The fresh campaign is ready to begin and we’ll soon discover the solutions to numerous questions that lingered throughout the summer break.
Can Everton build upon the encouraging aspects of last term – those notable victories on the road at Manchester United, Aston Villa and the partial shift towards a more attacking approach, at least when Jack Grealish was fit?
Or will the disappointing conclusion to the previous season carry over into this one – will the frustration of missing out on a European spot that seemed within reach prove too difficult to shake off?
The first indication will arrive when they face Crystal Palace on Saturday and, looking ahead to that encounter – with just under two weeks remaining before the transfer market shuts – Everton FC correspondent Joe Thomas addresses supporters’ queries.
Could we pull off an unexpected signing in the coming fortnight? Neil P
Absolutely. This remains a genuine possibility. Examining the Friedkin Group’s summer recruitment approach since entering football, they clearly recognise the value of supporter morale boosts through significant acquisitions.
At Roma, they executed a similar strategy by securing Tammy Abraham from Chelsea in 2021, subsequently adding high-profile talents like Romelu Lukaku, Paulo Dybala, and Artem Dovbyk as they pushed towards and then secured Champions League qualification, at which point they concentrated on genuine squad strengthening.
They replicated this approach last summer, their first in charge of Everton, through the loan arrangement for Jack Grealish.
There appears to be recognition that supporters are bringing some of the frustration from last season into their expectations for this one, and alongside their established pattern, this suggests to me that ruling out a late, high-profile acquisition would be unwise – whether that involves Grealish’s potential return, an exciting addition at right-back, or another player entirely.
How concerning is Christian Norgaard’s injury situation? David 1878
I don’t believe Christian Norgaard’s knock is particularly severe, though I understand why people might view the situation with some concern.
He was required to pass a medical examination to complete his move to Everton, so for the transfer to have proceeded, the medical staff must have been satisfied he wasn’t carrying any significant issues.
I believe it’s the blend of a shortened pre-season programme alongside an injury that might slow his return to full match fitness, but provided there are no complications, he shouldn’t be sidelined for an extended period. David Moyes will ideally offer more specifics at his Friday press conference.
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Are we confident about securing Jack Grealish’s return? RFD
We’re still in a scenario where Everton don’t hold the cards on this one. Everton, as Angus Kinnear informed the BBC, have been monitoring the possibility of his comeback throughout the summer and there’s substantial reason to think both the club and player would welcome a reunion.
First, however, new City manager Enzo Maresca must determine he’s not required – a decision that appears still pending given Grealish came on as a substitute in the Community Shield. With Tottenham Hotspur engaged in discussions with City regarding Omar Marmoush and Savinho, there may be a willingness to retain Grealish – at least until new options are recruited.
Should Grealish receive clearance to leave, City’s priority will be to secure a transfer fee for him and only after that avenue has been fully exhausted might they consider a loan arrangement.
I believe Everton would welcome Grealish’s return but they may need to exercise patience, hoping no wealthy clubs attempt to tempt him elsewhere, for a deal to materialise. The positive aspect is that he appears to be fully fit.
I’m curious which Under-21 players are likely to depart on development loans before the deadline? They performed impressively on Tuesday evening against Stockport County. Adam
Thanks Adam, this will be worth monitoring and I’m surprised there haven’t been any movements ahead of the EFL season commencing – though most of the senior academy players who would have been first in line to move – Tyler Onyango, Frankie Okoronkwo, Roman Dixon and Reece Welch – departed the club during the summer (and all have found clubs in the Football League).
I’d anticipate defenders Eli Campbell and Will Tamen to move on – both have already experienced loan spells. George Pickford enjoyed a brief but positive stint at Southport and should look to build upon that this campaign, which would allow Doug Lukjanciks to accumulate more Under-21s appearances. George Finney, who was at Ayr United last season, also requires senior football (I felt he performed well for the first team during the opening weeks of the summer).
The other significant case, for me, is Braiden Graham. I can appreciate why David Moyes might view the first team as too big a jump right now but he urgently requires a greater test. He has dominated opposing defences at Under-18s and Under-21s already and shouldn’t be permitted to continue doing so despite his age. He played senior football for Linfield at just 15 and I’d be keen to see him receive an innovative loan placement this season.
I’m tired of us being associated with so many right-backs and failing to sign any. Who do you believe is our actual target? Shaun
You’re not alone in that frustration, Shaun! I believe Guela Doue would be the preference of most, including some within the club, though also the priciest option. Kinnear acknowledged the search has extended beyond his preferred timeline but in his media appearances this week stated the aim was the correct player, not simply the one who could be signed most swiftly. Whatever discussions occur internally about which section of the club favours which player, the ultimate outcome will be how everyone is assessed. Given how prolonged this has become, I believe there would be considerable annoyance if the final solution turns out to be a temporary one.