It has been a while since Everton last played a prominent role in the transfer market.
Managing finances has taken precedence over investment in the squad at the tail end of Farhad Moshiri’s regime.
However, after years of suffering under the former ownership, there’s renewed optimism the club could turn the corner under the Friedkin Group.
Everton fans hope Dan Friedkin’s consortium will give the Toffees a fighting chance in the market, particularly amid another relegation battle in the Premier League.
With profit and sustainability rules (PSR) still hanging over Everton’s head, the Goodison Park faithful can’t expect the new management to solve all their problems overnight.
One thing is certain – the Merseyside outfit can’t afford to sit out the January transfer window.
Scoring issues
Sean Dyche’s side ended the calendar year on a sorrowful note, slumping to a disheartening 2-0 home defeat to surprise package Nottingham Forest last Saturday.
Dyche slammed his players for ‘failing to execute the game plan‘ after the match as Everton stretched their winless league run to four, three of which saw them draw a blank.
For a team bidding to compete at the highest level, ten scoreless outings from 18 highlight a glaring deficiency in attack.
Instead of being part of the solution, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been part of the problem.
His wasteful finishing has come to the fore this season, costing Everton a decent chunk of points in the first few months.
Calvert-Lewin dilemma
With Calvert-Lewin’s contract set to expire next June, Everton must resolve his future before opening their chequebook.
The 27-year-old has only netted twice in 18 league appearances. That’s a far cry from a remarkable 21-goal haul in 2020/21.
Indeed, recurring fitness woes have significantly affected his career.
According to The Sun, Newcastle United have set their sights on the Sheffield United academy graduate but are willing to wait until the summer to sign him on a Bosman deal.
Given Calvert-Lewin’s rotten patch, Everton may want to consider offloading their underperforming centre-forward this winter to avoid losing him on a free transfer in six months.
In addition to the Englishman, Beto could also depart Merseyside in the coming weeks after falling out of favour with Dyche.
Several Serie A clubs, including Roma, have shown interest in the towering Portuguese striker, who may fancy a return to Italy.
Their potential exits would make the injury-prone Youssef Chermiti the only senior goal-getter and, in turn, force the club’s hand.
Right wing
Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto has been a standout performer in the Championship this season amid transfer links with Everton, yet his January arrival looks highly unlikely.
Everton’s feeble attempt to lure the diminutive winger away from Elland Road last summer came a cropper, leaving Dyche strapped for reliable options on the right wing.
Most of Everton’s attacking threat this season came from the opposite wing.
Unfortunately, Iliman Ndiaye’s guile has proved insufficient.
Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom have failed to live up to the billing, with their loan deals running out at the end of the season.
As a result, Everton would be strongly advised to reinforce the right wing, perhaps with Lyon’s Ernest Nuamah, who’d be a more affordable alternative to Gnonto.
Right back
Despite Seamus Coleman’s heavily anticipated return from injury, Dyche could use additional help on the right flank.
Everton can ill afford to rely on Ashley Young to be the only deputy for the 36-year-old, considering he’s 39 and already well past his prime.
Young’s effort this term has been commendable, but the ex-Manchester United star needs replacing in the long run.
Brighton & Hove Albion ace Tariq Lamptey has emerged as a potential transfer target for the Toffees.
However, they’re not alone in the race for the former Chelsea talent, with West Ham United aiming to hijack Everton’s move for the 24-year-old.