Summer targets 2019

Sam Hoare 14/05/2019 104comments  |  Jump to last

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.

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Reader Comments (104)

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Derek Knox
1 Posted 15/05/2019 at 15:20:54
A very good and interesting read Sam, you have obviously done quite a bit of homework on compiling this 'potential list of potentials' it will be interesting to see how many, or any, are also on Marcel Brands' list.

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.

Sam Hoare
2 Posted 15/05/2019 at 15:38:08
Thanks Derek. I too feel optimistic and very curious. I think lessons have been learned and trust Brands to make good decisions for the most part though there’s always risk. It would seem to me there is an indirect correlation between the supposed quality of a player and how quickly you can wrap up their trasnsfer (for clubs without European football anyway). So I’ll be very impressed if Brands can bring in quality players quickly!
Jay Woods
3 Posted 15/05/2019 at 16:40:06
There is no way Calvert-Lewin has done anything to obviate the need for a new central striker. On the contrary, he underlines the need for one.
John McFarlane Snr
4 Posted 15/05/2019 at 16:42:55
Hi Sam, although I'm 'Old School', my blood does not boil at the thought of 'Wannabe Kids' playing at being real life Football Managers, but in my opinion, that's all they are doing, playing a fantasy game. If the players are as good as you suggest, I have no doubt that both Brands and Silva will be aware of them.

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.

Martin O'Connor
5 Posted 15/05/2019 at 16:54:37
On your CB list Konate is the stand out one and only 19. Jonathan Tah really has not progressed and always seem to have a mistake in him.

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.

Mike Gaynes
6 Posted 15/05/2019 at 16:59:20
Sam, do you do anything besides watch European football? Wow, what a well-researched list. Well done.

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.

Sam Hoare
7 Posted 15/05/2019 at 17:40:31
Mike, my wife will no doubt tell you football plays too big a part in my life. Though I admit to only see bits of some of these players and looking at the stats too.

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.

Frank Crewe
8 Posted 15/05/2019 at 17:43:27
No doubt in the coming months we will be linked with numerous players. But what I want to see is the next Mahrez, Kante, Vardy etc. Obscure bargain players who turn into brilliant match winners. Also after the Onyekuru fiasco no player who isn't eligible to play for us right away.
David Thomas
9 Posted 15/05/2019 at 17:55:07
Jay Woods 3

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.

Frank Wade
10 Posted 15/05/2019 at 17:56:13
Fair play Sam, thanks for taking the time to watch all these games and compiling the list. I don't tend to watch many matches anymore, so would have read about rather than seen many of the players you have listed. As Derek has mentioned above, the Chelsea ban would affect Tomori, as well as Abrahams and James. I'll tune in to have a look at Tomori tonight.

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.

John McFarlane Snr
11 Posted 15/05/2019 at 18:18:37
Hi Sam [7] you appear to have taken my comments as I had hoped you would, and without knowing your age, I suspect that you are not 2 months short of your 81st birthday and that it's just a generation thing, and neither of us are responsible for that.
Derek Knox
12 Posted 15/05/2019 at 18:27:43
Frank, that makes at least two of us with regards to Beni Baningime, I thought when I first saw him, and he had played a limited few games at first team level, this kid will make it.

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!

Derek Knox
13 Posted 15/05/2019 at 18:43:08
I forgot to mention before, must be an age thing, that Ibrahima Konate, could be an interesting one he has all the attributes than both Brands and Silva like in a CB, and has age on his side to get even better.

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.

Darren Hind
14 Posted 15/05/2019 at 18:50:22
Harmless fun Sam.

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.

Jay Harris
15 Posted 15/05/2019 at 18:51:14
Sam,
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.

Fran Mitchell
16 Posted 15/05/2019 at 19:49:27
I assume this transfer window will all be about phases.

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.

Tony Abrahams
17 Posted 15/05/2019 at 19:55:20
I've heard we are going to bring in a couple of South American's, but like Darren, I've never heard of them!

Good research Sam, and a lot better than Steve Walsh going to Italy with a big leather brief-case, mate.

Mike Gaynes
18 Posted 15/05/2019 at 20:13:07
Frank, Bellotti just completed a pretty good 15-goal season in Serie A and has been called back to the national team, so he should be blipping on somebody's radar screen right now.

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?

