Mykolenko speculation gathers pace

It looks like an astute bit of business if we bring him in and a right-back like Nathan Patterson with the money we'll get from a 28-year-old Digne who has been average at best this season.

Nathan Patterson at Rangers
Calvin Ramsay at Aberdeen
and today, Fabien Centonze at Metz

Hope the scouts and the manager make the right decision. Maybe they are also looking at 1 or 2 loan options, who knows? With Kenny's half-decent performance today, Benitez may be tempted to wait until summer to make a final decision.

A right-back will be signed too, despite Kenny doing well last night. Benitez may have a completely different player in mind to what Brands was advocating. We'll find out soon enough.

I'd like to see a tenacious, terrier-like, no-nonsense quick midfielder brought in too, on loan if necessary. Allan won't play all the games and we need to be stronger with this type of player. Gbamin could be the answer, but can we depend on him to come good and up the required Premier League speed and intensity every week, never mind staying fit?

Up front, Dobbin did well, Simms put himself about and fulfilled his brief well. It will have given the manager food for thought. I think Benitez will still have one eye on the back-up striker position, possibly another loan if a shrewd deal can be found.

Maybe this is one.

The only issue with Ramsay just now is that he's out injured for a few weeks.
He seems very promising as does Patterson who I think would cost more in any transfer.

If Digne is off then Mykolenko has the right credentials as a replacement. I expect we will definitely get a RB too. We've been linked with about 10 to 15 since Benitez took charge.

Maybe room for another, loan or free or nominal fee.

Can't wait for the clear-out of the dross in the summer.

One wonders if Nkounkou was in the squad he could well have staken his claim.

Digne has been poor this season (as has pretty much everyone) and clearly there is an issue between him and manager. Is a shame because he's been largely excellent for us. The early part of last season, the James-Digne-DCL/Richy combinations were some of the best football I've seen and showed what Digne offers when combined with an attacking style. Of course our regression over the second half of the season out paid to that.

But ignoring that. It's clear that we are in a sell-to-buy situation, so if selling Digne (and maybe Mina) allows for shrewd investment in more than a couple of positions, then it's a smart move.

That said, I don't know anything about this player specifically.

“Ukrainian left back Vitaliy Mykolenko has made terrific progress in the last three years at Dynamo Kiev, and approaching his 21st birthday he also has eight Ukraine national team appearances to his name.

Arguably the only thing stopping him at International level is the fierce competition with compatriot Oleksandr Zinchenko, who at 23 already has over 30 outings to his name and is prominently featuring for Premier League Champions Manchester City.

Mykolenko made his Dynamo debut in August 2017 as an 18-year-old in the Premier Liga and he has now featured in 36 games in the competition.

The Ukrainian though has played 29 games in total for Dynamo Kiev this season alone – 18 of which have come in the league – and his contribution has been crucial with 3 goals and 6 assists to his name.

In Dynamo Kiev's last game – back on the 7th March – they came out 3-1 winners away at FK Oleksandria after Mykolenko contributed both a goal and an assist.

Such an attacking presence is created with Kiev's motive leaning towards playing with attacking wingers off the striker, meaning the full backs therefore have space to create attacks.

Looking at the left back's performance statistics, he averages 7 passes into the final 3rd every game, as well as 5 crosses.

His offensive contribution in fact is the 2nd best in the league right now, as his crossing contribution in terms of Kiev scoring goals is the highest of any.

The modern day full back may be molded with attacking intent, but he has excelled defensively in 2019/20.

Despite being caught out positionally at times, Mykolenko makes up for his hard work up the field as he has a knack of winning the ball back.

The Ukrainian averages 8 ball recoveries per 90 minutes and his interceptions prove vital in denying goal scoring opportunities for opponents.”

But if he thinks Digne's not good enough defensively, then I'm fully on board; he's always been a bit of a liability.

Maybe Benitez has been getting into Moshiri about this type of thing since he came to Everton?

