As the clock ran out on Sky Sports News yesterday, it was a pretty good time to be an Everton fan. A ferociously busy deadline day would bring four new arrivals to bless the squad of new boss Marco Silva.
We’ve evaluated all the business conducted by the Toffees, and given them a transfer window grade.
Arrivals
Everton have signed most of FC Barcelona. Left-back Lucas Digne was the first to arrive, and deadline day brought centre-half Yerry Mina on a permanent deal, and midfielder Andre Gomes on loan. All signings of pedigree, and will stand to make the Merseysiders considerably stronger for the upcoming season.
A £35 million fee was forked out for Watford’s Richarlison, and the signing of free agent Bernard means Everton fans can look forward to watching the Brazilian duo grace Goodison Park very soon.
The pièce de résistance of Everton’s window however may prove to be the loan signing of Kurt Zouma from Chelsea. Despite being unable to keep Stoke up last season, the physical and intelligent centre-back could find a home in the heart of the defence at Goodison.
Departures
Wayne Rooney’s Everton return didn’t last long, as the veteran jumped ship and headed to Major League Soccer to join D.C. United. Disastrous signing from a year ago Davy Klaassen was also offered a chance to leave for Werder Bremen, and bowed out after a forgettable season.
There were also loan deals secured for Kevin Mirallas, Ashley Williams, and prodigy Henry Onyekuru.
What more could have been done?
Centre forward may be an area of some concern for Evertonians, with Cenk Tosun the only reliable front-man in the squad. Youngster Dominic Calvert-Lewin may see more playing time, with Oumar Niasse and Sandro Ramirez the other options. A new striker could have gone a long way to capping off a near-perfect Everton transfer window.
Final Grade: B+
Talent added across nearly all areas of the pitch, apart from striker. You’ll struggle to find many transfer windows as well-rounded as Everton’s, though.