Stephen Davies
19 Posted 15/05/2019 at 20:16:55
Tony..#17
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/
Brian Williams
20 Posted 15/05/2019 at 20:22:14
I think phase 2 could end up as phase 5, 6, 7, 8 and so on because you can only get rid of the "deadwood" if someone wants to buy them and as we saw last summer not a lot wanted to.
Tony Everan
24 Posted 15/05/2019 at 20:39:48
Good shopping list Sam, makes interesting reading. I'll bet a fair few are on Mr B's radar.

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.

Andy Crooks
56 Posted 15/05/2019 at 22:17:12
Sam, I love this sort of stuff, well done.
Graham Hammond
57 Posted 15/05/2019 at 22:20:41
Nice article Sam and an interesting read.

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?

Si Cooper
59 Posted 16/05/2019 at 04:19:48
John McFarlane Snr, you've got 30 years on me but we seem to think the same. Must be a mental more than a generational thing. I don't mind reading the articles, especially when they are well crafted (well done Sam), but I find it very difficult to isolate the best prospects on occasional viewing.

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?

Rick Tarleton
60 Posted 16/05/2019 at 06:55:55
I'd consider Ben Mee of Burnley to play alongside Keane, if Zouma goes back to Chelsea. mee is left-sided, has played successfully alongside os Keane. he's over thirty and so might be cheap and give us two good years.
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.
Sam Hoare
61 Posted 16/05/2019 at 09:08:36
Thanks all.

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.

Derek Knox
62 Posted 16/05/2019 at 09:28:28
What's going on Sam, the Window has been open since 00.01 and no-one has either departed or arrived? Why are they dragging their heels? :-)
Jon Withey
63 Posted 16/05/2019 at 09:29:03
Keep DCL in the squad for sure, he's great for attritional games.

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.

Derek Knox
64 Posted 16/05/2019 at 09:56:00
Jon, the only worrying aspect for me is that as looks likely Zouma and Gana, are unlikely to be with us next season, as has been said many times Zouma will be a big miss, because he brought that stability to the defence.

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.

John McFarlane Snr
65 Posted 16/05/2019 at 09:59:31
Hi Si, [59] I feel relieved to know that someone of a different generation can hold the same opinion as myself, it was a very good article that Sam submitted, but as keen as I used to be in my early years, I still knew that no matter who I thought would be a useful acquisition, my opinion held no sway.

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.

Sean Patton
66 Posted 16/05/2019 at 11:03:08
Going off Brands track record the players we target will be mostly unknown even to our most regular European football watchers on here.

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

Derek Knox
67 Posted 16/05/2019 at 11:48:20
Sean, agree and have said so on here that the South American market has reaped benefits for Marcel Brands before, during his time in the Netherlands, and obviously one he is fairly familiar with, so it sounds like a good hunting ground for bargains, but as with all transfers there are no guarantees. Plus there is always the Work Permit situation to consider.

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.

Simon Jones
68 Posted 16/05/2019 at 11:49:26
Goalies - The Stek is out of contract, I'm sure I've read on TW that Virginia is going to step up next season, so presumably he'll start cup games if that is true. Therefore the goalie situation would be adjusted at U23 level.

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.

Fran Mitchell
69 Posted 16/05/2019 at 13:17:16
One position that seems to be mentioned is right-back, the need for top-class competition for Coleman. Oft mentioned is Wan-Bissaka, but really, he is likely out of our reach in both fee and competition.

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.

Steve Ferns
70 Posted 16/05/2019 at 13:23:29
Good article Sam. I haven’t watched as much European football this year and it shows, you’ve named quite a few I have never heard of. I looked them up and it seems you aren’t alone in admiration.

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.

Steve Ferns
71 Posted 16/05/2019 at 13:33:17
Fran, do we need a right back? I thought so. But coleman did improve. He finished the season strongly. If we sign someone decent, they won’t sit on our bench. If they go into the side, Coleman won’t want to sit on our bench.

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.

Fran Mitchell
72 Posted 16/05/2019 at 13:40:04
I also wonder if we could try and gazump Leicester and secure the signature of Tielmans, what a player, that would certainly make a statement.

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.

Fran Mitchell
73 Posted 16/05/2019 at 13:44:30
I don't see right back as an urgency no Steve, I actually think Kenny is a very reliable back up and Coleman looks to be back to his best. But this Guga lad has stood out in recent games, with 3 assists in 4. Very Brazilian right-back, and buying now could be a wise move if he does reach his potential. With our Brazilian connection, it could be appealing for him (a Brazilian right side of Rich and Guga would get attention).