My own opinion is that Brands was relieved of his duties as soon as he questioned if it was just the players, and after allegedly working under a similar regime under Carlo Ancelotti, and still agreeing to a new contract after one spin of Z-Cars, then my own repetitive thoughts are that Moshiri was protecting himself or his Chairman, or probably both of them.

Yes, it is the Daily Fail. Yes, it is speculation. Yes, he is from the same stable as Iwobi. Yes, he wants to play midfield. But he may be the right-back solution. And he does want a move as he has only played 8 games in the Premier League this season, so <50% of matches.

My own thoughts would be to have any chance of selling Iwobi, we need to keep him as far away from the pitch as possible and apply to Google to have all his past 'highlights' removed from the internet.

Digne is good. In a technical way he's better than Baines. But he's last decades fullback and lacks the pace and stamina most modern fullbacks have.

But surely Coleman, who has never had the technical skillset, is a more urgent position to upgrade.

I think Nkounkou could do a good job on the left but again I understand he's a bit raw.

If it's to raise funds, I understand. Pickford, Digne, Mina, Gomes, Iwobi and Gbamin can all generate cash to improve the 1st team.

I don't think technically Lucas Digne is better than Leighton Baines.

Baines's left foot was devastating and the portfolio of top-bin free-kicks he scored for us will probably never be beaten in our lifetime.

Digne, in my opinion, had one good season, his first, in Marco Silva's first season coincidentally.

Ever since then, I think he's been too easy to go past and the good things he did in that first season have been gone a lot longer than since Rafa Benitez's arrival.

It would appear as you say, on the BBC!

Fabrizio Romano
@FabrizioRomano
EXCL: Ukraine left back Vitaliy Mykolenko is currently undergoing his medical as new Everton player, here we go! 🔵🇺🇦 #EFC

He's set to join Everton from Dynamo Kiev on a permanent move, final price around €21/23m. Personal terms agreed.

If it is £23m, then Digne has to go to raise funds.

In other news, it would seem that Patterson at Rangers will be approached again for a higher fee than £10m, but on a loan to buy for summer. Plus, the news that EFC 'are interested in Metz's French right-back Fabien Centonze, 25.' Again, via the BBC, plus other sources. (Seems odd as Benitez has just ostracised Digne, but...)

Maitland-Niles has been mentioned again, but I'm unsure what he'll bring to the team, other than an over-riding sense of entitlement? QED Hence why he wants to leave Arsenal.

In other news, we seem to be looking at loaning Guus Til,

Guus Til GN

Along with Digne leaaving, it would appear that both Milan and Napoli are keen on Mina in the window, Tosun 'could' still go, plus; SportsWitness are saying that Benitez is running short of patience with Holgate... Could be a surprise exit?

Much needed freshening of the squad.

A total revamp of the squad is needed and we simply cannot afford any more mistakes in the transfer market.

Moving on the deadwood will only happen when their contracts run out.

If we sell Digne for £30M and use that to bring in Mykolenko and Patterson (or similar) that might turn out to be decent business. Almost looks like we are doing proper succession planning!

Maybe given the limited room he has to manoeuvre with, and the above, he believes this is more of a priority? And at 22 years old, an investment for the future before someone else snaps him up?

He can't really generate funds from our right-backs. But with Coleman and Kenny, maybe he thinks he can live with that side of the pitch in the short term. Especially with having Godfrey and Holgate who can slot in at full-back.

I think if we could land Patterson, he'd be a brilliant addition to Coleman and Kenny. Plus, it removes the 'need' to rely on Holgate as 3rd choice cover. Assuming Godfrey stays as left-back second choice?

Failing that, we've looked at the Belgian and Portuguese lads mentioned about 4-6 weeks ago in the press, and now Centonze?

Oh, and we still might try and get Romagnoli from Milan on a loan yet.

I can't believe that Holgate has gone from possible Captain material, and our best defender two seasons ago, to a perceived liability by the manager?

Tosun going, just gets him out of the club, as we'd still end up paying his wages till 30 June. So, should he stay or go?

