It is obviously disappointing to see good players head off to our rivals, although it’s hard to fathom who our rivals actually are at present. Perhaps, depressingly, it’s the likes of Leeds, Crystal Palace and Southampton – all of whom have bought some very exciting young players in Aaronson, Sinisterra, Adams, Kristensen, Doucoure, Kotchap, Lavia and Bazunu.

It's easy to start feeling downbeat, especially with Spurs of all clubs taking Richarlison off us and other clubs bringing in players we can only dream of.

However, there are still lots of excellent players out there and available at really good value. For those who hate articles which are really just dressed up wish lists of players the author would like Everton to buy, please look away now. You will find absolutely no accompanying tactical analysis or comment if you continue to scroll down.

If you are one of the select five or so people who do actually like this sort of article, then fill your boots.

What about Broja, Zinchenko and Gallagher?

I’m not convinced we’re really in the market for these players other than possibly on loan.

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Because we’re skint, I’ve avoided mentioning anyone who’d cost more than about £20m.

And because our main priorities are obviously (this is unarguable) striker cover, right wing / forward and defensive midfield, I have restrained myself to those positions only.

Forward cover

Without Richarlison, we are screwed if DCL gets injured again. Whilst I am hopeful that Simms can become a player of Premier League quality, I think he still needs another developmental loan. Dobbin is more of a wing / forward and Rondon is quite fat. We need reinforcements.

Forget Ekitike, the new Henry, who seems likely to end up at Newcastle. Wahi (Montpellier) and Kalimuendo (PSG) are two excellent young strikers who would be available for between £10m and £20m and can also helpfully play wide. The latter is being tracked by Leeds, Newcastle and Inter.

Zirkzee, who we nearly bought a few years ago as a 16-year-old, may be deemed surplus to requirements at Bayern after loan at Anderlecht. He’s nowhere near ready to replace Lewandowski yet but he’s still good. Tracked by Ajax, Stuttgart and Newcastle.

We could also take a punt on Piroe (Swansea) or Gyorekes (Coventry) as two surprisingly exotic names to be banging in goals in unglamorous surroundings. Piroe, tracked by Leicester and Watford, in particular plays a bit like Giroud. Gyorekes, performing now after not making the breakthrough at Brighton, is tracked by Besiktas and Middlesborough.

Wingers / wide playmakers

We’ve needed a left footed right winger / playmaker for many years now and got a brief flavour of it with Rodriguez until it was discovered he couldn’t run about very much.

A few interesting options here with 3 players likely to become available, possibly at very low cost, due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Tsygankov (Dinamo Keev), Malcom (Zenit) and Syszmanski (Dinamo Moscow) are all very good players, good ages and could potentially be available at very low cost as we’ve seen with the likes of Tete, Neres, Khvaratskelia, Botheim, Antonio and Yuri Alberto who have all left Russian and Ukrainian clubs in the past few months. I’ve liked the look of Malcom since he was playing in Brazil and we’ve come close to signing him a few times. Fifth time lucky perhaps.

Out of leftfield is Solbakken of Bodo / Glimt who had a cracking season not just in Norway but in the Europa league where he showed his ability against Mourinho’s Roma. Might get found out as complete rubbish in a higher quality league but he’d be really cheap. Celtic and Roma are keen.

Mike Gaynes mentioned David Moyes’ new Cruyff, Adnan Januzaj, today. Having demonstrated he is more Jordi than Johann at Real Sociedad, Januzaj is now 27 and out of contract. Not the worst signing if we really are skint.

Defensive midfield

World football is literally overflowing with excellent low-cost candidates for this critical position – so necessary for protecting our central defence and releasing our full-backs higher up the pitch. Heck, I don’t just want one I want two (because I really don’t like Allan and Doucoure at all).

An obvious name is Sander Berge of Sheffield United who, like Zirkzee, nearly joined us as a teenager whilst Koeman was in charge. He might be available at a decent price what with them not going up last season. Leeds were keen but now have Roca and Adams for the holding midfield position.

Otherwise, South America offers the likes of Varela (Boca Juniors), Menino and Danilo (both Palmeiras) who are all really comfortable on the ball and intelligent in their play. They’ll all be playing in Europe soon, I imagine. Menino, compared with Joshua Kimmich, has been linked to Chelsea, Spurs and Real. Danilo, compared with Kante, has been linked with Arsenal, West Ham, Lille, Monaco and Barcelona. Why not Everton?

