Everton Season Preview: Analyzing the Transfer Window

So far this transfer window has been going rather well for Everton, wrapping up deals for former loanees Gareth Barry and Romelu Lukaku, as well as Bosnian star Mohamed Besic and youngster Brendan Galloway. All this for only the loss of Gerard Deulofeu from last season’s squad. If these moves were all that were to be completed this window, people probably wouldn't be overly disappointed. However, Roberto Martinez is not finished yet, claiming that he wants to sign at least one more player before September, with the priority being a winger to help out Kevin Mirallas, Steven Pienaar, and Aiden McGeady with the extra games this season. Here we will see who that could possibly be, and if there are any other positions that could end up being strengthened.

So Far…

The signings so far have managed to fill the gaps that were left by the loan players leaving last year, as well as strengthening slightly in central midfield. The permanent signings of Romelu Lukaku and Gareth Barry obviously mean that no other players will be needed to replace them following their loans, and also keep continuity with the squad from last season. Mohamed Besic will strengthen central midfield, hopefully meaning that the fatigue we saw late last season from McCarthy and Barry won’t happen again. Lastly, Brendan Galloway, a young centre back, will at first be training with the Under 21’s, but as seen by the progress of Stones, Barkley, and to an extent Garbutt last season, he could soon be providing back up to the ageing legs of Jagielka and Distin in the first eleven.

Who Else Could Come In?

All this has left just Gerard Deulofeu replaced from last season’s loan stars, with the signing of another striker to back up Lukaku also still a possibility. Here the players that Everton have been linked to with this in mind…

Christian Atsu

The pacy Ghanaian winger from Chelsea has been in a ‘will he, won’t he’ relationship with an Everton move for a while now. He would be a direct replacement for Deulofeu, a young, lightning fast winger to back up our current crop, playing mostly from the bench. This would seem to be the problem Chelsea have with the move, with them apparently wanting guarantees on how much 1^st team action he will get. Everton, understandably, are not willing to guarantee any, and this move has stalled. It’s looking more and more likely that he will end up moving to a Premier League club a bit further down the totem pole. However, with how this move has been going, he also could well be an Everton player by the time this goes out. Who knows?

Nolito

The Celta Vigo man, a winger in the Kevin Mirallas mould, was rumoured to be linked since last week in the Liverpool Echo. His scoring of a hat trick against Everton in a preseason friendly has seen the rumours intensify. At least 27 years old, he is older than Atsu, and likely more expensive, with a permanent move the only kind likely. With 14 goals in 35 appearances last season, he could relieve the pressure on Lukaku for goals, if he were to sign.

Salomon Kalou

The Lille front man, who can play out wide or more centrally, has been linked with a loan move to Everton by the Express. With Lille looking to reduce their wage bill, he is apparently on the way out, however, both Arsenal and Liverpool have also been linked. With 16 goals in 37 appearances last season he is another who would help on the scoring front, and with prior experience in England with Chelsea, he could hit the ground running.

Hatem Ben Arfa

The tricky French winger from Newcastle wants out, and he could be going to Everton, according to various rumours. Good enough that Newcastle attempted to build a team around him a couple of years ago, he could be a good signing. However, an apparent bad attitude and fitness problems would be drawbacks with this deal. It would also probably have to be permanent, stretching Everton’s already straining purse strings.

Lacina Traore

The deal that has apparently been ‘close’ for about two months now, the 6’8 Ivorian would be back up for Lukaku. His 100% goal scoring record for Everton last season knocked somewhat by the fact that he only played one game, Martinez has stayed keen on him even through the injury problems. This one could be decided by whether Radamel Falcao leaves their club Monaco. If Falcao goes he stays, if he doesn't, then he could well be out on loan again.

All in all, it looks like Everton will be signing at least one more player this transfer window. Whether it be Atsu, Traore, or Messi (I know, unlikely, but we can dream) though, no one knows. Is there anyone you would like to see Everton sign? Let us know in the comments below…