Won't happen, just a shot in the dark.

Sam Hoare
74 Posted 16/05/2019 at 13:52:19
Steve F@70, yes I'm sure that both Brands and Silva will want to improve the team whilst making as few incoming changes as possible to a squad that ended the season well. Which is why I think we will buy Gomes even though I suspect there are better midfielders out there.

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.

Jamie Crowley
75 Posted 16/05/2019 at 13:56:50
Sam -

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.

Andrew Yates
76 Posted 16/05/2019 at 14:07:54
I think Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be an option, this type of young, hungry and talented player is where we need to focus whether thats nurturing through our academy or benefitting off others hard work, following the Spurs model of minor tweaks and subtle but influential signings seems the way to go.
Henrik Lyngsie
77 Posted 16/05/2019 at 14:34:26
Sam good piece. Just two comments with a danish perspective. I don’t believe that Youssef Poulsen has got what it takes to succeed in the PL.
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.
Jay Harris
78 Posted 16/05/2019 at 15:04:06
Just on the subject of goalkeeper, I thought I read recently that Silva was very impressed with Stekelenburg in training and we had offered him an extension to his contract.
Sam Hoare
79 Posted 16/05/2019 at 15:10:14
Jamie @75, that is an honour! Yes, trimming the deadwood this summer will probably be Brands hardest task. I expect Sandro and maybe Bolasie to be the hardest to shift permanently given their wages in proportion to their talent.

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!

Henrik Lyngsie
80 Posted 16/05/2019 at 15:39:20
Sam 79. You are right about Poulsen's strength, energy and work rate. I just don't think he has got the technical (and tactical) skills to improve Everton.

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).

Henrik Lyngsie
81 Posted 16/05/2019 at 15:44:19
Speaking about Danes I would go for Hojberg from Southampton. He can play 6 or 8. Good passer, works hard, a leader. I believe Hasselhutl was the manager for Lookman in Leipzig só swap Lookman for Hojbjerg. (Since Silva probably will never be happy with Lookman workrate).
Tony Hill
82 Posted 16/05/2019 at 15:47:10
I love speculating like this. We all know it's guesswork but so what. Most of what we write on here is fan nonsense. It'd be pretty quiet if it wasn't.
Mike Gaynes
83 Posted 16/05/2019 at 16:13:02
Henrik #81, thanks for your informed input! Right with you on Hojbjerg -- I thought he would make it with Bayern and was very surprised when he put in a transfer request at age 20. Now 23, he'd be a good addition. Also with you on Billing -- not convinced by him.

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.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

84 Posted 16/05/2019 at 16:14:50
This is a very thorough and well-presented post Sam. Well done. I can particularly respect and admire the time and research you must have put into it.

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.

Simon Jones
85 Posted 16/05/2019 at 16:17:31
Mike @83,

If Silva has mentioned the possibility of using the same three keepers, then The Stek would require a contract extension!

Kieran Kinsella
86 Posted 16/05/2019 at 16:19:09
Sam

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?

Ian Bennett
87 Posted 16/05/2019 at 16:21:32
Gomes, Zouma and a striker are a must. Elsewhere a right back, centre mid and wide left cover is needed.

On the block:

Besic, Mirallas, Sandro, Niasse, McCarthy, Pennington, Garbutt, Bolasie, Tosun, Galloway, Tarashaj, Martina.

Would look at offers for:

Walcott, Lookman, Dowell, Schneiderlin.

Tony Everan
88 Posted 16/05/2019 at 18:51:54
Sam , Henrik , I also agree with the comments about Philip Billing of Huddersfield. He is not the finished article by any means . But a player with a bright future and at 22 will improve. I expect there will be a few mid-lower table prem clubs trying to sign him at a bargain price this summer. He will do well for one of them and they will double their money.
Jay Harris
89 Posted 16/05/2019 at 19:45:28
Being reported that MArcel has been told Sarri wants to keep Zouma and TAmmy Abrahams.

Move to plan B then.

Mike Gaynes
90 Posted 16/05/2019 at 21:04:12
Simon #85, that's correct. So it's hard to get a readout on that situation.

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.

Derek Knox
91 Posted 16/05/2019 at 21:10:23
Heard that too Mike G, so not exactly a tea-party for Loftus Cheek in Boston, but I doubt we could have got him anyway (sour grapes) as he has been playing fairly regularly, prior to this.