Vladislav Krejci is a big Matic type midfielder coming through in the Czech Republic and Jakub Kiwior is a similarly big left footed holding midfielder at Spezia in Italy (although he’s Polish) and covers more ground that almost any other player in Serie A. Might be good “minders” for a less physical South American.

If, like me, you like a touch of unhinged violence about your defensive midfield, then Samu Costa of Almeria is a good bet. Since he’s Portuguese, he’s almost certain to join Wolves at some point unless we get him first. And, finally, I like the look of Ethan Ampadu of Chelsea, who must now fancy setting down some roots after repeated loans to Sheff Utd, Leipzig and Venezia. We might be a good fit for him right now.

There are, of course, loads of others and, given football is a fickle business, some of those I’ve mentioned could end up being absolute garbage. But at least they’d be fairly cheap garbage. And even if it doesn’t work out, at least upon purchase we could dream of having picked up the equivalent of Henry, Vieira and Bergkamp – all misfits and rejects in one form or another once upon a time. Surely that is what summer is all about?

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Reader Comments (49)

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Paul Kossoff
1 Posted 15/07/2022 at
Don't panic, fellow blues. With Bill still in charge, we will not be left wanting in quality squad numbers. I'm sure even as we speak, Mr Kenwright is using all his negotiating skills to make our team a Top 7 challenger. Why wouldn't he?
Dennis Stevens
2 Posted 15/07/2022 at
Aye, Paul - let the good times roll!
Mal van Schaick
3 Posted 15/07/2022 at
Good overview of where we are at, and what is needed.

Moshiri has told the fans to sit tight because we will be bringing in players before deadline day. Who these players are, of what quality and whether they are buys or loans, who knows?

Rondon isn't up to the quality we require and if Calvert-Lewin is injured, you are right! We are up the creek.

If Lampard and his backroom staff can't see what the fans can see, then we are in trouble, and even if the striker situation is sorted, we need more creativity in midfield, as was evident from last season.

Personally, I would sell some of our dross and bring fresh faces in. There are some quality players in the bargain basement and loan market that we could benefit from. So, the owner and the board have a responsibility to keep the fans informed after last season's debacle.

Peter Neilson
4 Posted 15/07/2022 at
Mal, I agree with the sentiment but selling the dross is the problem. No other club will pay them anywhere near as much. It's impossible to sell them and they'll see out their contracts, à la Tosun.

I think we're limited to two loan signings and maybe we'll get a couple in from Chelsea. I think Frank is hoping that a fit Dele, with a reignited love of the game, will fill the role left by Gylfi and James. Here's hoping, he has the talent.

Paul Birmingham
5 Posted 15/07/2022 at
Hope, and pray that there's some activity but buying decent players with potential and guts who want to play for Everton.

The potshot years will take a long toll on Everton, so I'm set for a grinding season, but an improvement on last season, intermission of commitment and character in the Everton squad.

Hope eternal.

Tony Everan
6 Posted 15/07/2022 at
Thanks Robert, love these articles that you and Sam create and the possibilities they throw up.

Moshiri's letter should have been titled Don't Panic, but it's too late anyway, I'm panicking.

I have been enviously looking at Leeds getting their central midfield sorted with Roca and Adams brought in rather efficiently. I can't help thinking – why weren't we on the case? We can only hope we have other irons in the fire.

Ethan Ampadu has not featured on the Rumour Mill but I think this is a player Frank will be looking at. I think he could be another one of those young Chelsea players who can have a breakout season after getting in his experience out on a couple of useful loans with essential game time. Frank is ideal to bring him on and help his development. Maybe possible on a loan-to-buy too, and we must have the option to buy, allowing more funds for elsewhere.

I think Morgan Gibbs-White will come in and I haven't given up on Zinchenko just yet as he may just prefer the North West rather than London as his young family is here.

Surely we can find some cash for them two, especially with the Richarlison and Kean money that may be coming.


Andy Crooks
7 Posted 15/07/2022 at
Robert, I love this sort of stuff, well done. However, not sure about Rondon. I don't think he is fat; now,.. I accept that isn't much of an endorsement, if not being fat was a box to tick for a Premier standard player well...

