After Iranian billionaire Farhad Moshiri became Everton’s majority shareholder this summer, Evertonians began dreaming big of expensive signings and star names to add to an already talented, if underachieving squad. However, no real progress has been made. Only Maarten Stekelenburg has come in to provide goalkeeping cover for the Blues. If the Blues are going to push for European places next season, they must strengthen the squad significantly. These five potential Everton signings could complete the jigsaw of the Everton squad.
Jasper Cillessen
Ajax stopper Cillessen has consistently been the best keeper in the Eredivisie for a while now. He was lined up as the heir to David De Gea when the Spaniard looked set to join Real Madrid, but remained in Amsterdam and enjoyed yet another successful season in the Netherlands.
Everton are without a proven Premier League goalkeeper following Tim Howard’s departure to Colorado Rapids. The 27-year-old Dutchman could fill that void for as much as a decade. Cillessen is still unproven in a top European league and may feel it is the right time to showcase his talents on a grander stage than the Dutch league. Everton would be foolish not to offer him that opportunity.
Kalidou Koulibaly
This would be a real statement of intent from the Merseysiders. Koulibaly is one of Europe’s most highly-coveted centre-backs, receiving high interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Koulibaly is a strong, no-holds-barred defender with a penchant for crunching tackles. He would be just the man needed to get a fiery Goodison crowd going for big games.
He wouldn’t come cheap—media suggestions are that he may cost in the region of £45m—but the stature of the player coupled with his excellent ability would make this signing the most significant in Everton’s history. If Bayern Munich truly are interested it’s very unlikely the Blues can snatch Koulibaly. But if it could be pulled off, it would make it clear that Farhad Moshiri means business.
William Carvalho
A tough, dynamic and fearless midfielder, Carvalho was one of the key elements of the Portugal’s Euro 2016-winning side. His anchoring of the midfield was crucial in the solid defensive structure that Fernando Santos utilised so well. He caught the eye of many football fans and clubs around the world.
Despite links with moves away for a couple of seasons, the 24-year-old is still with Sporting Lisbon, meaning a transfer could definitely be on the cards over this window. With a fee of £30m being quoted, Carvalho would be under enormous pressure to deliver. However, after his terrific displays both internationally and at club level for Sporting, there is no reason why the Portuguese maestro wouldn’t be able to stake his place as one of the league’s best midfielders should a move to the Blues materialise.
Juan Mata
If Everton were able to make this one happen, it would send shockwaves across the footballing world. After José Mourinho’s appointment at Manchester United, Mata once again found himsself under a manager who clearly doesn’t think much of him. This could open the door for the Spanish wizard’s second move away from Mourinho.
After reports earlier in the month of Mata being in talks with Everton, this transfer looks like it may well have legs. If Everton were to conclude a deal, the potential for their team would be endless. A Mata-Lukaku partnership would ensure great entertainment next season for the Goodison crowd. A move for Mata would be the marquee signing Evertonians are craving. Since they will not be alone in their admiration for the United man, this could prove to be a hell of a transfer saga.
Wilfried Bony
Ivorian Bony has had a turgid spell at Manchester City. His goal return has been poor, and he has joined the list of City signings which have not worked out. However, at Swansea he was one of the league’s most clinical strikers. After his move from Vitesse Arnhem he banged in goal after goal and developed a reputation for a lethal finish and powerful shooting. A fresh start at Everton could prove to be just what Bony needs. The Blues would receive a proven Premier League goalscorer to deputise, or even partner, talisman Romelu Lukaku.
