Gueye completes long-awaited move back to Everton

If he can be our present day Gareth Barry for 12/18 months then I see no wrong in that.

Just need a playmaker and another striker.

Great deal if it goes by and hoping Allan stays cause it's a heavy calendar and they won't be able to play all minutes all games as seen. But anyway it's another step forward I believe.

My ideal team when all fit would be:

Pickford
Patterson, Tarkowski, Coady or Mykolenko, Godfrey;
Doucoure, Gueye, Onana;
Iwobi;
Gordon and Calvert Lewin.

That's a team with experience talent and lots of energy and ambition as well. Crossed fingers someday it'll happen.

Subs from: Begovic, Coleman, Keane, Mina, Holgate, Vinagre, Davies, Allan, Gomes; Townsend, Gray, Maupay, Rondon.

How are the FFP numbers stacking up though?

I am looking forward to seeing him rat around in that deep midfield area. It does not matter that he is nearly 33. He is hard as nails and fit as a flea.

I think our results will soon improve with him in the team, and give Onana and Iwobi greater freedom.

Gueye, Onana plus another one in midfield, please.

From what I have seen of him since he left, he has become a better player. Please get this over the line.

We have a really young team now, that I'm excited to watch develop.

Calvert-Lewin 25
Gordon 21
Onana 20
Mykolenko 23
Godfrey 24
Patterson 20
Gray 26
McNeil 22
Iwobi 26
Maupay 26

Then the young lads, Warrington, Mills, Simms to develop.

Compared to where we were 12 months ago, we are getting a young decent team together. Yes, they will take time to get. Yes, they will make mistakes and have off days, that's where the patience is needed, but I think Gana would be a vital cog.

Hope Thelwell has a couple of aces up his sleeve before deadline day.

Presumably low cost which lessens the issue of age. Age is an issue though, as a player whose game is built almost solely on dynamism is unlikely to have the same longevity as Barry - who was hardly mobile even in his 20s.

As a double act though, Onana and Gueye should be a fair bit better than Allan and Doucoure (worse still Gomes + AN Other) so we should see an improved midfield as a result.

We still need strikers, mind!

However, we need the addition of a goalscorer in midfield and Iwobi, for all his good play, is not the answer.

I am hoping Gueye will be able to release Doucoure and Onanan to get forward and score but I don't want us to rely on Maupay and Calvert-Lewin for 35 goals which is what it's looking like unless we can manage more clean sheets but that is just not Everton.

Gueye and Barry are not comparable physically. The former has a much superior body type and stamina. Moreover, I think Gueye has the capacity to adapt his game so as to rely more on spatial awareness and anticipation.

Despite the generally high opinion of this player among Evertonians, I think we underrate his talents.

My main concern is that this is still just empty media stuff.

Defensive solidity will help of course but the big move will be who we bring in to add some more goals (especially if Calvert-Lewin's injury issues continue).

I expect a surprising name or two to come out of the woodwork tomorrow and Wednesday. Unless Chelsea finally relent on Broja or we take the plunge on Brereton Diaz.

We are in the minority but I agree with you. Bored of (mainly decades of) low scoring, we need goals.

Onana will enjoy playing with Gana, and the unrecognisable Iwobi can make this a dynamic industrious and complimentary midfield three.

I'm feeling a lot more positive now we have Gana, Maupay and also Calvert-Lewin coming back. I still think there will be another forward coming in, and a decent loan signing.

I think you're going to get your wish. We'll go 4-3-3 very soon I'd bet.

I'm personally thrilled about this move. I loved Gana. He covered more turf than just about anyone I've seen. He's a beast and a ball winner. I think he still has a few more very good years left in him.

Very excited for this return. Second time around usually isn't too sweet, but I think this will be an exception to the rule.

Just over 76 hours to go until judgement is passed on Moshiri!!

This has Kenwright's dabs all over this... we simply never fucking learn.

He's obviously played in the Premier League before but it will likely still take him time to adjust back. Will then see if a 32-year-old Gueye after a 3-year break can cut it like the 29-year-old version did.

Positive on the whole but hope people give him a little time to settle back in. We certainly need some ‘grey' hairs in the first team.

Does exactly what it says on the tin, don't go expecting many goals from this lad, but expect us to concede less.

Delighted!

"See him? He has won cups, championships, international tournaments, played in Champions League matches. Go and ask him what it takes to play at that level and learn."

Good signing – at last someone the manager can point at and say:

"See him? He has won cups, championships, international tournaments, played in Champions League matches. Go and ask him what it takes to play at that level and learn."

