How to rebuild Everton
Steps to improve the blue side of Merseyside
Following the disappointing 10th position finish this season, and the news of manager Carlo Ancelloti’s departure to Real Madrid, Everton are again at a crossroads. Ever since David Moyes left for Manchester United in 2013, the club has been attempting to push on from potential European qualifying to household European name, but for various reasons have never achieved this objective. To do this, they will need to build on their solid foundation of players and hire a manager who plays with a clear philosophy, whilst balancing the books. Here are my suggestions for how to restore my club Everton to their former glory.
Offloading Players
The first job for the Director of Football Marcel Brands is to sell any players on high wages or players who are not needed/not good enough. Everton have several players who fit this criteria, who were signed by previous managers and have not panned out (Iwobi, Gomes, Tosun). They also have those players who command high wages for little impact (Bernard and Delph), who are draining the club. Selling these players could raise profits of up to £60 million (in an ideal world), which could go towards the transfer pot for new players.
The Manager
Breakdown
This is arguably the most important position to address following Ancelloti’s shock departure. Much fan criticism was levelled at the Italian’s style of play and tactics, which seemed to involve sitting back and relying on set pieces to win games. This led to Everton having their worst home form in Premier League history, and fans were sick of the defensive football. The next manager needs to have a distinct style of play, such as possession-based, counter-attacking or a pressing game, and they need to be both backed financially and given at least 2 years to get their style across.
Dream Options
Mauricio Pochettino
I have always been a fan of Pochettino, back to his Southampton days. His teams play exciting football, and the jobs he has done are the same required for the Everton job. He also has a strong connection to the players, which is required in modern management. With a strong budget, he could perform miracles for the club. However, it is unlikely he would take a step down and manage Everton, especially since he has been heavily linked with a return to former club Tottenham.
Gian Piero Gasperini
Another option I would love at Everton is Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini. He has turned Atalanta from a team finishing in the bottom half, to a team who consistently finishes in European places, with the last 3 years seeing them finish 3rd in the league. Gasperini’s Atalanta play an exciting, fast paced style, and average at least 2 goals every game. I would love that style of play at Goodison Park, but at 63 it is unclear if Atalanta will be his last project and whether he would want to go through another rebuild of a club.
Realistic Options
Nuno Espírito Santo
The bookies favourite currently is former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo. After turning Wolves into a 7th placed team for two consecutive seasons, the sale of winger Diogo Jota and the freak injury and loss of target man Raul Jimenez saw his team struggle last term, resulting in his departure from the club. Whilst I am fed up of signing managers either relegated or sacked from their former club, I believe Nuno is a great coach. He took Wolves from the Championship and made them challenge for Europe, and his connection to super agent Jorge Mendes could see the club get some great players.
Eddie Howe
If the club wants a young coach who can provide success to the club over a longer term, Eddie Howe could be worth taking a gamble on. Whilst not defensively the best, his team played nice football, and had a good balance of youth and experience. His final season was marked with expensive flop signings and a lot of injuries, but with a better team and a DoF who makes the signing decisions for him, he could be a great manager for the club. My only issue is that I would hate for the club to get a relegated manager yet again, as to me it shows no ambition.
The Right Back
Breakdown
With Seamus Coleman, Everton’s primary right back for the last decade, reaching his twilight footballing years, a new right back is a major priority. We have saw many come and go, such as Sidibe, Martina and Jonjoe Kenny, but we need a full back who is a threat going up the pitch and strong at the back. A major problem with Everton’s attacking this season is how predictable it is, as all attacks on the wing go through left back Lucas Digne. Having quality players on both sides makes us more unpredictable, and gives us greater threat going into the final third.
Dream Options
Max Aarons (£35 million)
A player extensively linked to Everton is Norwich’s Max Aarons. With the blues already taking Ben Godfrey from the newly promoted side, his teammate and friend could follow him to Goodison Park. A young and talented England U21 international, his pace, defensive strength and attacking potential is exactly what Everton lack on the right side of defence. The longer the window goes on, however, the less likely this deal becomes. Norwich have set a rather high fee for their right back, and it is unclear whether Marcel Brands would want to spend that much on one player when more are needed.
Zeki Celik (£13 million)
Another right back previously linked to the club was Lille’s Zeki Celik. The Turkish right back, who was a part of the team which recently won the French league, is available for a cut price, thanks in part to the Chinese broadcasting deal which fell through for the league. At 24, with impressive defensive stats and a tendency to stick wide and overlap the winger, he could become a key member of a new look Everton team. But, it is likely that, with other teams circling who can offer him European football, he may choose another more attractive option.