At the Norwich home game last season, Rondon was fat, in fact I remarked to Derek Knox and Danny O'Neill that he looked like one of the band of heavyweights (Tubbs, Pinklon Thomas, Wetherspoon) who came out of retirement after the dragon Tyson was slain by James Douglas. Think big elasticated shorts. However, think back to our hour of need when a not-fat Rondon was seen, along with Delph, as a possible positive.

I admit it's a long shot, Robert, but while you and the admirable Sam Hoare search for bargains, hidden gems, unearthed treasure; our own gem might just be with the squad as we speak.

Slimline Rondon, our new talisman. You heard it here first!

Tony Abrahams
8 Posted 15/07/2022 at
When someone has never relied on pace, they usually go the distance that little bit longer imo, Andy, and Rondon, might just surprise us, who knows!?

Paul B, first paragraph, that’s got to be the most important aspect when bringing in any players, imo mate.

Paul Birmingham
9 Posted 16/07/2022 at
Tony, deffo mate.

I

Jim Wilson
10 Posted 16/07/2022 at
I desperately want us to sign a ball-winner asap. This is the crucial signing for me and I also agree two would be great. Maybe one on loan and the other our big signing of the summer. Someone who can win a ball, keep possession, and galvanise the players around him.

Get 2 decent midfielders in and I think we could surprise a few people.

As long as Lampard starts to implement your 'Golden Rules', Robert!

Si Cooper
11 Posted 16/07/2022 at
Unfortunately, this is the sort of speculation that I find pointless. Too many ifs, buts and maybes. I don't think anyone identified is guaranteed to step up to Premier League level.

There is no guarantee they will be ‘bargains' either. Got to negotiate with agents, clubs and the players themselves to determine the price. Even at £50k per week, a few extra ‘wastes of space' will soak up money we can't afford to waste.

The season starts in August but the transfer deadline is September isn't it? I'd rather Thelwell and Lampard use every minute to ensure they get exactly what we need.

I'll start imagining them as the next Everton legends after they've signed, not before.

Nick Page
12 Posted 16/07/2022 at
Kenwright
Steve Shave
13 Posted 17/07/2022 at
Great article thanks, Robert. I too as you know love all this speculation and bluster. However, I am increasingly concerned by the lack of activity, what is going on?

Gibbs-White – £25M, Broja – £30M, Cornet – £17½M? I suspect we have nowhere near these sorts of sums to spend. I think we will make one moderate splash in the market for £15-£20M and the rest will be loans, structured deals and maybe another free?

I am still hoping we go in for Grillitsch, free transfer and would fill the No 6 role nicely IMO. Frank really needs to call in a Chelsea favour or two.

Gary Jones
14 Posted 17/07/2022 at
Great article! If only fans ran our transfers.

With Bill still involved it'll be Winks on a “Dele deal” and a last-minute loan of Benteke.

Clive Rogers
16 Posted 17/07/2022 at
Sounds like Zinchenko is going to Arsenal. £35M fee agreed.
Danny O’Neill
17 Posted 18/07/2022 at
You have way more knowledge on players throughout the football world than I, Robert. I think you would challenge Mr Benitez's alleged player database, but actually have more detail!!

I think we've missed out on Zinchenko as he is on is way to or already at Arsenal? Sorry to cross threads, but to those who were disappointed at the Branthwaite to PSV loan, I did note that as soon as City signed Zinchenko, they pretty much sent him straight out on loan. Where? To PSV and the Dutch League for 2 seasons. I think it's going to be a great experience for our young centre back.

I don't know enough about Broja who many are talking about. But Gallagher caught the eye last season. Maybe our manager can pull some Chelsea strings and levers to make something happen. As I've been typing, I had a message pop up and read that Lampard still wants Gallagher, but it seems Chelsea don't want to sell, so a loan deal is more likely.

I am well documented as being a fan of Allan, but having already got him in the twighlight of his career and now 2 years further on, he's not playing every game and will be used sparingly. I also don't think we should ever have thought of him as a holding midfielder. He and Doucoure go hunting the ball. Doucoure not so much because his end product is erratic, but I feel that had Allan had better options in front of him, he could have been more effective as he does actually have an eye for a pass. And he's a good leader on the pitch.