Yes, and a leader on the pitch.

I only heard this morning that the move was in danger of collapse. That was after reading over the weekend he would be back on Merseyside to complete the signing having already had the first part of his medical.

Get it done, Everton.

Presumably we won't now pursue Garner therefore – even if Allan and Gomes leave. Still, we'll see.

If we do any more business, then it would more logically be additional goal threat.

As long as he does not use Everton as a platform for his intolerance, if that's what it was, I think we should give him his space.

We have some decent talent, but seriously lack in 'nous' and all too often appear naïve. Gana should help remedy that.

He should be able to play alongside Onana, and crucially, should be able to take away some of the pressure and expectation from him also. As well as acting as his mentor, both on and off the pitch.

Gana's fitness and discipline is something all our young players should be able to take notice of.

I wonder if we are still in for Garner, or if he was a contingency plan should Gana not come.

If we sell Gomes and Allan, would like to see another come in too. Having the options of Iwobi, Onana, Gana, Garner, Doucoure, David's and Warrington would certainly be a huge improve on last season's choice of Gomes, Doucoure, Delph, Allan (then ocasionally Iwobi when he got out in the middle).

One more striker and one more inside forward and we might actually have a squad capable of competing for mid table, with enough youth and potential to maybe improve further in coming seasons.

According to some news outlets, he's been offered for "free" to 2 other clubs in Europe but they were not interested!!

Look at any video of goals conceded with Gueye in the team and you will see him chasing back having got ahead of the ball and leaving the defence totally exposed.

The Rainbow Toffees have previously posted their disappointment at his inminent arrival. It will be a stain on the club if they sign this 33-year-old has-been (never was).

1st XI
Pickford,
Patterson, Tarkowski, Coady, Mykolenko,
Gueye, Onana, Iwobi,
Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, Maupay.

2nd XI
Begovic,
Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Vinagre
Davies, Allan, Doucouré
McNeil, Rondon, Gray

Others:
Lonergan,
Welch,
Warrington,
Mills,
Price,
Townsend

Still to be Transferred out or loaned.
Gomes,
maybe Rondon too (if we get Diaz).

I agree: let's stick to the footy – as in the game pure and simple – excluding piety of any sort. Otherwise, we will get confused.

If we get him back, it will take the burden off Doucouré and allow Doucouré to be more effective higher up the pitch, once he returns from injury.

I would be happy with a midfield of Gueye, Onana and Doucouré.

Don't forget the "prism effect".

Imagine a Catholic owner requiring players to wear numbers that have the image of a crucified Jesus on the cross embedded in them? A Muslim decides he doesn't want to wear the jersey? Fair enough.

Employers who basically force their employees to be "on board" with their beliefs are totalitarian by definition.

This trend needs to go away. Champion your cause all you want independently. Companies requiring the championing of ANY cause by their employees are???

I can't come up with the right word, so I'll settle for: ... dicks.

But with Gana, we were much much more solid and his work and effectiveness actually covered over the cracks in Silva's poor tactical acumen.

When Gana left, we were much much poorer for it and the failure to replace him basically ended Silva's tenure.

Having Gana's energy in midfield and his ability to press, should in turn allow Iwobi to do more of his work further up the field.

Goals from midfield could well end up coming from Iwobi and Onana, and Doucoure from the bench, as they will be able to play further up the field.

I do hope we return to a midfield 3, but for the foreseeable I see it being a 2 with a 3-4-3 formation. which also means we will require the goals to come from the inside forwards and strikers, which is a worry.

In what walk of life do employers analyse evey social and political view of their employees?? He has a right to his religious views, even if I or you don't agree.

Judge him on his football.

Lol, speaking as a Catholic, I think I'd find that pretty weird myself.

As long as he respects that there are other opinions on that. There is a difficult discussion for anyone wanting to assert where the line is for an individual contracted to a firm wherein the values are not a match with shall we say societal trends influencing clubs' public positions.

Maybe it's not right, maybe it's part of their societal responsibilities in return for a monopoly of sorts... who knows?

Grab a drink and argue to your desired extent.

See Monty Python and Tom Stoppard who have addressed these matters.

142 tackles (Gana)
143 top (Ndidi)

To put that in perspective, last season, the top tackler was:

Norgaard 109 tackles

Gana was 6th in Ligue 1 for interceptions.

No player we have had since comes near that level in the middle of the park. Even if he's a little off that level, he's still head and shoulders above any defensive midfield player we have.