Realistic Options
Denzel Dumfries (£13–£15 million)
Recently linked to the club, Dumfries would be an excellent addition to the club. With PSV willing to offload the versatile right back, and with his connections to the Dutch DoF for Everton Marcel Brands, it is a deal which may be likely, and at a relatively bargain price. Another area he may address is the lack of leadership present in the Toffee’s first team, with his captain experience impressive at such a young age. The only issue with Denzel is that he works better in a 5 back defence, so the manager brought in will determine whether he fits the system adopted. Whilst he would work for Nuno’s counter attacking style, he may be wrong for a more balanced system.
Ridle Baku (£20 million)
German international Ridle Baku is another option for the blues. A versatile player, who can operate at right back or in the centre of midfield, is experienced for his young age, and his ability to play in multiple positions is a great reason to go for him. Another key statistic which would benefit Everton is his work rate, which sees him often completing the most sprints, winning the most tackles and covering the most ground in his team. This has been an issue for the Toffees, who do not have many players who are athletic, so Baku would be the perfect player for a Back 4 system.
The Right Winger
Breakdown
In a similar vein to the right back issue, Everton lack a balance on the right wing to the left. With the release of Bolasie and Walcott, the club no longer has a natural winger, with attacking midfielders Iwobi, Bernard and James Rodriguez being placed there. However, the club needs a pacey wide player who adds another dimension to the attack, like Richarlison does on the other wing.
Dream Options
Raphinha (£40 million)
Since he scored against us earlier this season, I have been an admirer of Leeds’ Raphinha. He has been a great signing for the club, and his trickery and pace, mixed with his creative output, has made him one of the best wingers in the league. The player fits the mould of attacker I would like, somebody who can cut inside or hit the byline, and can link up with an overlapping fullback. But, it seems he is happy at Leeds, considering he only just joined the club, and better teams are interested, so it is unlikely he would come to the club.
Leon Bailey (£40 million)
Somebody heavily linked with the club is Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey. The Jamaican winger has been a starter at the club for several years, and has saw his impact grow as the years have passed. Now, with 2 years remaining on his contract and following a strong season in the Bundesliga, the club may be willing to sell. Lightening quick and with a good end product, he again fits the profile the club will look at. The only issue is that off such a good season and with other potential teams looking at him, the price could easily rise to £50 million, and he may be more inclined to want European football since he is a top player.
Realistic Options
Pedro Neto (£40 million)
A rumour which may have more credence if Espirito Santo is appointed manager is Wolves winger Pedro Neto. Santo has had a huge hand in the 21 year old’s development, and brought him to the club, so it is likely he would follow him north-west. His creative stats are not the strongest compared to other wingers in the league, but his driving runs and dynamism would make him a key feature of the attack for years to come. There may be an issue with his price, considering he would be getting sold to a direct rival, but his love for his former boss and the opportunity to push for Europe next year could be a key factor. Another issue may be his recent injury, but at such a young age this should not be an issue.
Silas Wamangituka (£30 million)
You know a young player means business when he is compared to players such as Ronaldo. That is what Stuttgart’s winger has been lauded with, due to his athleticism, pace and goalscoring ability for such a young age. Despite being injured for some games this season, he picked up the young Bundesliga player of the year award, racking up 11 goals and 5 assists altogether. The fact his team finished midtable could be a reason for him to seek a move to a team actively seeking to reach European competitions.
The Central Midfielder
Breakdown
An outside football fan looking in may wonder why a team with a few international central midfielders would require another one, especially when there are key areas currently unaddressed. But, apart from Doucoure, these midfielders lack the legs to cover the midfield and the passing range required in big teams. Therefore, a player who can act as cover or competition for the Frenchman would be a smart move. Keep in mind, though, that if Gbamin comes back from injury and maintains fitness, he will save the club millions.
Dream Options
Yves Bissouma (£40 million) — Potentially Arsenal bound
Considered one of the best central midfielders in the league, Bissouma has commanded Brighton’s midfield in games against the best teams. His performances led Brighton to beat Liverpool and Manchester City away, where his non-stop pressing and running helped his team pull off shock results. His wide set of attributes would be perfect for a few different roles he may be performing for the blues, though it does seem he may be nailed on to move to North London with Arsenal so it is unlikely he would join.
Marcelo Brozovic (£20–£25 million)
If Everton would like to be smart in the transfer window, they need to be ruthless and take advantage of other clubs and their financial issues. This can be applied to Inter Milan, who are looking to sell star assets to maintain the books. One asset which would benefit the toffees would be Croatian-born Brozovic, who does several important jobs currently lacking in the blues’ midfield. If reports are to be believed, however, Inter Milan see Brozovic as a key feature of the team, and are actively looking to renew his contract, so it may be hard to pry him away.
Realistic Options
André-Frank Zambo Anguissa (£20 million)
Following the Doucoure and Godfrey type of signing, Brands would be smart to look at recently relegated teams and pick out star players who would improve our club. One such player is Anguissa, who offers legs and defensive work rate to the midfield. With Fulham recently relegated, they would not be seeking much money for an asset likely to want to go, and Everton could really pick up a bargain in the process.
