for, sat in our dugout. It was unnecessary and unacceptable.
103 Posted 17/05/2019 at 18:55:15
104 Posted 17/05/2019 at 18:56:45
105 Posted 17/05/2019 at 19:02:10
106 Posted 17/05/2019 at 19:27:22
Stekelenburg is adequate cover for Pickford. He's not quite good enough for the main keeper, but as good as you could hope for a backup. There's no point signing someone equal to Pickford. We can't entice such a player to play second fiddle to Pickford and Pickford wouldn't stick around if he was suddenly on the bench. With his age, we can reasonably expect him to keep playing 38 games a season. However, if he did get injured we could always bring in a loan signing in January.
107 Posted 17/05/2019 at 19:38:03
108 Posted 17/05/2019 at 19:38:43
Saint - Maxiimin been Nice's best player for the last two seasons only 22.
Ismaïla Sarr 21 and very good younG winger.
Filip Kostic has had a great season at Frankfurt but he is left winger while the blues will be looking for the right wing it seems.
Think Josh bowler kepps up his progression may have a chance
109 Posted 17/05/2019 at 19:45:21
I bet he's happy with his lot. He's on a big wage, he wants every penny he can get before retirement. His body will have taken a battering. He's got more than a few trophies in the cabinet. He's got an easy number as a quasi-coach to Pickford and Virginia. Maybe he enjoys that. Maybe he's almost ready to be a coach?
There's different ways you could see this.
110 Posted 17/05/2019 at 19:53:21
Like most rumours though, it's just garbage paper talk.
111 Posted 17/05/2019 at 19:57:29
112 Posted 17/05/2019 at 20:55:04
Virginia is well rated by Silva and would continue to learn at Everton or go onloan if Lössl comes in.
113 Posted 17/05/2019 at 21:03:06
As for loan, no, surely you would not think it a good idea to loan out a 19 year old keeper? I believe it's best to keep him where he is, learning by working with Stek and with Pickford, training and travelling with them. If he was 23, I might agree, but he's still a young 19, not 20 until October. He's exactly where he needs to be with exactly the right type of personnel ahead of him, the England no1 and the former Dutch no1 and world cup finalist with almost 60 caps to his name.
114 Posted 17/05/2019 at 21:11:59
Not a bad start to the summer transfer window !!!
115 Posted 17/05/2019 at 21:24:05
If Joao Pedro left then I think that would be a massive blow to Everton. I don't know how good Silva would be without him. Whilst Silva has the big reputation, that reputation is for the team and Joao Pedro is a massive, massive part of that.
As for Stek assuming the role, well Chris Woods is a cautionary tale. And why would everyone be happy if Lossl came in and kept Virginia in 3rd choice, the young Portuguese would complain that he was told he'd be 2nd choice by the age of 21 and able to challenge Pickford. So, I doubt he'd be happy.
116 Posted 17/05/2019 at 21:28:35
117 Posted 17/05/2019 at 21:31:37
118 Posted 17/05/2019 at 23:55:13
Brands and Silva will want to have more competition in the defensive positions you mentioned and in the forward line. They may also want to do the same in midfield. Its obvious they would like to sign Zouma and Gomes.
Any player coming in will have to adjust to the Silva system and I doubt they will be brought straight in to play in the First team squad. Calvert Lewin will be putting a lot of work in this Summer, If he improves half as much as last Summer he will be hard to compete against.
119 Posted 18/05/2019 at 07:56:24
120 Posted 19/05/2019 at 18:02:56
121 Posted 19/05/2019 at 18:02:57
122 Posted 20/05/2019 at 17:34:44
123 Posted 21/05/2019 at 23:03:07
124 Posted 21/05/2019 at 23:14:58
125 Posted 22/05/2019 at 00:49:26
Incredibly fast, very skilful, plays on either flank would be ideal. Surely we could offer more first team guarantees than he'll get at Utd.
On a side note, he's also a sign that unsuccessful loans do not mean a player lacks ability.
