Bernard officially joins Everton on a free transfer

Holy crap I didn't realize it closed at 5 pm BST!

We'd better get Bernard and Mina (or whatever CB we end up choosing) across the line quick! Thought it was a midnight deadline.

Hustle up Everton!

How great is it this guy is coming to us when he had interest all across Europe?! I'm very excited to see Bernard play.

Come on, get the deal done.

In less than 23 hours Zouma, Bernard and possibly two others... I'm excited for tomorrow.

Centre-backs urgently needed now. At least one and I'll view this as a good summer.

I remember this time last summer and the excitement of some. I never bought into it and I know hindsight is a wonderful thing but I just didn't get it.

This time, I've got a gut feeling things are about to change... Time is the key. One thing though; I'll bet we are good to watch.

But Premier League clubs must name a 25-man squad at the end of every window.

That means that if a player signs, they will only be able to play in the Premier League if a club has not named a full squad or if they are under-21'.

We'll be in for a keeper next. Fucktard club.

We have either moved or are desperately trying to move the dead wood we have; Williams, Rooney, Mirallas, Klaassen (shame about him) and maybe Bolasie. I didn't see Funes Mori as totally dead wood but he's gone too as has Robles. Shame we can't or don't want to move Schneiderlin but you can't have everything.

One word of caution about those who have arrived or are supposed to arrive. Last year there were plenty on here enthusing about our signings and not all that many naysayers. A year on, we lamented how we got ripped off for expensive signings on huge wages that we have taken big losses from.

If we are to believe those who claim Silva and Brands are wise men, this should not repeat, but a part of me thinks there is a matter of luck, at least to some extent, as to whether players do actually work out.

We could certainly do with some luck with this bunch given what happened last time. Let's hope Bernard is the new Silva, Richarlison the new Salah, Digne the new... well let's say the new Baines, that would suffice, and the rest who come in achieve a likewise level. Ok maybe we can afford one of them to fail...

Let's also hope that Silva can figure out a productive role for our most expensive signing from last year. At least it looks like these signings mean Siggi won't be marooned on the left wing.

Lukaku when was was with us was apparently not good enough to be the best striker in the Premier League.

Hey ho, he leaves and the media darlings love him now.

It's like bitchy hour for Everton. If Everton do progress whose team will then face the poisonous chalice (some media outlets including Talk Spite)

Or... I'll wake up at 6:00 AM and just start frantically refreshing Twitter.

Roberto Martinez reckoned that Everton were doing away with release clauses after Marouane Fellaini but Brazilian website Globo Esporte - via Sport Witness - claim Bernard is expected to sign a four-year deal with Everton, and will have a salary of €6m per year. The report adds that he will have a €45m release clause (around £40.53m)

I'm more concerned with keeping Brands. Bloody hell is he finding diamonds!

Yet again, with Bernard, I'm getting drawn in as I think he will be amazing for us. Unlike Sandro, he isn't potential, he is the real deal right now. Everton have been crying out for a technically gifted midfielder for many years that can unlock defences and turn on the ball between the lines, and so I cant describe how exciting this is.

Two weeks ago I was looking at the Liverpool shite and how they have 7 attacking players that they can move around the front 6, and at least two of them each game will score, as they rotate very well. I then looked at our front 6 and it really depressed me. Now I see our front 6 as Richarlison, Tosun, Lookman, Walcott, Sigurdsson and Bernard, which shows me that we are starting to look a far more potent side.

If these are the type of players we can expect to come to Everton, I cant wait to see what the squad looks like this time next year after two more transfer windows :)

Lastly, it dawned on me today that we actually need 3 centre backs and not 2. With Funes Mori and Williams already out the door, we still have Jagielka at 36, who just doesn't have that turn of pace anymore, so will get caught out again and again this season, but will be ok as a bench player. Keane, despite his youth, is also not a centre back that can play in this system, as you have to be a certain kind of defender that is crying out to take the ball, but he isn't and probably never will be. So that just leaves Holgate, who is injured, but he may also not be good enough to play as a 3rd centre back who is confident at bringing the ball out from the back, the jury is out at this level. So I say minimum of two centre backs by tomorrow, or we will struggle immensely at the back.

