It has been a slow start to the transfer window for Everton. Recent changes in the boardroom are the main driver behind it, but there are also Financial Fair Play concerns casting a shadow over the Merseyside outfit. Sean Dyche is attempting to mould a squad that can avoid relegation after last season’s final-day drama. Last Word on Sports looks at the likely options available to Everton ahead of the 2023/24 season and put together a predicted starting lineup.
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Everton Predicted Lineup: Sean Dyche Targeting Key Positions
Everton Attempting to Boost Transfer Funds With Player Departures
Recruiting a new focal point in attack is the number one priority for Dyche. The overhaul of the current options is well underway, Moise Kean has officially joined Juventus on a permanent deal, and Ellis Simms has left for Championship side Coventry. Combined fees for these two departures could be reinvested into a new striker. Andros Townsend, Tom Davies and Yerry Mina are moving on after their contracts ended. Conor Coady has moved on after his loan deal expired and will play in the Championship with Leicester City this season.
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Amadou Onana was linked with a move to Chelsea earlier in this summer transfer window, but it seems they may have moved on as news on this deal has gone quiet. Onana rejected a move to West Ham last summer in favour of a move to Everton, but there are rumours that David Moyes may go back in for the Belgium international. Alex Iwobi has re-ignited his Everton career after moving into a more central role. West Ham are also rumoured to have an interest in Iwobi.
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One Confirmed New Signing – Many More to Follow?
Ashley Young has joined on a free transfer from Aston Villa. Everton were linked with a move for Anthony Elanga, but the wide player now looks set to join Nottingham Forest. The 21-year-old is predominately a left winger who has fallen behind Garnacho, Sancho and Anthony in the pecking order at Old Trafford. With Dwight McNeil and Demarai Gray currently the only recognised wide players in the squad, another signing is likely. Everton have made a move for winger Arnaut Danjuma once again, he also turned down a move to Everton in January. The Villareal man is reportedly worth £21.5 million, and was on loan at Tottenham after joining in the January transfer window.
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Addressing the lack of depth up top to support Dominic Calvert Lewin and Neil Maupay, Almeria’s El Bilal Toure is attracting interest from Everton. The Mali striker scored seven goals in La Liga last season, but there may be competition for his signature, with Atalanta also interested per Fabrizio Romano.
The most exciting potential addition is Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto. The 19-year-old Italian international has shown flashes of excellence despite Leeds’ relegation last season. Despite being deployed as a left winger, he can play up top and is comfortable operating off the main striker, so his versatility could be vital for Everton this season.
Squad Depth – Will it be Enough For Everton to Avoid Relegation?
Dyche played three at the back on the final day of last season, but the four full-backs currently on the squad list operate better as traditional full-backs – as opposed to wing-backs. On the few occasions that either Frank Lampard or Dyche attempted to open up and play a more attacking style, Everton were exposed and suffered convincing defeats. A 4-2-3-1 that may merge into a 4-5-1 away from home is the most likely formation for this Everton team.
Assuming one of Onana or Iwobi moves on, the remaining player will be the first choice in the starting lineup. James Garner, Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure all offer different qualities and are the main options to be the second-choice midfielder. Doucoure scored some important goals last season and was second only to McNeil’s seven goals with five in the Premier League for Everton. Dele Alli has returned after his loan spell at Besiktas. It would be an incredible story if he could overcome the horrible circumstances he has to deal with and make an impact on this team next season.
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The forward areas are very much in the balance until some new signings are announced. McNeil has been a reliable asset for Dyche on more than one occasion and should cement his place in the regular starting line-up. The fitness of Calvert-Lewin will be key for Everton this season, but the potential signings of Toure and Gnonto would provide some much-needed competition for Everton’s number nine.
Everton Predicted Lineup 4-2-3-1
Pickford, Patterson, Tarkowski, Holgate, Mykolenko, Onana, Gueye, Danjuma, Gnonto, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin.
Main Photo Credit: Kathrin Mezger on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