Hopefully, we can get an additional 2-3 players on loan too. Centre-backs (Keane, Godfrey, Branthwaite, Gibson? plus 1?) if Mina goes, and a quality centre-forward as backup.

How do you see it, Danny?

Flown in, Athletic

Definitely

I know this is contrary to received wisdom on here, but I definitely think that the need to replace him is much more urgent than the need to replace Coleman.

Teams are generally trying to play one or two full-backs as extra midfielders or forwards when they keep three as a back line.

Everton had great reward in the heydays of Bainsey and Seamus but alas Bainsey has gone and Seamus has seen his best days gone.

Digne looked good for a while but has faded for whatever reasons along with others in a lousy season so far.

The results against Arsenal and yesterday show that the squad does have some spirit in fighting back but it would be nice if they could take the initiative themselves more often without getting themselves behind the eight ball.

They came from behind against Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelski (no mean feats) to get points but showed very little against much lesser teams. However, with the constant injuries and absences of the strikers for most games it's hardly surprising.

Like every other fan I was absolutely astonished at the result yesterday and so pleased especially for the ''replacements'' who did really well.

Hopefully this will put them in the right frame of mind for the Christmas games.

I just want us to possess quality up field so we can scare other teams. I just don't look forward to watching these tactics.

If we make a profit and he can improve us, then perhaps. It just makes little sense to spend such an amount.

His free-kicks have been poor for a couple of years but the one he took at Brentford was truly abysmal and looked unprofessional. As he is a player, one of the few in his late twenties, for whom we can still obtain a substantial transfer fee it makes sound business sense to move him on once we have signed a replacement.

Getting rid of an admittedly out-of-form Digne, who has been up there as a top left-back in European football.

In his place, an unproven kid from an area of the world that has seldom done anything in the Premier League. Rebrov, Arshavin, Shevchenko, Pavlenchenko, Bilyaletidinov etc...

To me, it's an unnecessary gamble. There are players closer to home – Robertson and Chilwell were plucked away from far closer to home... A bit like buying Niasse, surely there was better nearer to home.

Granted we're skint but he's young and would need to be pretty poor to not recoup that fee as he enters his prime.

I don't necessarily think it's a case of not needing a left-back. Players need buying when they're available or they're missed out on. This might just be one of those times.

The price seems a little over what might be expected (I'd think he's worth around £13-15m given experience) but it sounds like there may have been competition.

It would be a lot to expect him to settle straight away so if Digne is sold then I'd expect some more of Godfrey in the short term.

Hopefully there is a RB lined up too. I'd be happy with Maitland Niles on loan or Patterson; Centonze also looks a very decent player at a good age.

How unusual for us to be making January moves.

Also I cannot subscribe to the idea that Digne is terrible defensively. He's definitely dropped off a bit and he often gets caught upfield when our midfield loses possession (again) but he wins a lot of his tackles and is excellent in the air considering his height. I expect we'll see better teams come in for him than for most of our players and I expect he'll do well wherever he goes.

I was thinking the same on the price but maybe it's higher as reportedly we are spreading payments over the course of his contract to stay within FFP. I also agree on the Digne criticism. yes we've had comments here and there over the last 12 months or so saying he hasn't been at the races but he's gone from being one of the most popular players to unwanted deadwood in record time even for ToffeeWeb. I could see Chelsea making a move as their loss in form coincided with Chilwell going out. They've lost their balance and he could fill in as the attacking left back.

The ball was put through. Digne had 'half a yard' start on MS and I assumed he would get there first. Salah started 2 strides behind LD but got to the ball with 3 strides to spare.

Now I know Salah is lightning quick, but Digne looked like he was wading through quicksand. Before that match Rafa hadn't mentioned Lucas Digne; immediately after, there was bad blood. I think Benitez saw that 'clip' and realised that LD is just too slow for the Premier League.

I had never bought into the idea that Digne was slow... but I was shocked by what I saw that night. He often makes last-ditch sliding tackles on the opposition winger... could this be because he realises he's never going to outpace them?