Bill #16,

For me it's: News now, Toffeeweb, Echo, SSN, wait 10 minutes then repeat.

The ultra ambitious in me would love to see Bernard, Zouma and one from Mina, Smalling or Rojo signed but I can't see that now, think the Mina deal is dead.

I'd be pleasantly pleased with Bernard, Zouma and Andre Gomes but still a tad concerned about the striking issues especially if Tosun were to fall prey of unfortunate injury.

@ Brent, yeah getting a bit frustrated bro, want our business done by 5p.m lad.

It's been a long time since I troubled the edge of my seat. Bring the devil and your dancing shoes

A fresh round of tweets on Twitter claiming the Mina deal is 100% done. They REALLY, REALLY mean it this time!

If someone triggers the release clause then they'll have to pay him more than we are and we get £40m for not doing much.

If he's putting himself in the shop window then fair enough, he'll be well motivated to play his ass off.

Bit of banter whilst we await who comes in eh lads n lasses.

Some of us are bored shitless of hearing about Sheedy, Stevens, Dixie etc, the past is done with, it's 2018, only the redshite bang on about their past. I'm not interested, I know our past...we were excellent we fucking are far from it currently now unfortunately. Move on

This one signing, could be enough to convince others (e.g.Gomez / Mina) that this is an ambitious club and is the right place to ply their trade.

This one signing could, possibly, be the start of the road back to where this club truly belongs.

Some harsh truth in #46

Might be DK, I hope we pull a few blinders out of the fan to be fair. But you're correct man.

Now calm down or I'll have you sent to GarPax's office so you can spend time with PROPER fucktards.

There's plenty of sad unfit c**ts I wouldn't pass for living let alone Marine fit.

We'll be fine...

*Sorry for using the "C" word, it's the only way I can describe these fools.

Do City fans harp on about Joe Mercer, Colin Bell, and Franny Lee - No they don't. They are very happy these days, and hopefully for the first time in decades Evertonians can look to the future.

Fuck Gar/Pax, i'd rather do a year rubbing green apples red.

We look pretty good this season if Parker n Zach hold up...Wendell JR is going to straight up ball, D looks on point.

In this case the condition may well be the medical - i.e. pass and the contract is already signed - but only sealed on successful completion of the medical.

Fail the medical - and the sale is off.

But is he does pass the medical and the fee is also already agreed and signed off by Barca - he is ours - well ahead of the deadline.

Colin, jeez! All of them?! "Typical Everton", eh Darren M!

Joe...they do man, we have to look forward and as much as I love our past glory i'm as hungry as a rabid wolverine to see some currently. We've waited ages and any hint of Everton doing better i'm sadly all over it. Smash the league and crush the redshite .i'd be ecstatic man.

We've all been her3 too long, to appreciate that a deals, no deal until the players in the Everton blue shirt.

The mind is wonderful, the press and the RS Echo, are rarely correct. The lack of noise from GP suggests MB, will do his business in a professional and proper manner, but it's no guarantee, that we will land any of the 5 -6 players, we've been linked with.

Going to the wire as usual, let's hope tomorrow's a good day for Evertonians.

You can hear it now - EFC are stuffing everybody its not fair - they bought their success - not like CFC or CIty of course. LFC haven't had success so not including them despite them being the biggest spenders during the EPL era. Can't say Spurs either as no success and they don't spend spend spend and neither do Arsenal by the way.

I define success as winning the EPL not just qualifying for the Chumps League.

The man is aka James Bond, bringing gold dust back to Goodison Park whilst getting rid of players who are no longer required (and we have loads of them). Top, top man.

Zouma, Bernard and Mina. WTF.

With the signings we have made and a progressive manager 4 of the top 6 will be looking over their shoulders at us. Rightfully so.

We are hunting them down this season.

Even if we sell Lookman for £20m, it would still mean a net spend of well over £50m if we are to believe the potential players and figures being bandied about.

As others have said, there is a real purpose behind each signing so far unlike the scatter gun approach last season. Starting to feel good to be blue again although trying to stay calm until we see the arrivals with the shirt on.

