Ronald Koeman’s revolution at Everton has already started this summer, with the Merseyside club linked with many top players already.
Backed by new money, after Farhad Moshiri’s purchase of a 49.9% stake in Everton, much emphasis has been put on who the Toffees should look to recruit this summer.
Despite Koeman taking over what is considered to be decent squad, there are questions marks over various players about whether they are the right men to push the club back into the top 10 and beyond.
Finishing 11th last season, certain members of the squad didn’t pull their weight, some were not available most of the season, and others just don’t have the talent necessary.
While its unclear as to who the former Southampton boss will look to sign, what is crystal clear is the fact a lot of individuals must improve.
We’re looking at you, John Stones. And you Ross Barkley.
Still, what the Dutchman must do is rid the club of some of the deadwood picked up during Roberto Martinez’s bizarre recruitment drive.
Here we look at FOUR players that Koeman should sell before the start of the season…
Aiden McGeady
There has been calls for the winger to leave for over a year now. Linked with a move away in January last season, Everton failed to find a permanent move for the Irish International, with him going on loan to Sheffield Wednesday.
Despite dropping down a division for the second half of the campaign, the Republic of Ireland still failed to impress, being left out of both the playoff semi-final and final.
Having only made 32 appearances and scoring 1 goal for Everton since joining in 2014, there are few who would disagree that McGeady is one of the first that Koeman needs to show the door.
Ourmar Niasse
Arriving at Goodison Park in January for a significant fee of £13.5 million, Ourmar Niasse could be set to join the likes of Manchester United’s Bebe on the list of the Premier League’s most expensive flops.
Making just two appearances for the Toffees, he failed to grab a goal or make any kind of impression on the pitch during his 7 months with the club.
With the Daily Mirror reporting that Koeman has made it clear to the club that Niasse is unlikely to be part of his plans going forward, it looks as though Senegalese’s time at Everton could come to an early end. And rightly so!
Darron Gibson
Signed by David Moyes back in 2012, Darron Gibson looked to be a promising signing. Still in his early twenties, he had Champions League experience, international experience, and had even scored a screamer against Bayern Munich.
The reality over the last four years has been vastly different from what Everton fans expected.
After all there is a reason that in Gibson’s first season with Everton, not once in his 11 appearances did the Irishman end up on the losing side.
However the fact is, he has only made 51 appearances since joining, and netted just 2 goals. During the 2013-14 season Gibson suffered a serious knee injury, and has only made 17 appearances over the past 3 seasons in the Premier League.
Despite signing a new contract recently, it seems a suitable time to let the former Manchester United prodigy rebuild his once promising career elsewhere.
Arouna Kone
Ex-Wigan Athletic player Arouna Kone has been at Everton since 2013, making 42 appearances and scoring 6 goals in the Premier League.
He impressed on occasions last season, even managing a hat-trick against Sunderland in November. However despite the positives of last season, Kone is now 32, has had various injury problems, and is unlikely to be anywhere near the first 11 next season.
Kone resembles the Everton of old. A player that filled a void, someone who was relatively cheap, and might grab a goal or two coming off the bench.
However with new money, a new manager, and a new sense of hope restored among Everton supporters, it seems time to let out the old and bring in the new.
What do you think Everton fans?! Would you be happy to let all these players leave? Who would you sell and who would you keep? Let us know in the comments below!
