Few clubs will envy Everton’s start to the Premier League season, but their transfer business leaves them well equipped.
The Premier League’s television rights-holders this week selected fixtures from the first seven weekends of the season to be shown live in the UK.
And surprisingly, Everton – set for an intriguing campaign under Ronald Koeman – were picked only three times.
Even if British TV companies have opted against focusing heavily on the Toffees, though, neutrals will be watching closely to see how the Goodison Park club fare early on in the season.
Star man Romelu Lukaku is reportedly set to leave – with the BBC claiming a fee of £75million has been agreed with Manchester United – and Everton face a tough start to the season.
There are consecutive clashes against Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and United across August and September, providing an early test to the top-six aspirations of Koeman’s side.
But wisely, with these fixtures in mind, Everton look to be prepared. Where other clubs might be waiting for bargains later in the transfer window, the Toffees have spent early and spent big.
Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen and Sandro Ramirez have already arrived and others will follow – Lukaku must be replaced.
If Everton are to challenge the elite this season, they must hit the ground running. They have given themselves the best possible chance.
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