Everton announced the loan-to-buy signing of Conor Coady from Wolves on Monday evening and the defender was in Toffees training on Tuesday – with a video shared by Everton of how Frank Lampard and the squad welcomed him.
Coady, 29, has opted to leave Wolves despite being a mainstay in the side over the years – and of course, being their captain. He joins Everton initially on loan, with Lampard’s side boasting the chance to make a deal permanent.
It comes after he was left out of the starting XI on Saturday against Leeds at Elland Road. Manager Bruno Lage has reverted to a four-man defence, partnering new signing Nathan Collins with Wolves product Max Kilman.
Coady was demoted to the bench and that has seemingly convinced the England international to depart. His desperation to be a part of Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad is a big part of his decision to leave Wolves.
The move was announced on Monday and Everton posted a video of Lampard addressing the Everton squad before training on Tuesday. The Toffees uploaded a video of Lampard and the Everton players welcoming him before training.
Video: How Lampard and Everton welcomed Coady
What a signing this is for Everton. Wolves, meanwhile, will surely be regretting the decision to let Coady go. Hugely reliable, one of England’s best centre-backs and a player that will surely improve the Toffees during 2022-23.
Everton finished in 16th and only avoided relegation in the final couple of games last season. Lampard will be keen to avoid that. Bringing in Coady hugely improves their chances of doing that – alongside James Tarkowski.
Everton travel to Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa for a Saturday lunchtime kick-off. Coady could be handed a start at centre-back. Especially, with Yerry Mina suffering an injury during the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last weekend.
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