We have youth in the midfield; his experience will be vital, imo.

Gueye will be a vital cog for the midfield and to help Onana settle in.

Very late in the day but better late than not at all.

I imagine the delay was down to someone on the board waiting for the analysis and the conclusion "Yep, they've fell for it!"

Another hook, line and sinker job from Everton... but I'm nearly past caring about lack of innovation at this moribund club.

Vanity.

Delighted if we get him back as a stop-gap for the next 18 months.

Cheer up, you miserable lot. Think about our financial situation and who else would we realistically sign that's a better option right now. And please be realistic……eg. Who would come and join a relegation-battle bottom-half team?

What you smoking, mate? And where can I get some??

Given you seemingly have no problem with Gueye's morals, then you're not someone I would care to debate with.

There's no way we're paying PSG €8M+, there trying to get rid of him, and his final year's contract is less than that.

Good luck with that!!

He became the first player in Europe's top five leagues to win 100 tackles in the 2016–17 season - Wikipedia.

Not bad for a "headless chicken"!

If you don't believe he is entitled to his belief, that makes you the bigot. I think that because he doesn't want to promote something he doesn't agree with, then fair play to him. Don't recall him saying or doing anything hateful.

The real issue is footballers are paid to play football and shouldn't be used to promote issues outside the sport.

I guess when we tune into the World Cup this summer, we are all being hypocritical, so just enjoy the footie, eh?

I think the idea (hope) is that he's a stop-gap until Onana, Warrington, Mills and others (if we can afford any) get up to speed. I don't think it's comparable with other returnees.

Beagrie was about 59 years old when he came back and I don't think it was romance, it was just that he was the only previously trained body we could find for a few months.

Rooney and Jeffers were all Bill trying to paste over the fact he'd sold them during their best years.

Gueye is a fellow who was here for a few years, not a born-and-bred, he went off to play pretty well for a successful team and he still has plenty of gas in the tank.

Most of them were from chasing back because he was out of position and trying to recover after he lost possession.

David...

I'm happy to debate those that don't show complete contempt for the gay community, like you did when you replied to my initial post.

Meeting Neil and talking to John, I found my imagined voice for them was pretty accurate.

For some reason I always read your posts with a voice like Simon Jordan. Is that accurate?

He also went on that year to finish top for tackles in the league. More than Kante.

The year before, he was = second in the league for interceptions & tackles.

There's a reason PSG, the richest club on earth, wanted him. He's a tackling machine and only Kante I can think of that does the job better

It is 2022. Homophobia is no longer acceptable regardless of medieval beliefs.

Barkley is a enigma —"anything that puzzles or baffles" but on a free transfer with very little success with his last club to back him in negotiating a contract, could still offer more than Dele Alli.

We still need another goalscorer, either on the wing or up front.

As usual the 'for and against' argument raises its head.

I would suggest that, if the club, knowing of Gueye's beliefs, complete the signing, and the manager selects him, then the supporters who oppose his stance should boycott any games he plays in or change channels, whichever applies.

I personally use football as a means of avoiding the strife of the world for the best part of two hours, and my attention is focused entirely on the game.

I don't see the contempt for the gay community in my post. I'm not homophobic, I support everyone to live their lives the way they see fit.

Should we force Muslims to eat during Ramadan? Jews to eat pork?

He's not actively engaged in supporting homophobia, he can hold a religious view that doesn't support gay relationships.

He's here to play football mate, not change any laws.

Your response to my comment about Gueye refusing to wear Rainbow laces and that the Rainbow Toffees had expressed disappointment, was to tell me to get off my high horse.

You clearly showed contempt in my opinion.

I've always envisioned your voice to sound like james Earl Jones.

For the record I sound like Boy George.

Now hopefully every time you read a Crowley post, the recitation in your head will jump 3-4 octaves. You're welcome!

Kieran says, "Jamie, people will come Jamie. They come to Liverpool, for reasons they can't even fathom. They turn up the stadium, not even sure why they're doing it. They'll arrive at the doors, as innocent as children, longing for the past."

If you could possibly record that and email it to me, I'd be very appreciative and keep it literally forever.

I hope you're right but, contrary to many here, I don't think he was all that great first time round and, at 33, I don't see him getting better. Plus "never go back" is a well-founded homily.

Every excuse under the sun will be made for in his first few games... then reality will dawn and the dread recognition that this is Sneiderlin revisited will hit home.

It's all very grim.

