After a relatively quiet start to the summer, Friday provided some evidence that Everton’s transfer business is (hopefully) beginning to gather momentum.
With David Moyes continuing to reshape his squad ahead of the new Premier League season, developments emerged across several positions, while there was further encouragement over the club’s existing business.
Pepi opportunity presents itself
The biggest talking point concerns PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi.
As first highlighted by our friends at Goodison News, reports from Spain suggest PSV are now prepared to consider offers following the FIFA World Cup after the United States international’s tournament failed to raise his market value as hoped.
Everton have tracked the 23-year-old for several months, but PSV’s previous valuation proved difficult to meet. If their stance has softened, it could provide Moyes with a genuine opportunity to strengthen his attacking options before the window closes.
Read more: Everton could benefit as PSV soften Ricardo Pepi stance after World Cup.
Defensive recruitment remains high on the agenda
While attention often focuses on attacking reinforcements, Everton’s search for a right-back remains one of the club’s most pressing priorities.
Fresh reports linking the Blues with Atalanta defender Raoul Bellanova underline that work is continuing behind the scenes, although Nottingham Forest’s reported interest means Everton may have to move decisively if they choose to pursue a deal.
With Moyes keen to add greater balance and competition across the back line, it is a position likely to remain under close scrutiny throughout the remainder of the window.
Read more: Everton readying a move for Atalanta full-back as Forest link emerges.
Midfield options continue to be explored
Hayden Hackney’s arrival has strengthened Everton’s midfield, but there is little indication that recruitment in that area is complete.
Benfica midfielder Florentino Luís continues to be linked with a move to Merseyside, although Napoli are also reported to be monitoring the Portugal international.
Whether Everton decide to pursue the deal remains to be seen, but the continued links suggest Moyes is determined to build greater depth and competition in the centre of the pitch.
Read more: Everton chase Benfica midfielder while Napoli hold the cards.
Positive signs on and off the pitch
There were also reasons for optimism beyond transfer speculation.
Supporters were given a first look at Hayden Hackney settling into life as an Everton player after the club released footage from his first day at Finch Farm, while Jack Grealish fuelled further excitement by sharing images of his own return to the training ground as discussions over a permanent move continue.
Those updates followed another positive assessment of Everton’s transfer window, with signs that what had been a frustrating summer is beginning to gather pace.
Read more: Watch: Hackney’s first day at Everton Football Club, Grealish reveals Finch Farm return as commitment to Everton grows clearer and Everton’s frustrating summer finally shows signs of life.
There is still significant work to be done before the transfer window closes, but Friday’s developments suggest Everton’s recruitment strategy is becoming clearer. Moyes appears intent on strengthening the spine of his squad while adding quality in wide and attacking areas, and with several deals continuing to develop, supporters have reason to believe more movement could follow in the days ahead.