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.

Rob Halligan
92 Posted 16/05/2019 at 21:17:40
Mike, the same injury that affectively finished Yakubu's career with us. He ruptured an Achilles at Spurs and was out for around the same period RLC faces out. The yak never did come back the same player he was prior to the injury.
Mike Gaynes
93 Posted 16/05/2019 at 21:26:00
Correct, Rob. At the time it happened I predicted that outcome for the Yak right here, and unfortunately I was right. It was based on the personal experience of two Achilles tears myself. Very difficult injury for a footballer to recover from.

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.

Ben McVeigh
94 Posted 17/05/2019 at 01:06:51
If Gueye does leave, Ndidi from Leicester is a ready made replacement. Role is exactly the same, coverage, tackles and intercepts nearly the same and is only 22.

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.

Si Cooper
95 Posted 17/05/2019 at 01:26:10
Is it only me that is concerned that our transfer window closes weeks before the other major European leagues?

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?

Sam Hoare
96 Posted 17/05/2019 at 06:42:03
Ben@94, if Ndidi does move from Leicester it will not be a lateral move to us but to one of the top 6. Highly regarded player.

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.

Dave Abrahams
97 Posted 17/05/2019 at 17:05:02
One of the first transfers could be a goalkeeper who is out of contract, played in the premier league last season.
James Morgan
98 Posted 17/05/2019 at 17:07:20
Apparently we are very interested in Mitrovic according to SS. 24 years old and scored 11 in a relegated side. Probably wouldn’t cost a bomb. Could be a good signing.
Mike Allison
99 Posted 17/05/2019 at 17:14:05
DCL had a significantly better goals to minutes ratio than Mitrovic last season, Mitrovic just played more.

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.

Steve Ferns
100 Posted 17/05/2019 at 18:18:57
I see no one is mooting the forgotten Allardyce transfer as an alternative to Zouma.

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.

Tony Hill
101 Posted 17/05/2019 at 18:44:34
Steve that's unfair. He was injured freakishly and hardly played. You need to move on from Allardyce, so do all Evertonians. He was never the real problem and it's a bore and a distraction to pretend otherwise. The obsession with him is strange.
Steve Ferns
102 Posted 17/05/2019 at 18:51:10
Tony, he was abysmal in that Arsenal game. He was terrible for City. He’s been fit for a year and not played. The guy was a terrible signing particularly for the wages we paid.

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.

Tony Hill
103 Posted 17/05/2019 at 18:55:15
Ah well, Steve, that's an old debate. Best leave it.
Sam Hoare
104 Posted 17/05/2019 at 18:56:45
I can see the sense in Lössl but struggle to find much enthusiasm for Mitrovic. He’s a decent striker who works hard and definitely causes a nuisance but he’s not fast, wont run the channels and is not that clinical (look at all the chances he missed against us). I guess he offers a slight upgrade on Tosun but at the price of £25m+ I think we could do better. I actually think Tosun might have scored as many goals for Fulham if he’d have started that many games.
Tony Hill
105 Posted 17/05/2019 at 19:02:10
What's the sense in Lossl, Sam? What about Virginia? I ask because I am genuinely puzzled.
Steve Ferns
106 Posted 17/05/2019 at 19:27:22
I don’t see the need for a new keeper. Virginia is a good age. He’s 19 and so best to stick where he is, training with the first team, playing with the u23s and ready to step up to first team duties when injury strikes.

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.

Rob Halligan
107 Posted 17/05/2019 at 19:38:03
Stekelenburg has one more year left on his contract, so unless he's decided he wants a change, (he will after all, be 37 years old in September, and probably fed up of sitting on the bench every week), and put in a transfer request, then I don't see any point in signing Lossl, or anyone else for that matter, as back up for Pickford.
Martin O'Connor
108 Posted 17/05/2019 at 19:38:43
Two wide players if as seems likely Lookman goes and hopefully we get rid of the awful Walcott.

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

Steve Ferns
109 Posted 17/05/2019 at 19:45:21
Rob, perhaps Stek feels he’s achieved everything possible. Don’t forget he played in the World Cup final in 2010. So, if he wanted first team football now, where would he end up? Would it be in the championship? Would he want to drop to that level? Would he want to play for the bottom side in the Premier League having six put past him every week? Or take a massive pay cut and go back to Holland?

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.