Both would have been or will be better with that true defensive midfielder you mention. We definitely need that. Both for what I've just mentioned and also protection for our deep sitting defence if that is how we're going play with the players we have.

But a true defensive midfielder is what we've needed for a few seasons now. Someone who can do a similar job to what I thought Gareth Barry done for us.

I think we've both agreed and taken the stance to look outside the Premier League. There will be talent out there and it won't come at a premium that clubs slap on English players in particular.

Jim Lloyd
18 Posted 18/07/2022 at
I wonder what influence (interfering) the Chairman and The owner have in the choosing of players? If they haven't learnt now, we're stymied.
Anyway, what a smashing article, Robert. You have shown us so many players that are out there, who other clubs are chasing and (presumably) we're not!

I was going up to the ground today with a mate; and we were just talking about Everton's history of buying players recently, and comparing it to Howard' team that he built with Liverpool reserves, two past it senior player (Andy and Peter, forgive me my ignorance) A lad from Tranmere, Trev Steven and Pat van den Howe and therest of the lads. It can be done

so I'm interested in your articles, Robert. Most of the players you mention, I've never heard of; but I think you really study the performance of each and every one of them. I hope that our new Director of Footbal (I think he probably does) and our Manager are given a free hand in choosing the incoming player.

I hope to the Gods that we have stopped buying players of the same ilk as the too long a list of current ones.

Enjoyable and informative. Thanks Robert

Brian Murray
19 Posted 18/07/2022 at
Thelwell so far seems uninterested in the cut price sangares of this world that are available all over europe and beyond. Add to that a 77 year old stuck in a time warp and a ceo totally out of her depth unless it’s in her comfort zone not god forbid make the club money and there’s the perfect storm that means we go round in a loop hoping to get by.
Doesn’t matter if Frank is a success and punches above his weight it will be the same until him and his staff walk out which personally I have a feeling they will do as soon as he has more belief in himself.
Joe McMahon
20 Posted 18/07/2022 at
My concern is 2 areas. Central midfield and goals. The midfield engine area needs bolstering which someone who can pass forwards.

With Richie gone we cannot rely on DCL in and around the 6 yard box, and we can't afford the kind of striker we require.

Phil (Kelsall) Roberts
21 Posted 18/07/2022 at
I hope everyone has remembered we left the European Union 18 months ago. I think I am right in this. . .

So those days of wondering whether we will get a work permit and not playing too many from South America needs to change.

It is now not playing too many from outside of the UK and every player from somewhere will need a work permit and that normally means players with a number of caps. So some Germany/French/Spanish/Italian holding midfielder at £15m is unlikely as he will not get a sniff of a cap with the national team.

Please correct me if I am wrong

Michael Kenrick
22 Posted 18/07/2022 at
Phil, great question. Here's what I found:

Post Brexit, clubs will not be able to sign players freely from the EU. Players from EU countries who want to play in the Premier League or EFL will be required to gain a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE), like all other overseas players without the right to work in the UK.

The GBE will operate a points-based system, where points are scored for senior and talented young players based on:

  • Senior and youth international appearances
  • Quality of the selling club, based on the league they are in, league position and progression in continental competition
  • Club appearances, based on domestic league and continental competition minutes

Players accumulating the requisite amount of points will earn a GBE automatically, while players just below the threshold may be considered for a GBE by an Exceptions Panel.

In the Premier League, the number of overseas U21 players a club can sign will be limited to three in the January transfer window and six per season moving forwards. This enables the recruitment of the best players from around the world to train and play together with homegrown talent.

The UK's exit from the EU will also mean that clubs will not be able to sign players from overseas until they are 18.

Harry Wallace
23 Posted 18/07/2022 at
Thanks for the summary, Michael. Hopefully more opportunities for British talent and level playing field for non-EU youngsters. I'd like us to explore other parts of the world and get more local lads through our system too.
Jay Harris
24 Posted 18/07/2022 at
Robert,

I love reading some of your thoughts on players around the world and often wonder what Everton's recruitment team are doing.

One would hope they have better information available to them but it does not seem so given some of the players we have brought in over the last few years.

Moshiri says we have learned lessons but I don't think leopards change their spots and Bill the almighty still controls the negotiations and not Thelwell.