I respect your opinion as much as I disagree. Gana is entitled to his opinion as much as you or I.

You got the wrong Field of Dreams voice. Kevin Costner played Ray Kinsella. But yes, since being half burnt by the volcano after those light saber blows at work this new helmet they fixed me up with does make me sound a lot like James Earl Jones.

I wish you hadn't posted that. Can't get the words of Karma Chameleon out of my head now and know they will return every time I read one of your posts ha!

Kieran, you may have started something with your post….

Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma-Chameleon. Gueye comes and goes. Gueye comes and gooooeeessss!

English saying cue: I'll get me coat!

If people find it so intolerable that we would sign Gueye then best for them to go elsewhere and let us get on with the footy.

Do you consider that a player who crosses himself coming on the pitch is homophobic or a player who raises his arms or goes on his knees when he scores a goal, and praises whoever.

There are that many different religions and variants of them in the world and all claim to be better than another, to single out the Muslim religion as being Homophobic and ignoring others with the same beliefs is unfair..

As far as religious beliefs being medieval, Richard The Lionheart fought Saladin for 3 years over Jerusalem that ended with an easy truce, Over 2000 years later they are still fighting over it.

In this case, my view, which you may not agree with, is that Gueye himself (so far as I'm aware) just quietly asked not to participate in something he felt uncomfortable about. Different to, say, Anelka using his fame to spread anti-semitism. But I do respect your point of view.

Just a "few final details". Just wondering – beyond the fee and the wages which we've been haggling over for weeks – what the remaining details are?

Blue pen or black pen? Ballpoint or quill? Will the player and the club accept a post-dated check?

Gueye has his religious beliefs, that is the way it is in regards to his religion. In today's society, changes are trying to be made, but what he chooses to do on the football pitch is what matters.

So answer me this question, Ian, Sikhs are protected for their beliefs that they do not have to wear head protection, in any work place, they are exempt because of their beliefs of wearing a turban, so would you have a problem if they chose to follow their beliefs, or would you expect them to wear protective headwear, and remove their turban?

That is what you are assuming that Gueye should have to wear something that his religion tells him different.

A lot will feel uncomfortable but, at the end of the day, rightly or wrongly, we have to respect their beliefs and not force them to do something that goes against their beliefs.

The current and increasingly contactless environment doesn't work in his favour, perhaps even less so than it did a few years ago. It's a major part of his game.
Lampard is putting in place a hard spine in the team, defensively, midfield and upfront. When in place, creativity will be key, so interesting times!

Morality oft goes out the window when justifying a need. Everton FC champion the human rights of the LGBT community in proactively creating an environment of inclusiveness fairness, non-discrimination and respect. They mirror human rights in our society.

Religious views are different, Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, all are allowed (some even allowed exemptions too) different perspectives that are essentially at odds with generally accepted human rights in our society.

The results are often seen conflicts and wars, hate and discrimination between religions and people. This is why any human rights charters are meant to be inclusive of all, irrespective of race, religion, colour, gender or sexual orientation.

Human rights trump religious beliefs in most countries but not in others.

What is a human right in one country is not the same in another, so, movement by citizens between countries requires tolerance and understanding of where you work and travel. Views held in one country may be lauded; in another you can be tortured or killed for them.

There is no global human rights charter, the power of the state is not always independent of religion, indeed may even be founded on it.

When anyone moves to another country, they have to live within the laws of that state. You have to understand that also, what human rights that exist in any country may be different than your own. Tolerance and respect are a necessity for both sides.

But there are basic human rights that are held dear, that are in many places just paid lip service too, discrimination is rife, but it doesn't make it okay.

People bang on about freedom of speech, but nothing is free, there are, will and forever be, repercussions from things said. The fostering of hate and discrimination under the guise of freedom of speech has led to some of the most evil uses of power ever known to man.

So we have our little Gana refusing to wear rainbow numbers on his shirt... farcical. But he is not plying his trade in Africa, this was France. Different rights, views and expectations and I guess that's the point. When in Rome... etc.

Back to Everton FC, morality and reality reign, we take stands against addiction, discrimination, support LGBT in the community, but seek to employ a footballer who does not align with those views. Bit of a problem that...

Might be an interesting discussion about squaring the circle!

From my perspective, I said right at the beginning, Gana should not come back. It rarely works. At 33, his effectiveness is debatable; same as Barkley, who I liked as a player but would not want back — that day is done, move on.

Here's the next verse:

“Last season, was survival“ (Toffettes echo ‘survival')
“Now you're here, we'll be mid-table“

"We take stands against addiction" — or we did until Stake.com waived some money at the club.

