Everton didn’t finish last season in quite the way many fans would have hoped or expected.
After the sacking of Marco Silva, the club appointed veteran Italian Carlo Ancelotti, and in doing so had real hopes of still mustering something from their season.
Ancelotti had a strong start to life at Goodison – with real hopes of pushing for a European football spot, but form dropped off and the break during the season due to COVID-19 meant that upon the leagues return, the Toffees failed to regain any form, and finished in 12th place.
This summer spells big ambitions for the Toffees, and the fans will be expecting money to be spent – which Ancelotti will likely be hoping to do as well ahead of his first full season at the club. Everton have been linked with an abundance of players over recent weeks – but which ones would be realistic signings for them to make?
Mehmet Zeki Çelik
The Turkish right-back has been in fine form for French outfit Lille of recent – and has been linked with a move to the Toffees over recent weeks. Having played 23 league games for Lille this season, Çelik has averaged 2.3 tackles per game, as well as 1.4 clearances.
The player also bodes well in attack too, with 2 goals and four assists in that time too.
With the on-loan Djibril Sidibe now back at parent club AS Monaco, the Toffees will need to find a replacement, with the aging Seámus Coleman the clubs only senior right-back of choice – and going by his stats, Çelik would be a great option and fit for Everton, with Lille valuing him at around £18 million.
Sergio Reguilón
The 23-year-old has been on loan to Sevilla this season, from parent club Real Madrid. The Toffees have recently been in contact with Madrid, and have even reportedly tabled an offer of £18 million for the young Spaniard’s services. Reguilón played 31 league games for Sevilla last season – averaging 1.2 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 1.6 clearances per games, as well as a 7.10/10 WhoScored match rating.
The club’s current options at left-back sit solely with Lucas Digne after club legend Leighton Baines retired from football at the end of the 2019/20 season – and the signing of a player with Reguilón’s ability would be welcome competition for Digne.
Abdoulaye Doucoure
The Frenchman’s name is one that Everton fans wouldn’t have forgotten, having been relegated with Watford at the end of last season – leaving many Premier League clubs circling like sharks around the Hertfordshire club for the players signature.
Last season wasn’t one of Doucouré’s best in a Watford shirt, but his overall numbers make for easy understanding as to why the Toffee’s would want to sign him.
The Frenchman averaged 1.7 tackles per game from midfield this season, as well as winning 1.5 aerial duels per game, with a 78.4% pass success rate. Doucouré would work out as a great replacement for the departed Morgan Schneiderlin, who left for OGC Nice just last month, with the Watford players market value at £18 million.
Allan
Another fantastic midfield option comes with Brazilian midfielder Allan. The 29-year-old has been at Italian club Napoli since 2015, and was previously managed by current Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti during his time at the club.
The club had previously stated their interest during the January transfer window but were put off by the reported £36 million price tag at the time.
Recent changes, however, have meant that it has now been reported that the club could secure the midfielder for as little as £22.5 million – and Ancelotti is keen to make it happen to bolster his squad ahead of next season. Allan has averaged 2.2 tackles per game in the league this season and would bring a needed grit and aggression that would benefit Everton’s midfield.
Joshua King
After Bournemouth’s relegation from the Premier League last season, Norwegian striker Joshua King is expected to leave the club this summer.
Last season didn’t prove great for the striker, with just 6 goals in 26 league appearances – but had a strong finish to the season with 3 goals and 2 assists in his last 8 games (via WhoScored).
It has been reported that the club is looking to sign King for just £15 million to add some further strike force to his side, and he could even become a replacement for Richarlison, who has caused a stir after his recent comments about his Everton future.