Why we are hawking round the begging bowl for loans or donations other teams are snapping up all the available talent so despite Thelwell and Frank the same symptoms of Everton transfer modus operandi remain.

I am desparately hopeful that we get the CDM we need together with a goalscoring mid but hope springs eternal. This is Everton after all.

Danny O’Neill
25 Posted 18/07/2022 at
Great insight Michael.

I don't see it as a problem. It will be figured out. I'll use a simplistic example. Like passport control at airports in EU countries, I just have to stand in a different queue. It's no hassle and I can still enter the country and move freely. I used to have to anyway as in some airports it was different for non-Schengen countries.

Ironically, once I'm in the EU, if I jump in a car, I can move around unchallenged just as much as I did pre-Brexit. The media may make a fuss of these things but the reality is often different. It's just a case of following a different set of rules and policies.

Anyway, football, hopefully that foreign player restriction will see clubs take more responsibility and invest in local teams and grass roots to feed the academies. I also like the idea of not taking foreign players from their home countries and environments before they are even considered adults.

Robert Tressell
26 Posted 18/07/2022 at
Michael # 22. That's interesting and could alter how we approach transfers.

It might close the door on some of the weakest EU signings - like Cuco Martino.

But it may open the door to higher quality from the Americas, Asia and Africa.

There will be ways to exploit this development. I hope we are trying.

Rory Grant
27 Posted 18/07/2022 at
Good analysis but, with Richarlison leaving, we lost the last world-class field player and we all know he won't be replaced. Clearly players like Zinchenko etc are beyond us now, our only selling point being to offer one season of Premier League football to those who are not going to get it elsewhere.

There won't be any cut-price saviours available, so only hope is that Lampard is going to produce a motivational miracle and save us. But hard facts indicate this is going to be our last season in Premier League, hopefully it will be a fight giving us some good times to remember.

Bill Gall
28 Posted 19/07/2022 at
It's a good article but I don't believe that Thelwell is not aware of players in different leagues and countries.

We need a couple of quality players to help turn the club's fortunes around, what we don't have is what quality players want and that is media exposure in Europe especially with the World Cup coming up.

What we can offer is a big club with a great history and the most loyal fans in the Premier League, and a respected manager who a number of players say is helping their improvement. On the downside, we have a club that has fallen down the league to fighting against relegation until nearly the last game of the season, and close observation under the Premier League financial rules.

We have a number of players who we wish to sell but it will depend on the contracts they will be offered. We do have a new stadium being built but is not due until 2024-25.

It does not make nice reading but, on the plus side, there are thousands of supporters like me – I have been a supporter since 1954-55 – that believe we have the greatest team in the Premier League who I will support to my last breath, and that we will get back on top where we belong.

Steve Brown
29 Posted 19/07/2022 at
Robert, great piece of research.

When I read that we are pitching for Broja, Gibbs-White and Cornet, it shows that we are still trying to push through the evolution phase too quickly by paying top prices for players simply because they have some Premier League experience.

To put it into context, we would spend £72.5 million to buy 3 Premier League players with a grand total of 105 Premier League games. That values their experience at £690k per game. We have tried this approach since 2016 and we all know the results.

Like Sam, Robert shows that there are players in the market that we can afford who will have resale value. I would prefer us to spend £10-15 million on 3 players and accelerate the development of Welch, Mills and Warrington. It will be a more difficult road and will not immediate success, but we have all seen what trying to take short-cuts on our way to success has resulted in.


Mike Gaynes
30 Posted 19/07/2022 at
Bill #28, judging by his recruitment at Wolves and New York Red Bulls, Thelwell is most definitely aware of players in other countries. A little Brazilian nobody ever heard of, signed by Thelwell in New York, is now the best player in MLS. An obscure striker from Poland who was playing in Scotland has become an excellent goalscorer there. I think he also found a guy in Venezuela of all places.

Thelwell is also known for staying tight-lipped about his targets. That's why I've been a bit skeptical of some of these rumours.

Alan J Thompson
31 Posted 19/07/2022 at
Mike (#30);

Thelwell tight-lipped? That will never do… but then, if our owner, or just majority shareholder, says that the Chairman is handling transfers, what has he to be tight-lipped about? And if he knows our history,y he should be out there broadcasting that we wouldn't sell our kid for even £50Mill!