Rob Halligan
110 Posted 17/05/2019 at 19:53:21
Totally agree Steve. Just trying to work out why we would be interested in Lossl when we have Stek and Joao Virginia, who in my opinion, could easily step up and be second choice behind Pickford.

Like most rumours though, it's just garbage paper talk.

Steve Ferns
111 Posted 17/05/2019 at 19:57:29
Yes. I think big things are expected of Virginia. There’s not many 19 year olds playing in goal for one of the better sides in the top 3 leagues in Europe. So, it’s unrealistic to expect too much of him just yet. But we don’t want to block his progression. Moving up to no2 in 12 months time at 20 when Stekelenburg’s contract is up seems a good timetable to me. And I don’t subscribe to this loan nonsense. Loans don’t always work. He’s better off learning where he is. Unlike the other first team players (and he is most definitely in the first team squad) he plays for the u23s.
Dave Abrahams
112 Posted 17/05/2019 at 20:55:04
Steve (111), maybe Stekelenburg is rated as a future goalkeeping coach at Everton and would step into that role when his contract is up at the end of next season.

Virginia is well rated by Silva and would continue to learn at Everton or go onloan if Lössl comes in.

Steve Ferns
113 Posted 17/05/2019 at 21:03:06
Dave, I doubt Silva would get rid of Hugo Oliveira. He has been with Silva since he joined Hull. Silva got him in as he has a big reputation. He worked with Ederson at Benfica (before his big money signing to City) and I believe that it is he who pushed Silva for Joao Virginia. Maybe Stek has a future at Everton in coaching, but not a Hugo's expense.

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.

Dave Abrahams
114 Posted 17/05/2019 at 21:11:59
Steve (113), it has been rumoured that Silva’s assistant manager ( don’t know his name ) has been offered a managers job elsewhere, if that is true maybe he will take the Portuguese goalkeeping coach with him, Everton will get compensated for their loss and have another goalkeeping coach ready and waiting., Virginia will still be number three for the goalie’s job and everyone is happy.

Not a bad start to the summer transfer window !!!

Steve Ferns
115 Posted 17/05/2019 at 21:24:05
Dave, the assistant is Joao Pedro Sousa. He wears JP on his jumper. He's Silva's best mate and has been his assistant since Day 1 at Esotril and has gone everywhere with him. I can't see him leaving. I definitely cannot see him taking Hugo Oliveira with him either.

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.

Tony Abrahams
116 Posted 17/05/2019 at 21:28:35
If Virginia is good enough then he should definitely go out on loan, because playing proper competitive football is what brings players on the most, even more than training with good experienced players?

Dave Abrahams
117 Posted 17/05/2019 at 21:31:37
Steve (115), Virginia is still only 19, he’s got two years to go to be the understudy, if Pickford doesn’t cut his mistakes out Virginia could be number one by the time he is 21 and he’d be very happy.
Jerome Shields
118 Posted 17/05/2019 at 23:55:13
Impressed with your well researched list. Will keep a watch on the players you mention. Its going to be a very interesting Summer.

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.

Sam Hoare
119 Posted 18/05/2019 at 07:56:24
Tony@105 I can see the sense in Lossl because Stek is nearing the end of his contract/career and Lössl is on a free transfer and would be a bit more pressure on Pickford than Stek. It would give us 3 keepers aged 30, 25 and 19 which is a good spread and would have us well covered hopefully for the next 4 years or so.
Andy Osborne
120 Posted 19/05/2019 at 18:02:56
I'd definitely go for Kai Haverzt, he is a box to box and scores goals. I would also put in a cheeky bid for Timo Werner. Unlikely to come, but why not try.
Andy Osborne
121 Posted 19/05/2019 at 18:02:57
I'd definitely go for Kai Haverzt, he is a box to box and scores goals. I would also put in a cheeky bid for Timo Werner. Unlikely to come, but why not try.
Sam Hoare
122 Posted 20/05/2019 at 17:34:44
Arsenal apparently making a move for William Saliba who was in my ‘see also:’ list. Very young, very complete French defender who’s been excellent at end of season for Saint Ettienne. Bit of a risk after so little experience but wonder if Brands will be tempted now Zouma looks unlikely.
Simon Dalzell
123 Posted 21/05/2019 at 23:03:07
Very much agree Jay and David. #3 / #9. We desperately need a ' scoring ' striker. The longer the season went on, the more obvious this became. It beggars belief that anyone would stick with DCL and Tosun. If we were allowed just one purchase, surely it would be this.
Andy Crooks
124 Posted 21/05/2019 at 23:14:58
Steve# 102, spot on. It can never be repeated enough;the appointment of Allardyce was, in my view, one of the most cowardly pieces of work in the history of our club. David Unsworth replaced by him? Fuck me.
Fran Mitchell
125 Posted 22/05/2019 at 00:49:26
In terms of wide players, I wonder if we havge not tried to entice Daniel James from Swansea who appears to to Man Utd bound.

