The Everton supporting punters here in the Transfer Tavern are not sure what to make of this season, and just hope that the club push on from here and challenge near the top of the table.
Sat seventh in the Premier League, Everton are sat in the sort of position that you would expect this season but their FA Cup third round exit at the hands of Leicester City last weekend was an extremely bitter blow.
Needing a fair share of luck to secure a place in European competitions next season, Ronald Koeman needs to be wise with his spending this month and secure transfers for players that can improve the squad immediately and in the long-term.
Koeman has already overseen two midfield deals this month, securing Morgan Schneiderlin from Manchester United and sending Tom Cleverley on-loan to Everton, but his work at Goodison Park is far from complete.
If Everton want to have any chance of sneaking into the European places, further signings are needed and signing players this month would also help for next season- as it would give them half a campaign to settle into the rigours of the Premier League.
These two targets should be right up Everton’s street and Koeman needs to press to get a deal over the line.
Memphis Depay
Outside of Romelu Lukaku, Everton have struggled in attack this season and Memphis Depay could be the solution.
Available for a price of around £15m, the Dutch winger presents an affordable option and Ronald Koeman could get the best out of his compatriot.
Still just 22, Depay has plenty of ability to develop and should excel in the future. Things haven’t quite gone his way at Old Trafford but his career is still on an impressive trajectory and this could work in Everton’s favour over the coming years.
Virgil Van Dijk
A signing that would be a sensational coup, Everton need to flex their muscles in the transfer market and make a move for Southampton’s Virgil Van Dijk.
One of the finest defenders in the Premier League, there’s no doubt Van Dijk would improve Everton’s back-line.
The Toffees will have to compete with a host of top-sides for the Dutch defender’s signature but signing Van Dijk would be a real statement of intent.
He could prove to be expensive but there’s no doubt it would be money well spent by Koeman.