As others have said, there is a real purpose behind each signing so far unlike the scatter gun approach last season. Starting to feel good to be blue again although trying to stay calm until we see the arrivals with the shirt on.

Other possibilities - Possibly also Gomes (loan - I wouldn't cos he is injured) and N'Daiye.

Outside chance of Marega though a bit of a late one.

One regret - I think we should have gone for Lascelles.

Verdict:
I think that would represent a decent first window for the Brands and Silva era - now need to blend them well and at the same time keep the youngsters engaged.

In addition some excellent work on getting rid of the dead wood.

It's getting exciting

Let's have it right to all those lauding the signings of Mina, Gomes, Bernard and Zouma and saying how brilliant Silva and Brands have done, so far we've signed Richarlison who was good for ten games last season and Digne who averages about 20 games a season throughout his career but might be good.

I thought this was a start of a new era under Walter Smith and was very excited with these new players. Talk about disappointment!

Sometimes it can be a problem when 2 or three come in on big, big wages but 10 or 12 and they haven't finished yet ?

Thank God Everton only have 2 big signings so far.

Yeah it's been drawn out, and personally I don't rate him but then I haven't really seen much of him to be completely honest.

He's only 23 so still time to get a lot better and he hasn't played much this year - what was it, 4 games in the world cup and 5 for Barca? Hardly a yardstick to measure how good he really is. If Barcelona bought him he must be half decent I spose.

How can we sign two big players for the same position? Surely, Silva must see Bernard as a central playmaker in the David Silva mould and working with Sigurdsson in the way David Silva works with Bruyne?

What do Jay Wood and Fran think?

Past few windows we've been over paying for average players.

Siggy for £45M!!! No one was competing for that signature.

Anyone have any more accurate information?

Just my gut feeling its been a massive time sink

https://www.nsno.co.uk/everton-news/2018/08/everton-seal-mina-deal/

Yerry Mina is 6'5"
Kurt Zouma is 6'3"
Jamaal Lascelles is 6'2"
Ben Gibson is 6'2"

I posted some research ages ago, and I can't find it now. But every centre back who has played more than 5 games for Silva (in 7 seasons) has been 6'3" or taller, except for 2 of them, and he didn't sign either. He clearly has a preference for giants. This, I believe, is so they can head away the ball over the top or deter the opposition from playing it, due to the high line. The fullbacks tuck in as well, meaning the opposition need to hit us down the flanks, meaning the defenders have time to get back.

I've never actually seen Silva state a preference for giants, but over 7 seasons, surely it is more than a coincidence?

Lascelles should have been a week 1 buy.

When you're up and down the world as much as me working their nuts off...you get pissed off regards us not having signed our targets when you finally get home to see the missus and daughter. Maybe it's jetlag man. Maybe it's Everton...

Or a few extra pairs of socks from sports direct, free off Ashley?

Surely either us or Utd are going to get either Mina or Zouma now.

One each would seem fair.

How the hell so you edit posts on here?

Fucking hell.

I have a book by JR Hartley, and it's ben endorsed by none other than Bernard Cribbins.

And don't inhale the water as you flounder until uncle Bernie rescues you (hopefully not like uncle Len as older readers will remember) - the fish piss in it!

But I hope you realise there are many other costs that have to be accounted for, from those admittedly large TV monies, before we even get into new player trading.

Not least the massive salaries and the depreciation/write down of the players we've already bought before this window.

I'm not aware of us having made anything close to a reasonable profit level that would enable our current/planned transfer spending to be financed other than through new investment. Both an on accounting basis and certainly on a cashflow basis.

Well pardon me for imparting an interesting story about Bernard Cribbins on all of you. You wait till next season, anyone sitting next to me at Goodison is getting the full story all match.

Bonamassa British Blues Explosion. All Beck, Page and Clapton numbers covered. Superb.

Right, offski to watch a film called 'Their Darkest Hour'.

Hope it's not an omen for tomorrow.

That's odd because I always get loads of time to edit posts. My last one, as I write, is still open for editing.

Maybe it's because the web operator thinks I'm a thick bastard who makes loads of errors, whereas they presume you are near perfect and so don't need the edit facility?

