Everton will head into the off-season with 12 players departing from their current squad. The seven players whose contracts run out in the summer and the five loan players returning to their parent club leave a large hole in the team. Last Word on Football will look into each player to see who the club should keep for next year’s Everton squad.
Who Will Return To The Everton Squad Next Season
Loan Players In The Everton Squad
The only loan player who looks certain to return next season is Carlos Alcaraz. The Argentinian has had an odd path to Merseyside, first getting his big move from Southampton to Juventus on loan and then moving to South America at the start of the season. He is just 22 years old and can provide depth across the midfield. His £12.5 million fee will be paid as he is on track to meet the criteria that will trigger the obligation to buy for Everton.
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Armando Broja and Orel Mangala have both struggled with injuries in their time at the club. The former has a long history of failing to stay fit and his £30 million option to buy won’t be picked up by Everton. But he has had his moments, if they are able to re-sign him on a loan to provide depth up front it could be beneficial for both parties. Mangala is in a similar position, his performances prior to his season-ending ACL injury were promising. Signing a player off of something that has altered many careers is risky. Another loan spell to provide depth in the middle would be ideal.
The duo of Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison have been Everton’s starting wingers for the last two months. They have been a much-needed cover for Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye who suffered injuries during some of the team’s most important games. But they have just two goal contributions in the league between them. Everton will be looking elsewhere for winger depth next season.
Players Set To Leave Everton
Some long-term servants will leave the after this campaign. Michael Keane is likely to end his eight-year stint at the club this summer. The former Burnley centre-back has not started since matchweek 10 and the emergence of Jake O’Brien will mean that playing time will be hard to come by. At 32 years old it could be his last chance to play top-flight football consistently with a move.
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin has all but confirmed his departure from the Toffees. Rumours of a move to Newcastle were floating around in January but his landing spot in the summer is yet to be known. He leaves the side third on their all-time Premier League goalscoring list, just 11 behind leader Romelu Lukaku. While his form has diminished in the last few seasons he was critical to the club staying up in their relegation fights and his goal against Crystal Palace in 2022 showed it.
Players To Bring Back If On Everton Friendly Deal
Everton have an ageing squad and players like Ashley Young and Abdoulaye Doucoure are a part of the older contingent. Young will be 40 by the time the next term starts but has recently shown he still has some left in the tank. As a rotational piece used only if necessary, his versatility has helped this season’s thin squad.
Doucoure has been great in patches for the Toffees. The club did not pick up the option to extend his current contract for another season, but if they can negotiate a lower contract from the one that saw him as one of the highest earners his return is possible. If the Malian international does leave Merseyside he will always have his goal against Bournemouth that saved the team from relegation.
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Joao Virgina joined the club in 2018 and has spent the majority of his time in the U21 or as the second goalkeeper. He has proven capable when called upon and if he is happy to stay as second choice there should be no reason for the club not to re-sign him.
Club captain Seamus Coleman joined the club in 2009 for £60,000, a shockingly low transfer fee for what he has done for Everton. The Irishman is rumoured to be considering his retirement but if he wants one more season in blue the club will inevitably have him stay.
Players That Need To Be In The Everton Squad Next Season
There is a chance that Everton won’t head into next season with their current best outfield player in the squad. Idrissa Gueye has been by far and away the most consistent player outside of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The Senegalese international will be 36 years old by the year’s end but his importance to the current team cannot be understated. Moyes has used him in every league match that he has been in charge of. Gueye has the most tackles in all of Europe this season and the club needs to do what they can to secure his services for at least one more season.
