Everton supporters in the Transfer Tavern are eagerly anticipating the start of the new Premier League season, which for their side gets underway on Saturday.
Marco Silva’s men travel to newly-promoted Wolves on the first weekend of the 2018/19 campaign looking to build upon their eighth place finish in the top tier last time round, in what was ultimately a hugely underwhelming season for the Toffees. Ronald Koeman began the campaign in the hotseat and was backed to the tune of well over £100 million during the summer, only to lose his job in October, allowing Sam Allardyce to take over and lead the club away from danger.
Yet the Englishman was very unpopular among Evertonians and as such lost his job earlier in the summer, with many thrilled to see former Hull City and Watford chief Silva take the reins at Goodison Park, and thus lead them into the new season.
And with just a few days left of the transfer window, attentions are very much on what further business could take place on Merseyside this summer, what with the likes of Richarlison and Lucas Digne having joined the club, and Wayne Rooney one notable departure.
Ultimately, Everton boss Silva faces a crucial few days in trying to not only strengthen his squad but also retain some of his most prized assets, and as such here are the TWO most important things the Portuguese must do in the final few days of the window…
Interest in goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been rife in recent weeks following his extraordinary exploits for England at this summer’s World Cup, with Chelsea one side reportedly keen on him should Thibaut Courtois leave.
Former Sunderland shot-stopper Pickford enjoyed a fine debut season at Goodison Park in winning the club’s Player of the Season award, and he took that great form into the World Cup to help Gareth Southgate’s England reach the semi-finals, including making a fine save in their penalty shoot-out success over Colombia in the last 16.
And with Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea reportedly keen on the 24-year-old, Silva simply has to retain his services beyond Thursday’s 5pm deadline.
While splashing out £50 million on Richarlison could go some way to bolstering the winger ranks at Everton, there is no doubt that spending that and perhaps more on Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha would be a huge statement of intent from the Toffees.
The Ivory Coast international has comfortably been one of the best players outside of the Premier League’s top six in recent seasons in helping the Eagles retain their top-flight status, thus prompting reported interest from Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham, and indeed Everton this summer.
And while Palace have placed a hefty price-tag on the 25-year-old, he would surely be worth every penny, which is why Silva must make a move for Zaha in a bid to send out a message to other Premier League clubs that Everton seriously mean business this season.