Bastards.

Rob, I'll have you ejected.

The transfer fees have gone through the roof so loan deals may be the better of two evils given the wage demands of individuals.

Let's hope whoever comes to Goodison settles in quickly and helps make this team competitive again.

Zouma would be a good addition; the Mina deal is still looking dodgy... I would take Drinkwater, and I hope Silva has a striker lined up – I don't rate Niasse.

As we seem to be rooting out most of the bad apples in this window and replacing them with hungry, talented (relatively) younger senior players, I'm hoping the general attitude of the squad changes. Thus, this will rub off on the younger ‘homegrown' players and Improve them!

Very excited by the signings and potential signings! Even more excited by the (seemingly) professional approach of our DoF Brands!

You work it out and see where, if anywhere Zouma goes.

Unlike in the past, we can match the fee £ for £ - so it all comes down to who's bid Chelsea will accept.

Chelsea sold Matic to United, so don't see no reason why they wouldn't well Zouma to them as well?

Fingers crossed we buy Mina and get Andre Gomes on a loan. Gomes could be a great replacement for Schneiderlin.

However, unlike Barcelona, there are no restrictions on Chelsea as to the number of foreign players on their books - so they are not obliged to sell a la Barcelona with Mina.

Secondly, because of that, they do not have to sell or loan to anyone - so if they say Everton and the player says MU - they can just sit tight and put him in the reserves - they can afford to do that financially.

So, if the player wants to play regularly - in the EPL - they can tell him which club he is going to - on loan.

For a straight sale - obviously the player's wishes will be more important - but, if the fee is the same it will come down to wages - so if we offer more and he thinks he might be on the bench more with Utd - he will pick us - if he has any sense!

I think Siggy might struggle for his place once Bernard gets up to speed but at least he won't be wasted on the left of midfield when picked.

People are saying it's a coup as he's free, but not realising that he's been offered around Europe by his agent, and nobody else was willing to give him a 39 million pound 5 year contract, and not to mention God knows what in signing on and agent fees. Especially to recruit a left sided winger, which we already have in Richarlison. Yes, I'm sure he can play in the centre, but why not buy a player who is at his best in the centre instead of someone who 'can do a job' there?

Let's hope we can bring in a central midfielder and centre half by tomorrow to balance the side out properly.

Me? I'd rather we announced it and declared we aren't taking part in deadline day, turned the lights off and went home.

Bernard - I've seen pictures of him at Finch Farm, so unless something ridiculous happens (never rule that out) he would be one (and a frickin' brilliant one at that may I add).

A lot of claims that Mina deal is done for around £28m, everything agreed pending a medical tomorrow. That's 2.

Number three and four seem most likely to be another CB and a CM.

Zouma on loan from Chelsea appears to be the most likely CB, but Man Utd now in the hunt.

For the CM, there's increasing level of noise about taking Andre Gomes as our third Barcelona player of the summer. Possibly on loan although they prefer a permanent deal.

Other names still out there are Drinkwater from Chelsea and Ndiaye from Stoke.

Most likely significant departure is Bolasie to 'Boro now that they have sold Traore to Wolves.

Just passing on info from my hours of trawling twitter. All the above have come from at least one reputable source, but as always, never believe a thing until you see them in the shirt!

One thing is certain, tomorrow should be a very interesting day!

It seems that the role of a goalkeeper has distinctly shifted in the game over the last six months; it's now looking like that outrageous amount pundits and opposition fans thought we'd paid for Pickford looks like an absolute bargain. Funny how the red shite and Chelsea keepers costing double gets little to no scrutiny compared with Pickford's transfer. Hypocrisy of the highest order.

On a positive note I hope that the new manager and the team have a successful season ahead. As for if ya know ya history, when was the last time we beat Liverpool... It's about time we done that for the history books eh...

Most were excited about the signings last year.

Difference between this year and last is I haven't read nearly as many dissenting, objecting posts as last off-season's transfers.

I'm much more confident about these dealings myself, personally.

And those posts voicing objections are, in the main, very silent this year.

You're spot on about Pickford too. Looks like a bargain now, doesn't it!