Half the posts seem to suggest yes and the other half are hoping he does….

On a different note, about 50 hours left in the window… is Maupay the only forward we're going to sign? Can we really contemplate the next 4 months with just Calvert-Lewin, Maupay and Rondon as our striking options?

Exactly. He's not spouting hate, he's not encouraging homophobic views, he's not trying to impose his views on anyone. He's been hung out to dry, imo.

I'm tired of people (not you, Ian) spouting free speech and tolerance while not tolerating others' opinions and beliefs.

That's why in this country you are allowed to be gay, Christian, straight, Muslim, Jew, trans, bi, Hindu, Rasta or Kopite. We tolerate.

Who the hell are we to judge him? Are we all to be forced to think the same way? Whatever happened to tolerance for all? I could go on but it will just be another pointless debate which will end in bitterness and disappointment. Get the guy signed up and let his football do the talking.

A better option than Alli, just my view.

His name is even pronounced 'Gay, for fuck's sake. And he was one of the best midfielders in Europe last year, excelled in attack, and threw in a few goals too.

Good shout

We may see however

Gallagher instead of Doucoure
and/or
Broja instead of Gordon

Diaz and Maupay on the bench as backup for when Calvert-Lewin gets his next inevitable injury

Hopefully some interesting developments over the next few days

Whatever happens we need goals

As for his prospective signing, we've never replaced what he brought to the team, he's still a top athlete in peak shape, and if we wanted to buy a young equivalent, we would either be priced out of the market, or he would quite rightly see us as beneath him.

If we can get two years out of him, it would be a coup. Like it or not, we are not a top-tier team, and we can't offer European football. So can people please abandon the delusions of grandeur?

1) He is another experienced & professional Francophone to mentor Onana: Onana's English is surprisingly fluent that as if he needs another French-speaking babysitter at Finch Farm! But having a compatriot (both with Senagalnese descent) with a strong work ethic never hurts.

2) He provides a physical element and defensive awareness that none of our Midfield Veterans would provide consistency in a quick-pace league (Gomes, Davies, Doucouré, Allan... their Return-On-Investments are just flat-out depressing).

3) If he can fulfill the above 2, he will be the perfect stop-gap solution for us to buy time upgrading other leaks in the lineup while waiting for in-house solutions to materialise (Onana, Iwobi, Warrington and even Onyango).

71 hours to go. Ye will be judged Mr Moshiri.

Keith, just the sight of your name makes me smile, mate. And your posts always make me chuckle.

Iwobi, Onana, Gueye, Doucoure, Allan, Davies, Mills, Warrington, Gomes, Townsend, how many wingers and why not Barkley on a free? Although MLS might be his best bet.

All together now; "Oh the Deadwood stage is a coming on over the hill...."

I think if another striker, at least, is not brought in, then you are right the fume is likely to set ToffeeWeb on fire and we could still do with another midfielder being brought in with two or three players saying their goodbyes.

I could see a midfield 3 of Onana, Gueye and Iwobi working well and it would certainly help Onana as he would get a bit more freedom playing in a 3 rather than a 2.

Also, it would let both Onana and Iwobi play much further forward and could give them the opportunity of getting in the box. The amount of times we do attack yet only have 1 or at best 2 in the box is limiting our goal-scoring opportunities.

Although why Lampard hasn't used Allan in the holding role, I don't know. His contract is up next summer so he isn't going to leave unless another club offers him similar money and a 2- or 3-year contract, so why not use him.?

Also, if we get Gueye and at some point he gets injured, does that mean we go from a 4-3-3 to a 5-2-3?

Well, they are the least tolerable.

Has he left some in Paris. How many did he have? No wonder he covered the ground so well.

We shouldn't get outrun at least with Gana, Iwobi, Onana and Doucouré to choose from. If Allan stays, hopefully he can up his levels because he's better than he showed at the end of the season.

It was glaringly obvious how exposed we were when we didn't have Doucouré available last year.

I realise that football finance and commerce is beyond my ken but, for God's sake, are we buying him or not?

Is it impossible to have a scenario where we say to PSG:

"Yes, we'd like him please. How much? Yeah that sounds okay. What sort of wedge does he want? Yeah we can run to that. Can you get him over to Liverpool with his boots and a change of undies by Monday? Brilliant... the cash is on its way."

Or... just feck off the lot of youse!

Forgive my frustration, please.

