An exodus at Goodison Park has begun. First was Tim Howard, the veteran American keeper, followed by Steven Pienaar – who were both told their contracts were not to be renewed this summer.
Tony Hibbert was next on the hit-list after a 16 year career on Merseyside, alongside fellow Everton veteran Leon Osman. Both are new free agents at the age of 35.
While the above may have had little impact (besides Howard) at Goodison over the past year, that is still a lot of experience leaving the club in one foul swoop, and that is experience that must be replaced by new Toffee’s boss Ronald Koeman.
Roberto Martinez began to build a strong Everton team around the young and exciting core of John Stones, Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku, however in truth – struggled for options besides the trio and often lacked the quality in depth, and the quality in experience, to support them.
While Phil Jagielka and Gareth Barry were able to do so in part, it would be hard to argue that the English duo are likely to form part of a title challenging squad. So Koeman has a huge job ahead of him this summer: firstly hang on those at the core of his side; secondly bring in proven quality; and thirdly provide the necessary experienced figures to guide the squad forward.
That is no easy feat, but if the Toffee’s are to line up like this next season, our fans at the Transfer Tavern think they may just surprise a few people and even challenge for the title. Do you agree?
GK – Maarten Stekelenburg
The 6”6 giant was second choice at Southampton thanks to the good form of Englishman Fraser Forster during his loan spell from Fulham last season, but has plenty to offer still including a plethora of experience – the highlight having been first choice keeper as Holland finished runner-up in the 2010 World Cup.
A reunion with Koeman is allegedly on the cards.
RB – Seamus Coleman
The Irishman can come home from Euro 2016 with his head held high, having had a brilliant tournament with the Republic of Ireland in which his side reached the last 16.
Coleman has been an excellent servant for Everton over the past 8 years since his move from Sligo Rovers for the bargain price of only £60,000.
CB – John Stones
The most wanted centre-back in English football, holding onto one of England’s brightest young prospects is a must for Ronald Koeman this summer.
While impressive last season, Stones sometimes lacked maturity and needed an experienced body besides him.
CB – Virgil Van Dijk
And that experience could come in the form of another former Southampton man Virgil Van Dijk, who had an excellent debut Premier League season at St. Mary’s in the previous campaign.
Big, strong and a commanding figure at the back, the Dutchman could be the perfect compliment to Stones.
LB – Aleksandar Kolarov
Leighton Baines has really struggled to find his form over the past two seasons, and apart from the occasional spectacular free-kick, has fallen into the realms of mediocrity.
Kolarov is one of those who are likely to get the chop at City before the season is over, and could provide Premier League winning quality down the left flank for the Toffee’s if they can steal his signature.
CDM – Ozan Tufan
Dubbed the ‘Turkish Toure’, Tufan as attracted a host of attention from Europe’s finest including Everton following his excellent season with Turkish side Fenerbahce.
At only 21-years-old, the Turkey international still has plenty to learn but his dominating performances – including a goal against the Czech Republic – at Euro 2016 certainly didn’t do his reputation any harm.
CDM – Morgan Schneiderlin
Bringing in players you know may be just the solution that Ronald Koeman opts for, as he looks to make a quick impact at Goodison Park.
His former star midfielder Scheniederlin is said to be a huge target for the new manager having had a hit-and-miss season for United.
When at his best, the Frenchman is formidable in midfield.
LAM – Juan Mata
Mata and Jose Mourinho are not a match made in heaven – and the Spaniard now once again seems set for departure following the appointment of the Portuguese boss at Old Trafford.
The Toffee’s have become favourites to secure the skilful attacking midfielders signature, and could provide them with excellent quality and vital experience of playing at the highest level.
RAM – Andriy Yarmolenko
Will he? Won’t he? That has been the story of the Ukrainian winger’s Everton transfer saga over the past few summers, with the club heavily linked with a move for him for a long period of time now.
This summer may be the one they finally get there man. And that man is a goal machine from out wide – 113 in total in nearly 300 appearances for Dynamo Kiev.
CAM – Ross Barkley
Sometimes unbelievably brilliant, and at others frustratingly underwhelming – Barkley certainly has the ability but needs to develop the consistency to match.
Last season started brilliantly as the Englishman was scoring freely and providing plenty of chances from behind Romelu Lukaku – but dipped off towards the seasons end.
ST – Romelu Lukaku
The stand-out performer of last season, Lukaku scored 25 goals in all competitions for Everton and has been heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer.
The Toffee’s should hold on to him, as at their disposal they have a young, hungry and powerful forward who – apart from an occasionally dodgy first touch – has it all in his locker.