Unless, of course, you mean he won't tell Bill, Moshiri or even Bill's mum until after the deal's been done which is probably more the Everton way of recent years.

Anyone remember when we supposedly couldn't pay massive transfer fees or any fees until after 1 August when the banks had been satisfied? The good times eh, Bill.

Christine Foster
32 Posted 19/07/2022 at
Michael,

The GBE requirements are quite complex, and restrictive now that Brexit is in place. Senior players (over 21) have to have an established history of playing at higher-ranked clubs in the better leagues to accumulate the 15 points across six criteria.

Good link below explains the system but it will be far harder to bring in any fringe overseas player with potential.

GBE criteria for senior players

The impact is likely to snowball with domestic players being the prime target for the mid to lower Premier League clubs, while the money-rich top clubs will continue to feed at the top table of Europe and the gap between the clubs is likely to increase. It's even worse outside of the Premier League and it's not only closed the door on lower leagues developing overseas talent, thus a future revenue potential, but increased the reliance on academy players from larger clubs. It will undoubtedly mean more opportunities for those younger domestic players going out to lower league clubs, but its impact is detrimental to the teams outside of the Top 6 too, reducing the pool of talent available.

A good overview from Analytics FC last year seems to highlight this:

Brexitball: The effects of GBE restrictions on the English football market

Don't you love Brexit?

Gary Jones
33 Posted 19/07/2022 at
Yes Christine, it'd be well worth paying £10Bn pa to a globalist-aspiring cancerous institution that detests us – all so we could more easily pinch some young European kids instead of developing our own.

Fof fuck's sake, depressing enough on here without this political shite adding too.

Sam Hoare
34 Posted 19/07/2022 at
Great stuff, Robert, with a few players I'd not really heard of. Like you, I'm a long-term fan of Malcom though I wonder if the fire in him (if there ever was one) may have gone out.

The South American market is a fascinating one. Benfica got Enzo Fernandez who could be a really top class DMC for only £9M initially. Definitely bargains to be had and Menino looks a good player who could cover at right-back too.

The truth is that none of us really know who are targets are. Lampard made it clear after Baltimore that he wants a No 6 with defensive abilities and clearly we need to replace Richarlison's goals.

There is time left but whoever comes in now will have missed most of, if not all of pre-season. Leeds moved quickly to sign dynamic and exciting replacements for Phillips and Raphinha, giving them time to bed in during pre-season. Not sure why we can't do the same. But I'll suspend judgement till end of the window.

Michael Kenrick
35 Posted 19/07/2022 at
Thanks, Christine, for filling out the astounding complexity of this GBE points system. I had no idea it was so convoluted... and now I kinda wish I still didn't. What a minefield.

But as to your last point, yes, I do love Brexit. Boris was right: Make Britain Great Again. Without delving too deep (and I might well be missing something here), I think discouraging foreign imports has to be a good thing for young English-born Academy players.

Now there may be details that the Anaytics article teases out which seem significant but I think they overplay some of the impacts. The most interesting one for me, though, is this statement and the accompanying graph:

"There is a clear reduction in the total number of players being signed by clubs over the last few seasons. From a high of 752 in 2017-18, the number of players signed in 20-21 is down to 558, a reduction of 26%:"

That is an incredible and very consistent trend – completely the opposite of what I had assumed or been led to believe – and also completely nothing to do with Brexit!

But thanks so much again for finding and posting these links.

Robert Tressell
36 Posted 19/07/2022 at
Really interesting, Christine. It's a lot to digest but makes me think clubs may now formalise overseas feeder club arrangements to ensure an undisrupted flow of talent into the UK.

There will be ways to exploit this and it will be easier for clubs with money (not us) and clubs with a track record of innovation (not us).

Maybe Thelwell can bring a bit of the Red Bull spirit to our operations.

Gary: we should be developing our own talent too, of course, but we cannot rely on that alone.