If Gana has been told he will get paid up the last year of his contract, then he's going to sit tight and wait for ٣.2m+.

Everton are clearly not keen on offering or brokering the difference, which leaves a Mexican standoff till 31 August 2022.

My money is on he ends up in Turkey, as the Premier League transfer deadline will have passed.

How's it going?

Due at the Pier Head Thursday lunchtime, will take advantage of the ٣.99 all day breakfast at the Port of Liverpool building caff, buy a saveaway then three busses to Finch Farm.

All meticulously planned and bang on time, weather permitting.

Everyone complaining about leaving things to the last minute don't appear to understand the 'house of cards' effect of transfers nowadays. It isn't all in Everton's hands how/when they conduct business.

Get Brereton Diaz, from Blackburn, and I have a genuine hope of making a fist of this season.

Everton, under Lampard and the new DoF, seems to have a fairly clear agenda - bring in plenty of young players who can be improved and have value added to them, and bring in some strong, more mature leaders alongside them. It suggests a long-term plan - let's hope Moshiri/BoysPenBill don't panic if we're stuck in the bottom three before the World Cup and sack the lot of them.

A few examples to prove the point:

Modric 36

Vardy 35

Thiago Silva 37

Ronaldo 37

Dries Mertens 35

Immobile 32

Aubameyang 33

Benzema 34

Lewandowski 34

There are tons of others, these are just the ones who spring to mind (I left out keepers) so his age is meaningless in my view.

As for his beliefs - as I understand it, he didn't actually say anything about it at the time or since. It was only picked up by the press as a big deal. I don't agree with his views on religion or sexuality, but to castigate him and stand on our high-horse seems a bit rich when you're talking about a football club run by a billionaire who made his money with a Russian arch-Oligarch who has now been barred from the UK, and sponsored by a betting company. Everton's hand are pretty grubby, make no mistake.

Football and morality definitely do not go hand in hand, so using that as a stick to beat a man with who happens to hold different beliefs to those our society (hopefully largely) deem to be 'wrong' doesn't really make much sense. Let him play football - it's not like he's running around wearing a t-shirt with an offensive slogan on it. As far as I'm concerned there is no God (although I do believe there were dinosaurs), but does that mean I get upset by Muslim players choosing to fast during Ramadan for example? No, of course not. they can do whatever pleases them and as their religion dictates. To be honest I find it pretty impressive because I've tried fasting and I managed 23 hours before caving. Imagine trying to be a professional sportsman - that's dedication to your beliefs.

Also, if you're that upset with his stance, you probably shouldn't watch the World Cup in Qatar.

Get him & Diaz plus a Thelwell wild card forward player and I'd be quite happy with this window

On a serious note, where would that leave Iwobi?

With injuries coming back we will have options, dacoure, Allan, Davis hopefully garner.

I don't know the guy, but at no point has he explicitly shared any homophobia beliefs.

However, is is from Senagal and in Senegal, disgracefully, homosexuality is outlawed. LGBTQ are greatly oppressed by the state there. Gana, one of the countries biggest football names, if he had worn the rainbow, would then have caught himself into a massive political row.

Maybe he simply chose to avoid a scandal. Not because he's actively anti-lgbtq, but simply because he didn't want the hassle.

I don't know, but without knowing the facts, no-one actually knows.

Exactly this

Maybe he remembers the flak Tosun and Ozil took when they were pictured with Erdogan.
Anybody who subscribes to any religion is in no position to pontificate on another's beliefs. People follow religions that are the embodiment of evil, religions that promote terrorism or turn a blind eye to paedophiles within their ranks. So, maybe in the interest of self preservation, Gana chooses, without comment to my knowledge, not to wear a rainbow ribbon. His choice. Get off his case.

Not sure who he is in the club but he's never wrong.

My question: Is there going to be any outgoings from expensive fringe players?

There are plenty of fundamentalist Christian churches in the UK who condemn LGBTQ freedoms and who believe that homosexuality can be 'cured' by prayer.

I think he represents his chosen religion very well, without ramming it down other people's throats.

The bright lights of Paris to a private jet, to making a cake in Breck Road Asda. Wild times.

He improves our midfield so I hope he signs.

I have my ethics too, but the guy has never crossed them as far as I can tell. He just didn't want to wear a rainbow.

There are plenty of things I disagree with (religion, for one) but I don't bother anyone and they don't bother me. I think that's tolerance.

Gana has always had great athleticism, looks after himself and I think he's good for another 2 to 4 years at the top level.

