Everton have officially qualified for the Europa League

West Bromwich Albion lost to Leicester City and thereby guaranteed seventh place at the very least for Everton, and the associated Europa League spot that will come with it this season. The Baggies now can only get to 56 points if they win all the remaining games on their schedule and the Blues lose out and stay on the current 58 points.

With at least seventh place assured, Everton can now start planning on a summer campaign that will involve Europa League qualifiers. The Toffees will enter the competition at the Third Qualifying Round, and play in a two-legged tie. Last season, West Ham United played in this round and their games were held in mid-July and the return leg in the first week of August.

The next step after that qualifier should the Blues progress is the Play-off Round. This two-legged tie is expected to be scheduled for mid-August and the end of the month. The Hammers were eliminated this season at this level.

The 2017-18 Premier League season is scheduled to kick-off on 12th August, which would mean that Everton would have to wrap up their preseason schedule at least a month before the start of the League season.

Wrapping up their summer transfer window business early and getting the new players in and embedded will be of paramount importance for the Blues in the next few months. The window will be open for the regular period like every year, opening on July 1st and closing on August 31st. However, with no major tournament being played this summer, players, agents and club officials will start talking well before that date.