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Surely these are signs of new times for the proud People’s Club known as Everton.
Long been the butt of transfer jokes (Arteta money, Riquelme signing, Sissoko fiasco, and countless others), in the first full summer with Ronald Koeman in charge and Steve Walsh identifying targets, Everton are moving fast and efficiently with nary a peep from the Board, who have often been accused in the past of slowing the process down.
Early this morning, the Echo broke the news that the Toffees have agreed personal terms with Ajax Amsterdam captain and talisman Davy Klaassen. Previous reports during the week also indicated that the two clubs were very close to a deal with only a couple of million pounds separating the two.
Also earlier this week, reports surfaced that Everton had a deal in place to sign rising star goalkeeper Jordan Pickford from relegated Sunderland, with the transfer fees possibly rising up to £30m with add-ons, bonuses and like.
This would make Pickford the most expensive goalkeeper in the Premier League, but with his potential to rise to England’s No. 1, this is an entirely worthwhile endeavour. Besides, we have clearly established that value is in the eye of the beholder nowadays in world football.
And then there’s this too.
£30m for Jordan Pickford doesn't seem so bad when you remember it's what Spurs paid for Moussa Sissoko, and Pickford is a better midfielder.
— Jonny Sharples (@JonnyGabriel) June 13, 2017
What’s that you say? Well, have you seen Pickford’s distribution from the back?!
This season more than any other getting the new players in and embedded is of criticial importance with the Toffees having to play a Europa League qualifying round and facing four of last season’s top six within the first five games of the season.
Getting these two deals done and dusted is surely a sign of a new Everton, with close to £56m splashed on two big time players who will help elevate the Blues, and the transfer window hasn’t even started!