He no longer has to cover for Schneiderlin's inability to run or defend as Onana has a good engine too. They could be a seriously great pairing.

Ever since that horrible 5 - 2 defeat to the RS that saw Silva sacked, I've thought our midfield is awful. Last season I felt it was as bad as I can remember - going back pre-Moyes.

It might take a little time to gel but huge relief not to be reliant on Gomes, a complete passenger these days (and sometimes a liability).

For too long our midfield has opened up like the River Nile at the summons of Moses upon the slightest bit of pressure.

Energy, pressing, tackling, running. with Davies, Doucoure and Garner in reserve, it's better than we've seen in a good while.

another inside forward and the squad is in good knick for a solid enough season.

All of sudden we have options. Gueye, Obana, Iwobi, Doucoure, Allan, Davies, Warrington.

Maybe Allan is going to be shifted alongside Gomes, although the latter has openly stated he's happy to stay even though not part of the plans. I wonder why?

Calvert-Lewin, Maupay, Gray and Gordon are tasked with scoring the goals. Iwobi will score few too.

The RS for example don't have a goalscoring midfielder in their central 3. Their job is to protect the defence so the attacking 3 (and full-backs) can do their stuff high up the pitch.

Going to lose against Forest. No chance against Leeds. Going down. Jeez.

Doucoure or Iwobi for athleticism against City, Spurs etc,
Allan to help protect against Liverpool, Chelsea etc.
Garner, Davies to rotate, learn, improve.

Allan has struggled to cope with the physical intensity of the Premier League. He always looked better in possession than he did chasing back. Gana, Onana and Iwobi may well be the first choice midfield in the coming weeks with Davies, Doucouré, Garner and if he stays, Allan to step in when injuries and suspensions dictate.

A positive aspect is that Lampard now has options available to change formation and personnel within and between matches. Also he now has players with the ability to control possession midfield, ease pressure on the back line and supply improved service to the front men.

I am optimistic that before the World Cup break we will climb away from the bottom places into a safe mid-table position. That will be significant progress.

That's a minuscule list compared with the number of players who are under 32. There's always a few exceptions to the rule. It remains to be seen if Gueye will be one of them. My worry is the lack of goals from midfield.

Such certainty. With Onana, Gana and Garner: "We are going down"

Don't agree at all. Love to hear who you would have in your midfield. Realistic people we could have got, in our budget, in this window, while still having money to strengthen attack and defence.

It's not Football Manager, Fifa or Fantasy Football. It might not be the answer to all our problems but at least Frank & Kev are having a go at turning this squad around. Some people are never happy.

James Garner was 20 years old last year and played 44 games for Forest. Incredible for a kid. He helped them to promotion with a combined 12 goals and assists.

He has come to the best club to continue his upward progress, he'll get opportunities to stake his claim. If he brings us that and improve too he will bring energy, tenacity and more than a few goals and assists from our midfield. He has a good shot on him and relentlessly practices his dead ball delivery. You've got to get behind this kid, he's going to become a crowd favourite.

Nobody expects Gana to be scoring loads, he is a facilitator.

Onana, something very exciting about this young player, already could have had two. Unlucky on Tuesday when got great contact the ball hit the defender's face. He will undoubtedly get a few goals on this evidence. Also a player who will improve, no danger.

Iwobi will be I from Gana's arrival and bag a few too, I expect him to be encouraged to get in the box more.

Doucoure too as an alternative, he will be encouraged to drive into the box. He's already stated this is his natural game, good back-up and for rotation.

It's time to be optimistic about our midfield.

Gomes, Alli, Delph, Tosun, Kenny, Sigurdsson, Kean, Gbamin out is a good bit of work on players that added nothing.

Keane, Mina, Allan, Rondon to go in January.

He could have downed tools and not care; no chance – he didn't sulk, just got on with it and gave it his all. Delighted to see this little cracker back (no pun intended) and still got a few years left in him. The nearest thing to Kante in the game.

I was enquiring how many players of ours will be at the world cup playing as opposed to being rested. Apologies if my question was poorly worded.

His energy has been incredible. But if you put him in with Onana (energy) and Gueye (energy) will we still need him? Or will his level of quality now be tested?

Ian (196), why phrase the question that way? It makes it sound as if you want our transfer policy to avoid signing internationals (or perhaps just to avoid internationals from the better nations).

I know people saying he's 33 already and would be slow. Don't be fooled by his age. A Traore's speed will drop so quickly when he is close to 30 because of his power coming from bulked up muscles. Not for Gana. He's moving around with ease. He's naturally quick with his skinny frame.