However, I was never a fan of Coleman and Baines defensively even at their peak but they were both extremely effective going forward. Digne's offensive attributes seem to have deserted him in recent times. He's given us four years and has by and large been good value, however now might be the time to cash in.

Just my humble opinion like.

Whether he settles... who knows, but he can pop round to Zinchenko's place for a pint of Kvass if he gets lonely – and our last Ukrainian wasn't half bad.

Him and Patterson or Maitland-Niles would be an upgrade and give the squad a lift.

Many fans on here have dismissed Benitez as a manager who prioritises experience over youth – and while that might historically be true, if this signing happens (and if the Patterson & Ramsay interest gathers apace) then maybe it might be time to reassess that classification.

If we brought in Zakaria, we could maybe send Gbamin out the other way on a loan to get more football.

But I agree with Benitez and Lucas Digne, it's the right time to move on. He's nearly 29 soon and he's not playing the game he likes it seems he's hinting at in the press. We need to get a decent deal to reinvest that is acceptable.

Interestingly, after the youth team players who came in and did so well against Chelsea and current European Champions, a team that was desperate to win as well, plus at home with full crowd... does that mean this youth crop is the most successful in many a year? Funny how perspective changes (unintentionally) so quickly in terms of Digne and the Everton youth setup. Football is so unpredictable which makes it a fascinating game.

Now I'm wondering if Brands has left a great legacy with Branthwaite, Gordon and more pretty much on the verge of being first-team ready.

Danny #17, I would guess the latter.

Sam #27, agreed. And also agreed re your comments on Digne at #44.

Having seen him play only once, I can't really contribute much about his style, but there was one thing that did catch my eye when he played against Bayern in that snowstorm last month -- his speed. Kingsley Coman is one of the fastest players in the world, but this kid stayed with him stride-for-stride on several occasions... although he did get fooled on one cross that allowed Coman to score.

I have been begging this club for years to upgrade our glacial pace on the pitch. Godfrey, Nkounkou, Gray and now this kid... it's finally happening.

One thing more... Mykolenko may be young, but he is experienced... 132 appearances for Dynamo, including a dozen in the Champions League and qualifiers. And his 20 career assists speak well of his delivery abilities.

Agents representing Russian players are well known for presenting great showreels but, like BoJo, their promises disappear like mist over the Volga.

Lucas is 29 next summer, when we sure won't be anticipating a 2022-23 title run. And as a professional footballer, his last crack at a big pay rise.

I'd wager his agent has worked out a deal good for Digne somewhere on the continent. Rafa knows it and intends to keep him in bubble-wrap until he leaves, so injury does screw things up.

We owe Tosun about £1.5 million. Given he's fully fit and his popularity (club and country) in Turkey, it seems he could find a club there to sign him next month on a Schneiderlin / Mirallas "free". They give him the £1.5 mil and we're done with him.

Let's attach a big, long-term positive to Iwobi. He winds up being Everton's last big signing of some other club's dud. And let's kick that off with a big, fat fucking No to Maitland-Niles.

Just who would we replace Pickford with? Why create another hole to fill when we already have a top quality keeper in place?

Pickford
Patterson Keane Branthwaite Mykolenko
Doucoure Zakaria Allan
Gray DCL Richarlison

A quality backup striker on loan (Martial, Perisic?) should see us end the season in a decent mid table position and perhaps a run in the FA Cup.

I can understand that Digne is saleable but how much will we get for him? If we could sell him and get 2 players, say his replacement and a right-back, then fair enough; however, one for one?

Anyway regarding right back, I'm in the 'Give Kenny a run' camp.

Since that first season with Bernard, Digne has never really had a consistent partner in front of him. That said, there is no denying that his crossing, free-kicks etc have dropped off, and defensively he has been suspect, so maybe this is the time to replace him.

And I think that's a very good point what Mick says about Bernard, with regards Luca Digne.

We need a strong spine to our team. Having a weak spine, no solidity or threat, but then having attack-minded quality full-backs is no good. I would much rather we went back to basics and got some steady, solid and reliable full-backs in, maybe by looking at solid performers at Championship level. Get a core of dependable players on board and then add quality to that.

