Which Everton players could make early Goodison Park exits?

In case you might have missed it, the summer transfer window has already opened. Here’s the catch, though - it’s only opened in England, which makes buying and selling players a little difficult in the next two or so weeks.

The window does not open until June 1 in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few Everton players who could be on their way out of the club between now and then, potentially landing with another domestic side. Who could they be?

Ashley Williams

This much is clear - the Welshman cannot play another match for Everton after his petulant display against Burnley earlier this season. Indeed, he wasn’t seen in the match-day squad again after that, and it was one of the rare decisions by Sam Allardyce that Blues everywhere agreed with.

Finding a home for a now-terrible 33 year old defender on Premier League wages could be difficult, but perhaps Swansea City would welcome Williams home. Formerly the Swans’ captain, Williams could provide his old club with a sense of perceived stability as they adjust to life in the Championship. Would Everton even be willing to subsidize some of his wages, given there’s just a year left on Williams’ contract? Could be worth asking.

James McCarthy

This one is a little trickier, as it’s almost a given that McCarthy could not pass a physical while he recuperates from the horrible leg break he suffered against West Bromwich Albion.

We include him, though, because the Irishman has been subject to a lot of interest from around the country, including from Leicester City and Crystal Palace.

We wish James all the best in his recovery, but with Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin holding down the starters’ spots, Tom Davies and Beni Baningime lurking, Kieran Dowell and Mo Besic on the books, and the likelihood of a new midfielder joining up this summer, it seems probable that #16’s days are numbered at Goodison Park.

Kevin Mirallas

Seemingly another case where there is not a way back to Everton for the player, Mirallas’ loan to Olympiakos was cut short by the Greek club, due to what appeared to be a lack of performance.

After unceremoniously crashing out of the Premier League and failing in Greece, would any club in England offer a transfer fee for the Belgian? Unlikely. Our best guess is that he ends up back in his home country before August 9th.

Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Oumar Niasse

Another Blue to have been linked with Crystal Palace, Niasse has also been scouted by Brighton and West Brom. The Senegalese striker’s future at Everton is as clear as mud. Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are a fairly competent pairing, and Sam Allardyce had spoken about acquiring another 15-goal striker.

Whether or not the club brass agree with that approach remains to be seen, but Niasse may not want to spend another season as a super-sub.

Maarten Stekelenburg

Joel Robles is almost assuredly headed to Spain, and given Stek’s age and injury trouble, it would not be a surprise if Everton elect to completely revamp their goalkeeping depth over the next few months. In addition to Everton, the Dutchman has also had spells at Southampton and Fulham during his career. Would a similarly-sized English club welcome the experience between the sticks?