I excitedly took a shower, then got out to discover it was now all over social media that the deal had fallen apart. Literally a span of ten minutes.

(we might not have ended up going for Schneiderlin, but imagine if we had those two layabouts in our midfield)

So play it safe and don't even brush your teeth, OK?

I'm on the beach in Oregon.

Funny that you called these Silva/Brands signings "Much less poor" than Koeman's, not, "Much better"! But I know what you mean.

Ricy is without a doubt the star. He and Berni could be a great attacking duo.

If they have release clauses so be it. Just enjoy watching them whilst we can and when things aren't going well remember back to last season which will hopefully enthuse all Evertonians to support and not bemoan possibly our greatest attacking squad of the modern era, (sorry I got a little excited).

We may not win or play well everygame but the potential, the options, the excitement will be something we havn't had for a long time.

I always thought last years signings were average and AT THE TIME questioned the £30m for Pickford. He still has a lot to learn and improve but the basics are all there. His physical stature means he'll never command the 6 year box like the very best but he's a solid/good goalkeeper but still expensive. Luckily that is less of an issue with Moshiri and if he's our no.1 for 10 years worth it.

In Ricy and Berni we now have genuine quality.
I can't say much on Digne or Mina (if signed) but if they do the basics well without mistakes and add a bit of pace that we lack then great.
I hope our defenders don't cost us to many points and Silva can gel the team whilst using the youngsters.

Brands and Silva have done brilliantly, signed quality, all young but proven. 6 new first team players seemed impossible at the start of the window, and we didn't sell any of our best players (Pickford, Coleman) and as of yet none of our talented youngsters (Lookman, Davies).

Well done Mr Brands and Mr Silva.

Will take time to gel but that is some window - excellent work. Every player in is miles better than what we had on the books. We also managed to get 6 senior squad members off the books this coming season so that's not a bad effort at all.

Dressing room is going to be completely different this seasons, 5 in 6 out - hopefully no bad eggs. Defence is still an issue as one of Jags or Keane is going to have to play regular and both are not up to it.

I had an ex wife from Donetsk and went to watch a game and it was a top six game - he was brilliant and dominated - I thought he was 28+ the way he went about things. They went three up in 15 mins and he was the orchestrator and the assassin at the same time . just thought he was a brilliant and a Brazilian at the end of his career in lowly Ukraine . cannot believe he is only 25 now and probably 22/23 then.

Hi attitude is ace!

We have a proper number 10 on our hands . Sx

WHO IS GOING TO SCORE THE GOALS ?

I would put a bet on us scoring over 80 goals this season, an average of over 2 per game. I just hope we can stop them going in at other end too.

80+ league goals? That would mean at least one player netting 20+ unless you're saying 6 or 7 of the team are going to get 10+?

Been an exciting window but let's try to stay in realty.

(I'll also have what you're smoking:-)

I've just listened to Greg O'Keefe / Tony Scott's All together Now podcast. Their Brazilian expert has Bernard down as a central attacking midfielder, arriving late in the box (Tim Cahill style?) and scoring or putting others through. He was raving about him.

Loads of respect to the new management team, and to Moshiri for bankrolling their ambition. Let's hope that this time it all comes together like a rather cunning plan.

Bring on the new season!

I sought out and listened to the podcast you referenced. The American-Brazilian journo offers a fair assessment of Bernard.

At 18-19 Bernard was ear-marked as a possible 'wunderkid' in Brazil. At that age he played with ex-Evertonian Jo and the ex-Barca Ronaldinho in a very good Atletico Mineiro side that won the South American Champions League equivalent, the Libertadores.

Indeed, he quickly found himself in the national squad at 20, although rarely in the starting XI. Felipe Scolari liked him, named him in the Brazil 2014 home World Cup squad. He had a couple of sub appearances, but then his one and only full game for Brazil was to replace the injured Neymar in the 7-1 semi-final drubbing by Germany.

He has not got near a Brazilian squad since. Dunga turned away from many of the 2014 squad. Tite has been more forgiving, recalling the best and adding new talent. Given the competition in his position – Coutinho, Willian, Douglas, Costa – it's hardly surprising.