As for Mykolenko, I think this is a large fee for a player who'll undoubtedly take time to settle and develop into the English culture and game. So it is not a signing I think we should be making really. Russian and Ukrainian players have historically found it difficult to fully settle in this country and perform.

With the notable exception of Andrei Kanchelskis, perhaps Arshavin for a decent spell, I cannot think of any others who've performed at their peak in the Premier League.

There must be a reason for this. And hopefully it is one that Everton will seek to address should they sign Mykolenko. But I do agree with the sale of Digne as long as the fee is re-invested into the team.

We're also linked repeatedly with Azmoun the Iranian playing in St Petersburg who is out of contract in June.

Look in the Championship.

Regardless of where they come from, it comes down to the scouting network and those making the decisions on recruitment.

Kanchelskis; Ukranian by birth but with a Lithuanian father and Ukrainian mother. Born in the then Soviet Union, he represented them at national level then their successor the Commonwealth of Independent Nations (CIS) and then Russia. Interestingly he opted not to represent Ukraine.

Like you say, Harry, best not to go there. It would be like me having to choose between England, Scotland or Northern Ireland!!!

https://www.goodisonnews.com/2021/12/20/fabrizio-romano-only-official-everton-announcement-left-for-mykolenko/

Every now and again you just hope that one of these rumours (and the price) is true, especially if the rumours about the deal and quality of Mykolenko are correct. Interesting the BBC describe it as "Newcastle will also test Everton's resolve for keeping unhappy French full-back Lucas Digne". Not sure at the moment there is much resolve to be tested.

Do we count all of Digne's fee 100% but amaortize Arthurs fee over his contract say 5 years. Perhaps one of our experts can clarify this as it would be a good way of getting arounf FFP and the Pem rules.

Nkounkou was bought as future investment and during the tenure of a manager and DoF who are no longer here. Maybe he is still considered one for the future.

With this likely meaning the departure of Digne, that would leave us with a 22 year old with Champions league experience competing with a place with a 21 year old who many believe has huge potential.

Anti-youth that Benitez

Gray Calvert-Lewin Richarlison
Allan Doucouré Townsend
Godfrey Branthwaite Keane Iwobi

Subs including Gordon and Digne of note.

Niasse played in Russia seven years ago. Mykolenko plays in Ukraine.

Whether Niasse was a "star" depends on your definition, I guess. He scored 19 goals in 42 games for Lokomotiv. Not exactly devastating for that league. (Last season's top scorer had 20 in 27.)

Mykolenko has played 132 games for Dynamo, including Champions League. 7 goals, 20 assists.

No comparison possible.

I follow Forest a big , I agree Brennan Johnson is an interesting one , Forest won't want to lose him as they're on a roll and trying for the playoffs. Johnson only has 18 months left on his contract so financially their hand will be forced . They are trying to tie him down to a new contract but I think that ship has sailed now with a few clubs after him . .

Brands was sacked because he questioned the owner, the manager and perhaps other board members with his remarks.

Rumour is that Moshri asked Brands to explain himself by his " is it only the players" comment...wasn't happy with his answer- so was sacked.
Let's face it, Brands failed miserably at Everton, he should never have been given a new contract in my opinion.

As for Artur, he's certainly a good quality player. However, like you I am concerned about this sort of player. He's now 25 and on a downward trajectory from a career point of view. Big club reserves seem to work better where it's a younger player still on relatively low wages who is looking for a chance to get games, having failed to oust a superstar ahead of them. Players like Danilo and Menino, still in Brazil, are the better bet - or Guimaraes at Lyon - because for them Everton is a step up rather than a big step down.

If there's any room to invest after that (personally I'd see Branthwaite replacing big Yerry in the unlikely event we could get decent fee for the latter) then I'd spend it next on “another Doucoure”. We suffered very badly (twice) whilst he was out, and I'm convinced we'd benefit just as much from a ‘clone'. It'd give us a real pressing 4-3-3 option.