Iwobi is more than his energy. He's got an eye for a pass. He's made fantastic crosses in the past, teasing for a tap in but our strikers failed to get to it. With Gana at the back, he can press higher and force a quick counter in opposition's half?

Thanks to Mr Moshiri – he said to judge him at the close of the Window / he put his money where his mouth is. Thanks to Kevin Thelwell and the backroom staff for tracking the right kind of players for our Club , thanks to Bill – never thought I'd say that, but he's the one who signed the cheques and managed to do good buisness in keeping Anthony Gordon at the Club - must have been a great temptation, the mouth-watering offer from CHELSEA, but we held firm, . Finaly, it must be a huge relief for Frank to see the quality the new players we have brought into the Squad, how he managed to get through the last six months will stand him in good stead for the future. Looking forward to Saturdays game, come on you TOFFEES, COYB, Gerry.

History should have told us he is a narcissistic bungler who has more chance of turning a much needed move into a Shaftesbury Avenue Farce. I sincerely hope the lack of goals doesn't come back to haunt us, none of the players we have signed are renowned for their scoring. I dare say we will be harder to beat and hopefully more attractive to watch, but unless goals are coming from all departments we may still struggle a tad till the next window.

Glad Gomes has gone too, a player I could never understand what people saw in him, apart from a couple of games, Spurs away and one Anfield derby match he did nothing, apart from ball watching. I know he sustained a pretty awful injury, but that can't be the only excuse for a poverty of involvement in games after that.

But in answer to your question, Pickford for England and Gueye for Senegal are the only Blues currently expected to play in the World Cup. However, Onana did make his national team debut for Belgium in June, and who knows but what Anthony Gordon might yet earn a look this fall.

Tony #189, the thing I like best about Garner is that in the biggest games of his life, he played the best games of his life -- he was brilliant for Forest in the promotion playoffs. That says something for the young man's character.

Gerry #200, good post, agreed.

As many have said, before joining PSG, he was a diamond in midfield, and sadly missed without any replacement even coming close, so hopefully he can pick up from where he left off.

I appreciate it is under a different manager with a different style but I do believe he will adapt quickly.

It is not their job – they are there to implement the high press, gain possession, and start the transition quickly. The creativity comes from the full-backs and front three.

I would have preferred another forward, but getting more than one appeared an afterthought in the transfer process. Even getting one forward did not seem a priority until August and Calvert-Lewin's injury.

As for Richarlison, it is increasingly looking that Gordon is to fulfil that role. The transfer speculation regarding Gordon seems to have increased his confidence and he now looks more than capable of fulfilling that role.

It may have been that the Gordon transfer saga with it's many permutations may have delayed looking for forwards. Transfer sagas and permutations at Everton are not a good thing given the potential parties at Everton involved.

Gone are the days of splattergun buying hopefully. Now we have an approach we can believe in and get behind.

And enough of this "Lampard Out" stuff that comes up – our results have not fully turned the corner yet, agreed, but it's not hard to see the progress from where we've been left after various managers have come and gone. Stick with Frank and the coaching team – there is enough evidence that they have seen what we've been lacking and are doing something about it.

This re-signing underlines that – perhaps we should do this with all our best players – sell them for decent money then get them back for peanuts afterwards! Lukaku next please!

It may have been the case back in the day and for examples like Rooney, who I believe – through a combination of lifestyle and playing at the top level from 16 – was gone at the highest level not long after 30.

But in general, most players are looked after and physically look after themselves better these days, going on to play and perform way beyond that falsely imposed age benchmark.

Most good teams have that crucial blend of experience alongside youth and potential. Our transfer dealings this window show that is exactly what we've brought into the team to go alongside Gordon, Gray, Calvert-Lewin, Mykolenko and Patterson.

Cheers, Bill... sigh.

@ Si Cooper - my question was merely enquiring who out of our squad will be playing in the World Cup as opposed to resting. I had no thought of Everton tailering their transfer policy to as to minimize player participation in such events as the upcoming tournament.

We only have to look at Allan who was 29 when we signed him. His first six or seven games were good, but then he picked up an injury and hasn't been the same since.

He's 31 now, can't get in the team and can't even get fit it seems.

It was a very reasonable question, imo. A mid-season break for the World Cup is a new scenario for English football and could produce some interesting after effects, impacting the remainder of the season. I'm quite pleased that we look like we'll not have too many players there, tbh.