The summer transfer window – a time of blockbuster moves, high-stakes player-bidding, and nail-biting drama for most clubs. But, for Evertonians, it is a time of hopeful ambition, expected frustration, and almost always eventual disappointment. With a board lacking the want-to, a manager with the right mindset but the unnecessary funds, and players who seem to be on the tip of leaving, this summer could be prove to be the tipping point in the club’s future. If we want to continue challenging the top-6 year in and year out, here are some do’s and don’ts that I think Roberto, and the board, need to see out in the summer.
DO’S
Sign a striker: It’s no great secret that we are in desperate need of a quality goal scorer. Nikica Jelavic’s form was a complete 180 of when he arrived and Anichebe, while he shone at times, still lacks the finishing touch necessary to be a 10-15+ goal scorer in the Premier League. Arouna Kone seems like the man Roberto Martinez is aiming for, and all reports signify that he wants to join Everton, but Roberto should be wary of signing the best players from a relegated side, even if it’s the one he just left. More from that later…
Sign a young goalie: Tim Howard isn’t getting any younger, and our second-choice goalkeeper Jan Mucha was never much of a serious option before leaving the squad. Preferred target Simon Mignolet has already signed with the dark side, which leaves Evertonians scratching their heads at who is going to challenge Howard to keep his position.
Keep Leighton Baines: There’s no point in selling him. He’s a key player in our squad, and quite possibly the best player in the team. His connection with Steven Pienaar is god-like and is nearly unmatched in the league. He’s arguably the most creative player in Europe and one of the best fullbacks going forward in the world. With Phil Jagielka hitting his prime, Sylvain Distin still going strong, and Seamus Coleman making his 60,000-quid price tag look like a joke, keeping Baines is a must if our back four is to stay near the tops of the league.
Add depth to the squad: One of Everton’s biggest struggles last season was having almost no options off the bench, even at our healthiest. Comparing our bench to teams such as Arsenal or Chelsea is pointless because of the difference in money, but it still provides a lot of insight into why we finished 6th. Buying a couple of players, such as Leroy Fer or Aiden McGeady, and getting deserved youth, such as Barkley, Duffy, Vellios, and Stones, legitimate chances to prove themselves with playing time off the bench will only benefit the health of the whole squad.
Sign Keisuke Honda: I have always liked Honda. He’s a playmaker, he’s fast, he’s creative, he’s in-form, and for god’s sake he’s dirt cheap for a player of his class. If we find a way to secure his signing, I will be elated for two reasons. One, we’ll have a fantastic playmaker that can take up the space behind the striker and find ways to get the ball to whoever plays upfront for us next season. Two, Leon Osman will find his way to the bench. I love Leon and think he’s still a good player, but he really doesn’t need to be starting anymore. With the style of play Roberto is going to implement, players like Honda will flourish and only add a potent attacking dimension to the team. There is a lot of buzz around Honda signing for AC Milan.. let’s hope not.
DON’TS
Sell Fellaini: No. Nope. We do not need to sell Fellaini. Sure, the money we would get for him would be fantastic in helping us get even more players to fill the void left by the big Belgian’s departure. But, the team that finished 6th last year was just a few held leads and key players away from Europe. With Martinez’s flowing play style being implemented for next season, Fellaini will be pushed back further into his preferred position and everyone will be happier.
Buy many Wigan players: I told you we’d get back to this. Bringing the best players from a bad squad doesn’t necessarily mean you’re bringing in talent. 29-year old Kone and maybe, MAYBE, one other player is about as far as I’ll go with any Wigan players.
Stay complacent: The whole of Goodison Park will collapse on its foundations if we do nothing during the transfer window. The negative backlash would be so huge it’ll leave Dixie Dean rolling in his grave and Neville Southall giving more than 5-word tweet replies. But, seriously, if we make no noise, no signings, no anything during this transfer window, Bill Kenwright and co. might find the mother of all messes waiting for them at the end of their blue rainbow.
It seems like a laundry list of do’s for Martinez, but that’s how much work needs to be put in to this squad before we can start to dream of finding a way into the top 4. The don’ts are relatively simple and should be avoided if the club wants the fans to keep their sanity. Here’s to the Blues getting set for the usual rollercoaster of emotions that come along with being an Evertonian. It’s enough to give you gray hair and take a year off your life, but, always remember…
Once a Blue, always a Blue.
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