He actually transferred to Ukraine BEFORE the 2014 World Cup, so the fact he did so just shy of 21 and that he has performed so well in a totally alien culture, so far from home, is a credit to his resilience and determination. Living and playing in the city of Liverpool will be a doddle for him.

But, he is something of a forgotten man here in Brazil. I told my missus last night we were in for Bernard. "Who?" she asked. An explanation didn't recall him for her. I showed her a photo. "Oh THAT Bernard! Jesus, he looks old! Where is he now? How old is he?"

Now Brazilians take great pride in their footballers who do well overseas and they often feature in mini features in sports programs. Bernard has not figured. And for that reason I have no idea how he has performed in his time in Ukraine.

From what I know of the player from his time in Brazil, together with the squad now assembled at Goodison, I said a couple of days ago he shouldn't be viewed as a winger. For me, he should be playing more centrally in an advanced midfield role with the liberty to roam freely. He could possibly play a wide left midfield role, a la Stevie Pienaar, from where he can cut in and use his stronger right foot. Not that his left leg is merely to stand on!

He has the technical ability and the vision to take advantage of any openings, both for himself and for team mates. I am not in the least bit concerned about his diminutive stature. Either he or the ball will be gone before a Neanderthal defender can get close to him.

Given today's dealings, I now have no idea what constitutes our best starting XI. And I take that as a huge positive. We now have genuine competition across (most) positions and Silva has many options to shuffle the pack, depending on the opposition.

Like you, I see lots of interesting potential (and potent) partnerships in our newly revamped squad. Let's hope they all click.

Coleman Keane Mina Digne

Sigurdsson Gueye Bernard

Walcott Tosun Richarlison

Remarkable work.

With the dealings today and the whole of the transfer window I feel we are are in a much stronger and better position to start the season than we were, I know we will see much better football this season than last, mind you I remember saying the very same sentence this time last year.

The sides going to be almost unrecognisable. Keane and Jags still worry me but hopefully Zouma will sneak in.

We could be starting with 6 new outfield players on Sat! On paper just missing a top striker to challenge top 6 but not far off.

Bernard was the type of player that wouldn't have joined us last year, but Brands and Silva impressed. Thank goodness we haven't got involved in any Man Utd rejects, that particular contact can fall off the tree.

Everton look as if they have a plan at last.

Dave didn't you watch Shaktar v Man City last December. Bernard scored that cracker, people on here were talking Fonseca up as Everton manager and hoping he brought Bernard and Fred with him.

Jerome, listen to what the players are saying in their interviews. Sure, they'll give lip service to the manager always, but reading between the lines here, it is quite clear that they have had lengthy conversations with Silva. He has told Bernard where he will play, how he will play, how Everton will play, how others will work around him. He's spelled out his vision and how he can make Bernard a better player.

Just imagine Gravy Chops: "Well Bernerd (sic), thanks for meeting me, if you aren't drinking that pint of wine, let me know, I'll knock this one back in no time. Anyway, down to business.

So, you'll love it at Everton. You've met Walshy, top bloke, if you want to know the best places to visit in Italy he's your man. Then there's shakey, he'll do a lot of work with you, he'll have you paired with Jags and you can learn how to tackle, you'll need to do a lot of that.

Rylands Morgan has this gym programme made up for you, there's a lot of weights in there Bernie, you're going to need to put on a couple of stone. Here's your new boots, I had these specially made by Umbro for you, it's got a platform heel in it, so you can get a bit more height for heading ...

Bernie, where you going Bernie? I haven't told you about how I can get you to play like Kevin Davies yet ...

Bernie, come back mate ... you're agent was giving me a ٠m kick back for this deal! Bernie!!!"

Only once before have I spotted a player that we wound up buying -- Oviedo.

That should net us space on the pitch as defenses have to spread themselves.

We look with those players now bought capable of counter attack and breaking down teams.

I think oddly, unless Tosun scores plenty he will be most under pressure and Richarlison a left forward/striker will get our goals. A hunch, his physique might just be the key.

I'd play Bernard from the left a la Arteta before his ACL.

