Everton fans can look forward to a summer of intrigue in the transfer market as new boss Marco Silva is targeting some exciting stars. The former Watford and Hull manager has a reputation for demanding free-flowing, attacking football and he is determined to overhaul his squad during the transfer window. Yannick Bolasie, Ashley Williams and Morgan Schneiderlin are all set for the axe, while Leighton Baines could be off to the MLS along with Wayne Rooney. The names being touted to replace those underachievers should spark enthusiasm among fans as there are some talented players in the mix and the owner’s ambition is clear.
The Toffees could have a midfield partnership of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jack Wilshere heading into the new campaign, if the rumours are to be believed. Chelsea’s Loftus-Cheek shone while on loan at Crystal Palace last season, forcing his way into the England squad with some eye-catching performances. He has dazzled at the World Cup, playing with power, flair and positivity to become a key member of Gareth Southgate’s team. Chelsea’s midfield is highly competitive, and the Blues are likely to loan him out again, and Everton are right in the mix to capture him for the 2018/19 season.
That would represent an upgrade on Schneiderlin, and allow Everton to transition between defence and attack better. The Toffees are also vying for the signature of Wilshere, available on a free transfer after his contract ran down at Arsenal. It would be risky, as he has a terrible injury record, but on his day he is one of the most gifted English players of the last 20 years. Everton may not sign both of them, as Gylfi Sigurdsson should nail down the number 10 role and Idrissa Gueye looks decent in the holding midfield position, but the best teams all have competition for places.
Rooney’s departure leaves room to sign another striker to battle with Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin for a starting berth. Ademola Lookman should be welcomed back after a fine spell on loan in Germany with RB Leipzig, and Everton would do well to keep hold of him. But Silva is also said to be interested in signing Rodrigo, who banged in 16 goals for Valencia as they secured a top four spot in La Liga last season.
It is refreshing to see the club planning a clear out and overhauling the squad. There was a great deal of optimism ahead of the previous season and it all went south, as many overpaid stars failed to deliver on their promise. It might also be worth shipping out Davy Klaassen, while some fringe players can also go. Silva appears keen to put his stamp on the team, and that sounds positive. If you read a review of Bookmaker and find the best odds on the market, you will see that Everton are not given much chance of breaking into the top six next season.
That is fair, after their struggles in 2017/18, but they could surprise a few people if Silva gets the right balance between attacking thrust and defensive solidity. His teams have always played exciting football, but Everton need a stronger backbone. Replacing Williams could be crucial. Michael Keane has underwhelmed, Phil Jagielka is past his best and defensive reinforcements are clearly needed. Links with the likes of Wilshere, Loftus-Cheek and Rodrigo are great, but it is more important to rebuild a defence that is capable of grinding out results over the course of a long season. If he cracks that, Silva could well lead Everton back into the top six, fuelling greater investment in future.