Gary Jones
37 Posted 19/07/2022 at
Robert, we have to abide by the same rules as every other club in the country.
Dave Abrahams
38 Posted 19/07/2022 at
Michael (35), “ Yes I do love Brexit, Boris was right” Really Michael!!
Brian Harrison
39 Posted 19/07/2022 at
I think what is quite obvious is that we have very little wriggle room because of FFP and we are now reduced to try and get players in on loan. Who would have believed that West Ham would have the funds to outbid Everton and looks like they have won the race to sign Broja supposedly Lampards main target to replace Richarlison. I see the press are speculating we may be in the market to take Billy Gilmour on loan, didnt do a lot for Norwich on loan.

Only a few weeks back it was rumoured we were in for Gallagher, Broja, Zinchenko and Linguard, so seems like none of these will end up at Goodison.
I have to say I think Spurs have done brilliantly so far in this window and I can see them challenging Chelsea for 3rd place. To think Conte was not contracted to anyone when we moved for Pererai and Lampard, but knowing we had no money to give him I guess thats why we didnt bother approaching him. But you do wonder why Man Utd would not employ a serial winner like Conte, but thats their problem.

I really do worry given the massive emotions that us fans produced towards the end of last season whether we will be able to muster the same emotions should things start badly this season.

James Newcombe
40 Posted 19/07/2022 at
If FFP is that tight, how come we were able to sell Digne and spend more than that income? Surely we're now in a better spot with various big contracts off the books as well. Maybe i'm missing something, not a lot of this makes much sense to me! Other teams are throwing money around.

I'd be pleased with Gilmour, he ran the show against us not so long ago... One of a few standout performances! If anyone can revive his fortunes, it'll be Lampard.

Robert Tressell
41 Posted 19/07/2022 at
Gary, the rules are the same, yes. But each club has the freedom to build it's own recruitment model / strategy within those rules.

I expect overseas feeder clubs, increased scouting in the Americas etc will be put in place (although some clubs like Brighton have a version of this already).

Sadly I doubt it will mean clubs suddenly prioritise their own academies and development of local players.

Unless the arse falls out of the UK market altogether and we become an exporter of talent instead of an importer.

There's been no barrier to that previously so not sure why the new rules change things.one

David Foster
42 Posted 20/07/2022 at
Ellis Simms is never going to make it in the Premier League as he isn’t good enough.
Jim Lloyd
43 Posted 20/07/2022 at
Dave, Boris carried out the will of the British people, so he was right. Just happened that he couldn't always recognise what truth meant!
Robert Tressell
44 Posted 20/07/2022 at
Some of the British people, Jim, many of whom are now dead.

Anyway, it's a football site...

Brent Stephens
45 Posted 20/07/2022 at
Great piece, Robert. Positive approach to possible signings.
Howard Sykes
46 Posted 21/07/2022 at
After going across the pond, losing badly to Arsenal (again), and getting thrashed by Minnesota, there seems to be a willful refusal by the club to sign new players. Maybe they are considering that they might possibly at some time on the last day of the transfer window maybe possibly sign someone?

Having sold arguably the best outfield player and hacked out a thicket of deadwood, with an inability to sign new players which we need, we are headed for relegation this season.

If that happens linked with another whopping great loss and huge point deduction at the start of the Championship season, League One is a possibility.

Escaping relegation last season wasn't a success — it was escaping the drop by the skin of our teeth. Of course we may simply be skint and unable to flash the cash to buy any players. I wonder what odds I could get on Everton's relegation?

Matthew Williams
47 Posted 21/07/2022 at
I'd take the lad Ampadu in a heartbeat,the most impressive defensive (Rodon is quality too) player for his country who has come on a bundle in the last five years.

I'd even take a punt on Puki as a stop gap Striker,as currently our attacking threat is fucking completely non existent!

Brian Murray
48 Posted 21/07/2022 at
Friend of a friend (I know) says that Thelwell and Prosser are no mugs and won't go down the Lingard route and are trying to pay on the drip for transfers, although we all guessed that. Make or break time now and he reckons Frank could walk if left with this squad.
Jay Harris
49 Posted 21/07/2022 at
Brian, To that point, it is unheard of for a manager to remind his squad that they are relegation candidates after 2 preseason games so I guess he is already showing his frustration and there will be unhappiness in the squad.
Bill Fairfield
53 Posted 23/07/2022 at
Looking like we’ll start the season with what we have, then scrape the bottom of the transfer window barrel at the end of August. Anyway, not looking good at the moment. Typical.

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