Like many Premier League teams, this summer will be a massive one for Everton. The English top-flight returns in less than a month and the Toffees have yet to add to their squad. However, media reports claim that the Merseysider’s are set to sign three players in the shape of Asmir Begovic, Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray.
The trio of prospective signings are not exactly that exciting or big money, which has underwhelmed some Everton fans.
A need for strength in depth
Everton had a relatively small squad of player’s last season. They lacked players in certain positions and out wide was one of them. Signing Townsend and Gray would add to their wide options and give the team something that it lacked last season, pace. Both players are quick and direct. The Toffees do not seem to have that sort of player in their ranks apart from maybe Brazilian international Richarlison.
The likes of Alex Iwobi and Bernard have both flattered to deceive at times, despite previously being regarded as players with potential. Gray and Townsend would arguably be better squad players than the pair, who the Toffees could then attempt to sell. The changes could well save Everton a fortune in wages.
The potential arrival of Begovic on a free transfer looks like a sensible one. The Merseysider’s need an experienced backup for number one Jordan Pickford. The 34-year-old is a highly experienced Premier League goalkeeper, who is unlikely to let the team down if called upon.
Wary of FFP
The global pandemic has hit football clubs hard and Everton are no different. However, the Toffees also have to compete with FFP. The Merseysider’s have spent big on transfer fees and wages since the arrival of majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri. Reportedly, the Toffees are walking an FFP tightrope this summer.
They are unlikely to be able to splash out big money once again this summer. Any money spent will come from sales and getting big earners off the wage bill. Their saleable asset is young Italian forward Moise Kean.
The former Juventus star spent last season on loan at PSG. The Parisians are keen to re-sign him on loan for another season. However, unsurprisingly the Toffees are not interested in loaning Kean out again. If the Italian or the likes of Bernard, Iwobi, Cenk Tosun or Fabian Delph are sold, then the money is likely to be reinvested into strengthening the squad.
Everton finally making sensible decisions
No doubt Everton will strengthen their squad this summer. The three above players are unlikely to be their only summer arrivals. The fact that the trio will cost the Merseysider’s around £2million combined, there may be room for manoeuvre when it comes to new signings when players leave of course.
The appointment of Rafa Benitez as head coach seems to make sense. The signings make sense, which is not something that has happened very often at Everton. The Toffees have wasted so much money in the past on players who were simply not worth their fees or wages.
Taking away the obvious link to their city rivals and Benitez is the sort of head coach that will bring stability to the club. Like the potential new signings, it may not have proven to be a universally popular decision, but it could just be what the Merseysider’s need after years of mediocrity and waste.
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Will Everton’s more sensible transfer activity pay off next season?
