Everton could be in the market for new signings next month.
Everton were busy in the summer transfer window, but after a patchy run of results of late, director of football Marcel Brands may need to dip back into the market against in January.
Marco Silva may be keen on seeing some new faces arrive next month, and with that in mind, here is a five-point plan for Everton’s upcoming transfer window…
1. Sign a new striker
Richarlison has worked admirably in attack this season, converting from a left winger to a centre forward, but only out of necessity. Everton’s other options – Cenk Tosun, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Oumar Niasse – are far from regular goalscorers, so the impetus will be on Brands to go out and find another goalscorer, just a year after Everton splashed out to bring Tosun in from Besiktas.
2. Consider landing another right back
It’s sad to see and say, but Seamus Coleman may just be finished as a top Premier League right back. Injury and age appear to be creeping up on the Irishman now, and he has looked out of his depth at times this season. With Jonjoe Kenny unlikely to be the answer, Everton need to go and identify another right back to bring in, either for January or next season.
3. Offload the dead wood
Some players like Davy Klaassen and Ramiro Funes Mori were shifted out of Goodison Park, but there is still work to do for Brands in terms of trimming some names from the Everton squad. Morgan Schneiderlin and Oumar Niasse are two players that need to be moved on, whilst loan exits for the likes of Mason Holgate, Beni Baningime and Kieran Dowell would be ideal too, making the squad smaller whilst giving them experience elsewhere.
4. Enquire about Gomes and Zouma deals
Whilst Brands ensured that most summer signings were permanent, two players are only on loan in Andre Gomes and Kurt Zouma, with no purchase clause in their deals. Gomes has dazzled in the Everton midfielder, and Everton must speak to Barcelona about a permanent deal before any other clubs begin to sniff around. Zouma hasn’t been quite as impressive, but it would still be smart to try and find out what it would cost to lure him to Goodison Park for the long-term.
5. Keep hold of Ademola Lookman
Forward Lookman may not have enjoyed a stunning return to Everton having starred on loan at RB Leipzig in the second half of last season, but his potential is there for all to see. RB Leipzig may well be keen on a permanent return for the ex-Charlton youngster, but Everton must stand firm and keep him at the club, and look to develop him in Silva’s setup.
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