Crucially we now have two players, Sigurdsson and Bernard who can create from set pieces and open play.

Can Silva knit it together?

Is he physical enough? Quick enough? Will he adapt to the country or to the league? Don't know.

But he's a talent. I can't wait to see this guy play. My kids are going love him - which means so much to an expat raising young children.
Have we ever had a player with his kind of skills before?

I know this could all blow up in our faces. All these options could be amazing or they could lead to shoe horning players in at the expense of the team. The chance of flopping are far greater than success (when flopping is categorised as 7th down).

But I'm excited. And I've got hope. It's about all I ask for from my football team... give me those two things.

It's a shame Barca have a buy back option (I wonder how much and is it only in the summer window, £45m?) and hopefully the two loanees can not be recalled mid-season? I'd hate our season to be derailed because of clauses and recalls by parent clubs etc.

It does give us an initial boost and another season to find the permanent players we will need as there has been no mention of pre agreed purchase fees.

If we and they do well we may struggle to keep them and that goes for our manager too but history tells me we will be exciting but inconsistent trying to gel a new team.

Defensively I'm not convinced Mina and Zouma are the answer. Both still young and relatively inexperienced but potentially and on paper they are an improvement.

It's just pleasing that we have managed to bring in genuine top quality in Ric and Gomes. Bernard is also very good but less proven in my view.

Knowing our bad luck injuries or something will ravage the team and if anything happens to Pickford injury or bad form we are left with Stek who's no longer good enough for the Premier league.

Tosun will remain striker, Walcott never good enough but Ric and DCL can cover and we have 4 genuine goal threats now.

I don't think all new signings will or should start. Perhaps 4 debuts against Wolves. I don't think we will win either but I'm excited for the season and looking forward to enjoying the football we play and how it develops.

Now, we truly hv options for interchanheable play upfront with Richarlison, Tosun, Walcott, Sigurdsson & Bernard with Niasse waiting to come in with something very diff. Great opportunity for the likes of Lookman, Dowell & Calvert-Lewin to learn their trade.

It's clear that the new recruits have bought into Silva's thinking. There has definitely been a transformation in how Everton is perceived to incoming players. Halfway through the window, suddenly funds where made available but, more importantly, Brands & Silva knew what to do with the funds and were capable negotiators.

I was concerned about the purchase of Richarlison, which signaled the change, but he definitely has potential. The purchase of the other players really continues the building of this potential and hopefully will allow existing players to realise theirs.

Everton where an awful team to play for with a gaping hole in the defence and midfield players playing deep, continuously losing possession, wingers playing deep trying to link up with forwards, and forwards waiting for loose ball / substitution.

It's noticeable that the out list is second in length to Chelsea, who seem to have had an attitude problem in the squad also and it is great that Man Utd have an attitude in the squad and we didn't help them to get rid of it.

To be honest, I can't remember Sigurddson having a truly great game for Everton since he arrived.

We've signed a young defender who was deemed surplus to requirements at Barca and, apart from his goals at set pieces in the World Cup, didn't look a great player.

Andre Gomes, who was also deemed surplus, is injured until October.

Zouma, who can't get a game for Chelsea, has just got relegated with Stoke!

The only signing I'm excited about and who I think can really change our dynamic is Bernard with his skills and goalscoring ability.

Schneiderlin will still be playing centre-mid, not putting tackles in and not tracking his runners like a shithouse on Saturday.

Until we get some real character and quality in the middle of the park, I don't see us being much better than what we are.

Sorry, but I just don't see it where the massive difference will be with these signings.

I think this guy could make a big difference to us as a team and hopefully get the rest thinking quicker and looking forwards rather than sideways.

Kid at Christmas!

Remember that Lukaku couldn't get a game for Chelsea and had a season with West Brom before joining us on loan. We all know what happened then...

OK, WBA didn't get relegated, but come on, they're not exactly a club which has ever set the pulse racing.

By all accounts, Zouma had an excellent season at Stoke. He's big and fast - what's not to like?

I really hope all our signing's turn out great and make us a top team but I'm not convinced any as good as for, eg, an Aguero, Kompany or De Bruyne signing.

Time will tell!