126 Posted 22/05/2019 at 01:33:29
He'd by no means be a marquee signing and I imagine most of you will scoff, but I just have a feeling he's got two or three big seasons in him, and I have a feeling he'd be a real hit here.
127 Posted 22/05/2019 at 02:43:36
Unfortunately he's gained weight and lost pace. He's had at least three hamstring injuries in the past two years, and obviously it put a dent in both his speed and his training.
Still imposing, but not the force he once was.
128 Posted 22/05/2019 at 13:36:43
Let's build from within and save ourselves a small fortune... Moshiri would fucking love me... Lol.
We do have a new stadium to build too, which won't come cheap either.
129 Posted 24/05/2019 at 09:32:26
130 Posted 24/05/2019 at 09:51:43
Matthew @28 I agree with you to a degree. I do think that we have a manager able to coach the best out of players and that if we added no-one we could still do alright next season with the likes of Mina, Onyekuru, Davies, Vlasic and Holgate all coming more into the first-team picture. I also struggle to see many gettable strikers out there who I really think could do more for the team than Calvert-Lewin! That said, I think if we want to really push for top 6, finding a solid replacement for Zouma and a few more goals in the team would really help.
131 Posted 24/05/2019 at 10:19:24
He's very different to Calvert-Lewin, small but tricky and clinical. He can dribble, pass and shoot and crucially can play up top but also on the wings. We'd need to play the ball to his feet but with the likes Gylfi, Bernard and Richie that should be doable. Despite his size (5'-7") he's very good at holding the ball up with his close control.
I think he could be a really good option and alternative/competition for Calvert-Lewin. I guess Brentford would want less for him than Fulham want for Mitrovic.
132 Posted 24/05/2019 at 11:47:35
133 Posted 24/05/2019 at 14:14:37
Be smart, shrewd, cute and for once clever, eh Blues, no more spunking big money on maybes, build a young promising side incrementally.
Slowly, slowly, catchy Monkey!
134 Posted 27/05/2019 at 19:44:25
135 Posted 27/05/2019 at 19:48:00
136 Posted 28/05/2019 at 16:31:30
137 Posted 28/05/2019 at 16:56:15
Just waiting to hear now that Unsworth has given new deals to all underwhelming Under-23 players.
138 Posted 29/05/2019 at 10:19:15
139 Posted 29/05/2019 at 10:23:09
Lookman
Tosun
McCarthy
Besic
Mirallas
Baines
Jagielka
Bolasie
Galloway
Kenny
Walcott
Niasse
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1 Posted 15/05/2019 at 15:20:54
There are a couple which you mentioned, that as you know I favour too, Lo Celso, Trossard, Leao and Tammy Abraham, but hopefully we will know fairly soon if they will look good in a blue shirt.
The only worrying aspect with most of them is that they have not only done well this season but have long contracts and their Clubs will either demand astronomical fees or just point blankly say ' No way Jose'.
The other aspects that affects not only Tammy Abraham but Zouma and possibly Reece James, who had a brilliant loan spell with Wigan, is the Chelsea Transfer Ban/Appeal, the Abramovich and Sarri situations,, so many plates to keep balanced and spinning on that link.
Of course we are going to be, and already have been, linked with every Tam, Rafael and Leandro (see what I did there) but seriously though, although it does give food for thought and fills the spaces when no matches are being played, I will only believe we have 'our men/boys' when I see them signing in at Finch Farm and wearing their new Blue shirts.
I must admit though, this year holds more interest than in previous recent years, partly due to the success/transformation that last Summer's Window made to the team, in terms of being better to watch for the most part, apart from that horror mid-season period where we looked anything but.
It is encouraging that, allegedly Mr Brands has had his feelers out early on, so he can land his targets before other Clubs come sniffing/haggling, and get the new brigade assimilated into pre-season and get to know their new team-mates and Silva's system.
Hopefully Moshiri will realise the money wasted under Koeman/Walsh and to a lesser degree Allardyce, that he was as culpable for doing an 'Al Bundy' and may be able to chalk it down to inexperience/naivety on his part. And although we may get some of it back through outgoings, hopefully it will not prejudice the new building program under Brands/Silva.