Zakaria may be a pipe dream, someone like Baba more realistic maybe. Worst case, bring the greedy bastard back. We forgave Rooney for kissing Man Uutd badges after scoring against us, so it's possible he could be accepted again. Please note the ‘worst case' tag there though.

Icing on the cake would be a couple of loans - Lingard / Ramsey / Countinho until the summer maybe with an option? Or

Pickford
Patterson Godfrey Branthwaite Mykolenko
Zakaria Allan Doucouré
Gray Calvert-Lewin Richarlison

Begovic
Kenny Holgate Keane (gap till Niels is back)
Townsend Gbamin Gomes
Dobbin Simms Gordon

Keep Davies, Onyango and Coleman in the squad too. Don't think we'll have much choice with Tosun, Rondon, Delph and Iwobi but none of them should be getting a go unless there are injuries above them.

We can dream. Just hoping it's not another nightmare. Coyb.

In many respects it's helpful that Newcastle are now a lost cause – because we might otherwise be competing with them (and losing) in January and Summer for similar players. Instead we get a season or so head start.

I suspect we'll also keep Calvert-Lewin too because Newcastle was overwhelmingly the likeliest destination for him.

I am not writing off Newcastle yet. The Saudis have pockets much deeper than anyone else and they will go all out to sign the necessary players to keep them up.

Rob (@106), the new Arsenal kid who everyone is talking about and who scored in the League Cup yesterday was apparently signed up when he was 11-12 years old!

My thought for Newcastle is that a) even if say Leeds continue to plummet, Burnley now have three games in hand and pedigree in avoiding the drop. b)even if their owners want to spend money, can they attract the players? They've been linked with Digne this week. Would he want to join them in Jan knowing they may be in the championship next year when there's a world cup on the horizon? If they do spend in January, they will likely pay over the odds for mercenaries like Redknapp did when QPR when in a similar position (Samba, Park etc).

They might try to spend a fortune on the best average players they can find (a bit like what we did to very little effect) but will players like Dele Alli or van de Beek want to commit them to an almost inevitable season of Championship football?

All I would say is who knows? Robertson across the park came down having been rejected by Celtic for being too small at 15. Classic British coaching assessment. Relegated with Hull, he has since won Champions League and Premier League medals.

Kevin Sheedy couldn't get near Liverpool's first team and Seamus Coleman cost £60k.

With Tavenier staying for the forseeable future, it seems Patterson wants to come and the money will prevent Rangers selling other players this window.

Knowing the Turks, they will probably not want to pay any of his wages either, but they are willing to sign him permanently next summer once his contract with us expires!!

The SPL have Cinch as the main sponsor and are at loggerheads with Rangers who refuse to show anything regarding Cinch on their strips, in their ground, anywhere

Their Chairman Douglas Park owns a load of car franchises in Scotland, hence the disagreement

Cinch are threatening to pull the plug on their deal and have the backing of the SPL as they have/had great difficulty getting sponsorship

Introducing Cazoo into the equation will certainly tip them over the edge!!

Crikey! I'm obviously oblivious to the situation in the SPL. Throwing a Cazoo intro to ease through a quick deal is the exact opposite of Cinch!

I have looked at several YouTube Videos of Mykolenko, (I know, they even made Oumar Niasse look like a World Beater) but even allowing for exaggeration, he does look to be decent, and with an eye for goal too. If he is anything like the last Ukrainian we had, ( Andrei Kanchelskis, for the younger ones who won't remember) we will have a player on our hands.

Hope he doesn't have a penchant for Gambling like his fellow Countryman and predecessor though ! :-)

The lad knows the club, and knows Everton as he was a ball boy when we played Kiev, that was a trip, but best replayed over a few beers.

I sincerely have positive vibes for this year, and all matters Everton.

21 again, it feels just the same, topping up today!

All have a Ball.

“What's Our Name!”
😀⚽️👍🙏🏼🍻☘️🍺🍺🍺🍀🍀🍀