Pape Sarr (£27 million)
Everton have been strongly linked with Sarr for a couple of months, and it is easy to see why. Described as the next Kante, but with more of an attacking potency, the 18 year old has enjoyed a solid breakthrough season, in a team languishing in midtable like the Toffees. Everton have struggled to replace Gana Gueye since he left for PSG in 2019, and Sarr could be an ideal replacement with a potential high resale value even if he fails to live to his price tag.
The Backup Striker
Breakdown
For years, Everton have struggled with a lack of options from the bench, or in particular players who can push the starters to up their game by providing competition for places. We saw the effects this type of cover can have with the loaning of goalkeeper Robin Olsen, which lead to Jordan Pickford regaining his form and being one of the best goalkeepers in the second half of the Premier League season. So, a striker who can provide competition for DCL or even give the team a new dynamic off the bench is a must.
Dream Options
Andre Silva (£40 million)
In an ideal world, Everton would have qualified for the Europa League, and could have attracted players of the calibre of Frankfurt’s Silva, but we never. With 29 goals and 10 assists in 34 games, in a team which finished 5th in the table, he is the real deal. A striker this prolific would thrive in an attacking team filled with young talent, such as Everton, especially with his well rounded attributes. I would love him at the club, but with Manchester City sniffing round, it is obvious where he would likely go.
Andrea Bellotti (£25 million)
Even if he may have not performed at his peak last season, Andrea Belotti is an Italian striker worthy of a big move. Having helped Torino stay in the league for a few seasons now, it seems they are now scared he may seek pastures greener, and Everton have been heavily linked to him in the past. A physical forward with a strong clinical edge, he could compliment DCL well. Reports currently suggest Roma are in negotiations to complete a transfer, so it may be too little, too late to bring him to England.
Realistic Options
Domenico Berardi (£25–£30 million)
A more realistic and potentially smarter option would be Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi. Captain of the team and an Italian international, Berardi would be an ideal backup to DCL, as he is not as strong as the Englishman, but his playmaking and finishing is a lot stronger. Add to this his leadership qualities as captain of his team, his experience at a still relatively young age, and his versatility to play on the right wing or up front, and he could be a key player for the blues. Sassuolo finished midtable, similar to Everton, so he may seek a new challenge in a bid to push for Europe.
Adam Armstrong (£20 million)
Former Newcastle prospect Adam Armstrong could be an inspired understudy to Calvert Lewin. Having scored 28 goals in 40 games for Blackburn last season, which saw his team reach midtable in the Championship, he may be looking to the Premier League to make his name, and working alongside another English striker at the height of his powers may be a tempting proposition. A pacey forward, he would work well with a strong main man like DCL, so it is down to the club whether they think his goal-scoring would translate to a more competitive league.
The Left Winger
Breakdown
This could be argued as being less important, with Richarlison often deployed on the left side of attacks. But, with him looking to be a striker in the team, a natural winger may be required to provide options for the new manager. Again, with the lack of natural wide players at the club, any money made from player sales should be put towards a quick and direct right footed and left sided winger.
Dream Options
Moussa Diaby (£35 million)
My first choice would be Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby. A player in a similar mould to Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, he is a young, pacey wide player with an eye for goal, who could spread defences and be exactly what the club needs. However, several problems arise. Firstly, if the club was to sell Leon Bailey, it is unlikely they would also sell Diaby. Secondly, he is on the radar of a few big clubs, and again is not likely to leave for a club out of European competition.
David Neres (£30 million)
A player strongly linked with the club in the past was Ajax’s David Neres. He is a strong, pacey and tricky winger who likes to dribble at opponents, a trait not many players at Everton currently have. Having played at Ajax for most of his young career, he may be looking for a change, and with a few fellow Brazilians currently on the Blues books, he may well arrive at Goodison Park. The issue I see is that he is too similar to Richarlison, in the fact that he is very hit or miss and seems to sulk in games if things do not go his way.
Realistic Options
Cyle Larin (£12.7 million)
If Everton are looking for a versatile option, Cyle Larin would be the cheapest solution. A strong, tall winger with an eye for goal, he is capable of playing as the main striker or hugging the sideline. It could be that Larin and Richarlison could alternate who is on the wing and who is next to DCL, which could confuse defences and act as different attacking options, with Richarlison a more mobile forward and Larin better as a target man. It would also mean Everton would have another striking option should DCL be injured or suspended.
Goncalo Guedes (£13 million)
My final choice for left winger would be Valencia’s Goncalo Guedes. This would be another good example of Everton taking advantage of another club’s misfortunes. Valencia are seriously in debt, if rumours are to be believed almost £500 million in the red, and need to sell in order to stay afloat, so some of their key players, such as Guedes, could be available at a cut price. Whilst he may not be the quickest or the most prolific winger available, he could be a good option alongside another signing. Add to the mixture the fact he is Portuguese, and potential manager Santo tends to favour his own nationality, and it could be a match made in heaven.
