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Everton have indeed been very busy this summer, adding players to the senior side, the Under-23s and even building up the Ladies team. After adding two more players yesterday in Sandro Ramirez and Michael Keane, today’s news has some players going the other way, to Sunderland on season-long loans.
BREAKING: Sunderland on the verge of a double-signing from Everton. Defenders Brendan Galloway & Tyias Browning en route for medicals.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) July 4, 2017
Left back Brendan Galloway was signed by Everton in August 2014 on a five-year deal. After playing for the youth side for the majority of that season, he made his first senior team appearance right at the end of the season in an away win at West Ham United before making his senior home début against Tottenham Hotspur on the last day of the season.
The 21-year-old has played in 21 games for the Everton senior side before being loaned out to West Bromwich Albion for most of last season. He has been a regular England youth international in that period as well, though he is eligible for Zimbabwe national duty as well.
Sunderland are also in advanced negotiations with Everton's Aiden McGeady. Galloway & Browning closer to completion, though.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) July 4, 2017
Tyias Browning is a centreback who has been with Everton since he was ten years old. Also an England youth international, Browning has featured for the Everton senior side in nine games. He has been out on loan twice, to Wigan Athletic for a month in 2014 and then at Preston North End for the latter half of last season.
While the opportunity to get Browning some competitive minutes in the Championship makes a lot of sense, the Galloway deal is puzzling. He seemed to do decently enough at left back, but like Mason Holgate on the opposite wing, he is a natural centerhalf who has made the switch to the outside.
Loaning out Galloway leaves Ronald Koeman short on cover for regular starter Leighton Baines, with Luke Garbutt the only recognized left back in the squad.
Brendan Galloway & Tyias Browning both season-long loans for Sunderland. Aiden McGeady a permanent deal, but still a bit of work to do there
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) July 4, 2017
It was quite clear to winger Aiden McGeady that Koeman did not rate him and he would be on his way out despite a very good season at Preston North End saw him announced as the club’s Player of the Season. However it appears the Lilywhites have dragged their feet in making his term permanent, and now the Republic of Ireland international will follow manager Simon Grayson to Wearside.