Everton must get their transfer business right this summer to avoid finding themselves battling relegation for a third successive season.
Sean Dyche eventually guided the club to safety in dramatic circumstances, though the message from first-team players and the Blues’ boss was clear after the tense 1-0 victory over Bournemouth that sealed survival: Everton should not have been in this position to begin with.
Rebuilding the squad through the acquisition of value-for-money signings will likely prove pivotal in the coming weeks as the Blues do not currently possess the budget to compete with the big-hitters of the division and are currently the subject of an investigation over an alleged breach of football finance regulations; a charge the club deny.
Asked after the final day win against Bournemouth whether Everton would have to sell prized assets to fund transfer outlays, Dyche responded: “There’s a chance. I’ll find out about that. There’s not been any depth, there have been peripheral talks based on ifs, buts and maybes. But that will come over the coming weeks when we find out the truth of what we have got, what we can do, what we can’t do.
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“First things first but this was the main job. We had to get this sorted out, we’ve got it over the line. It was absolutely the key focus. Now it is time to immediately re-focus on the rest of it.”
With resources limited and a cautious approach required, we have taken a look at five players who are available as free agents after being deemed surplus to requirements at their respective Premier League clubs.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
The 25-year-old emerged as a transfer target for Everton during the summer of 2021, only for Arsenal to block a potential loan move to Goodison Park. Maitland-Niles soon after made his feelings clear on social media, posting on Instagram: “All I wanna do is go where I’m wanted and where I’m gonna play.”
A second chance to recruit the London-born star has now opened up after his release from the Gunners was confirmed. Maitland-Niles has enjoyed Premier League loans at West Brom and most recently Southampton, as well as experiencing a short stay at AS Roma in Italy.
His greatest asset is undoubtedly a versatile nature, which has seen him take on midfield and full-back roles with an open mind at various clubs. This flexibility could prove invaluable for Everton as they search for players to bolster their first-team squad.
Andre Ayew
Strongly linked with the Blues during the January transfer window, Ayew ended up at Nottingham Forest and made 13 appearances for Steve Cooper’s side as they avoided relegation. Though unable to score during this period, only one of the 33-year-old’s outings arrived as a start and not from the bench.
Everton’s struggles in the final third of the pitch have been well-documented, with only Wolves scoring fewer Premier League goals last season. Neal Maupay has failed to grasp his opportunity to impress in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, opening the door for someone else to stake their claim.
Ayew has previously impressed in the English top flight at Swansea City and West Ham and could be worth a punt on a free transfer.
Joel Robles
Asmir Begovic’s departure has left Everton one option light in the goalkeeping department, which could soon become two depending on what decision Andy Lonergan makes over his new contract offer.
Robles, recently released by Leeds United, was at Everton between 2013 and 2018 and represents a low-risk, dependable back-up choice between the sticks.
The Spaniard accepted his place behind Illan Meslier in the pecking order at Leeds and would be aware of playing second fiddle to Jordan Pickford if the Blues moved to secure his services.
Axel Tuanzebe
A product of the Manchester United academy, Tuanzebe captained the Red Devils at every level and made a total of 37 first-team appearances for the club.
The 25-year-old centre-back, who is also capable of featuring at right-back, was part of the United starting XI that earned a shock 2-1 Champions League away win over Paris Saint-Germain during the 2020/21 group stages. He also represented the club in the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Loaned out to Aston Villa on three separate occasions, Tuanzebe’s best season arrived in 2018/19 as he helped the West Midlands secure promotion from the Championship via the play-offs.
The exits of Conor Coady and Yerry Mina have placed an emphasis on recruiting in this position and the DR Congo-born defender could certainly take on the role of a player to be called upon when required.
Jesse Lingard
A former team-mate of Tuanzebe’s, Jesse Lingard is available to be acquired after his one-season stay at Nottingham Forest. The 30-year-old made 17 appearances to help Forest keep their place in the Premier League, despite being tipped for an immediate return to the Championship by many.
Lingard has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Manchester United and loan spell with West Ham during the 2020/21 campaign, though it would be down to Dyche to bring out the best of the midfielder on a consistent basis.
Everton are set to lose Alex Iwobi, Idrissa Gueye and potentially Abdoulaye Doucoure to Africa Cup of Nations commitments during the start of 2024, leaving Dyche short of options in this area of the pitch. The ECHO revealed last summer Lingard was a player being considered by the Blues, though it remains to be seen if this interest is revived.
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