Everton can save the career of three England stars
Everton endured a frustrating summer transfer window in which they were unable to significantly enhance their squad, but the way the market is opening up ahead of January, there could be opportunities for Shaun Dyche to strengthen his squad with three England internationals.
The potential takeover of 777 Partners hangs in the balance, with the “financial future of the club in doubt” unless a deal is struck with the American private equity firm.
The knock-on effects on the club will be huge, but with players scrambling for game time before Euro 2024, the prospect of some relatively big-name arrivals via loan deals should not be dismissed if the club is in a position whereby their Premier League survival is under threat.
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Indeed, investing in the squad may be crucial in order to maintain the Toffees’ top-flight status, with the club 15th on just four points through six matches.
With players potentially scrambling for minutes ahead of Euro 2024, Everton may be able to secure some relatively big names to help their survival bid.
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Aaron Ramsdale
Jordan Pickford is one player who could be sacrificed if Everton are forced to make January sales, but fortunately for the Merseyside club, there is a legitimate chance of landing his England understudy if this is the case.
David Raya has been installed as No.1 choice at Arsenal, which could prompt Ramsdale into a temporary move if the gloves become vacant at Goodison Park. A loan deal does not seem an unrealistic prospect here.
Harry Maguire
A player built for the type of backs-to-the-wall situation that Everton find themselves, he is not, however, constructed for Erik ten Hag’s version of Manchester United.
Was given some rare minutes against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup but has been warned by Gareth Southgate that he will need to be playing regularly to travel with England at Euro 2024. An Everton side that needs to strengthen its defence could offer him the perfect opportunity on a temporary basis at least.
Kalvin Phillips
Central midfield is not presently an area where Everton have concerns, yet if Amadou Onana is sold, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has opened the door to Kalvin Phillips leaving in January.
“I'd love to have done with Kalvin what Marcelo Bielsa has done to him at Leeds. We have our own specific way to play and he sometimes struggles in a few things,” Guardiola admitted in a confession that hints at the end of the road for the midfielder at Man City.
According to data analytics experts SciSports, Everton are the Premier League side best suited to the midfielder.