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.

Andrew Keatley
126 Posted 22/05/2019 at 01:33:29
One player I'd love to see in our squad is Michail Antonio. He's quick, strong, dribbles well, has a thunderous shot off both feet, is excellent in the air, brave, a real competitor, and believes in his own ability. Sometimes he can look a little ungainly, but defenders are wary of him. Plus he knows the Premier League, has overcome injury set-backs and can play in multiple positions.

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.

Mike Gaynes
127 Posted 22/05/2019 at 02:43:36
Andrew, two years ago I'd have wholeheartedly agreed with you. He'd have been one of my first choices in the entire Prem to bid for.

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.

Matthew Williams
128 Posted 22/05/2019 at 13:36:43
I've had a major rethink on this one and believe that we need to sign No-one! With the players we have in our massive squad, we should be able to fashion a half-decent side, whilst bringing through the young lads from the U23s.

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.

Dave Abrahams
129 Posted 24/05/2019 at 09:32:26
I'm hoping Lukaku moves this summer. According to reports in the media today Everton cop for £5M if he does, that will go towards the transfer kitty.
Sam Hoare
130 Posted 24/05/2019 at 09:51:43
Andrew @126 I have to agree with Mike on that one. Would have taken him happily a few years back but, at 29 and some recent injury issues, I'd be wary taking a player who relies a fair bit on pace and power.

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.

Sam Hoare
131 Posted 24/05/2019 at 10:19:24
Another player on my see also list is Neal Maupay who has banged in 28 goals for Brentford this season in 49 games. Not bad for a 22-year-old. The more I think about it, the more I think he could be a really good option.

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.

Andy Meighan
132 Posted 24/05/2019 at 11:47:35
Good shout that, Sam. I've watched that lad a few times and he has really impressed me. Certainly knows where the net is and 28 in 49 is impressive at any level. But we certainly need pace and mobility up front. The days of having a target man ie Rondon, Giroud etc look to be becoming rarer. I'm sure Brands and Silva will have looked at Maupay though...
Matthew Williams
133 Posted 24/05/2019 at 14:14:37
If we do sign anyone then the only place to start is with the three clubs that went down, then onto the three clubs that failed to win promotion to the "Promised Land".

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!

Sam Hoare
134 Posted 27/05/2019 at 19:44:25
For what’s it worth I heard a few whispers that some of the CBs on Brands list include Stark, Elvedi and Niakhate from the Bundesliga who have all had good seasons. Also Ferro from Benfica who looks to me as good as his highly rated partner CB.

Sam Hoare
135 Posted 27/05/2019 at 19:48:00
Also, I've heard (from very unreliable sources!) that we will be getting a new right back to contest with Seamus. Meunier is something of a pipe dream but more realistic options for Brands include Pedro Porro, Kene Tete and Joakim Maehle who are all fast, athletic young options, able to get up and down the line all match, like Silva demands of his full backs.
Sam Hoare
136 Posted 28/05/2019 at 16:31:30
Spurs reportedly bid £60m for Lo Celso. Guess he won’t be coming to us then! Looks a very good player to me though that’s a huge amount for someone with only one full season as a starter. Crazy prices again this summer.
Kieran Kinsella
137 Posted 28/05/2019 at 16:56:15
So far, our only movement has been to add more expensive dead wood in the form of an out of work goalie.

Just waiting to hear now that Unsworth has given new deals to all underwhelming Under-23 players.

David Foster
138 Posted 29/05/2019 at 10:19:15
With regards to Ademola Lookman, his attitude stinks and we can get anywhere near £30M for him; I would happily accept.
David Foster
139 Posted 29/05/2019 at 10:23:09
Players who should leave the club are as follows:

Lookman
Tosun
McCarthy
Besic
Mirallas
Baines
Jagielka
Bolasie
Galloway
Kenny
Walcott
Niasse


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