Tough Times Ahead Unless Everton Buy Big

Ben Terrett by Scribe Written on June 20, 2008
David_moyes_everto_201727s_feature

Coming off what has been one of the best season's in recent times for Everton, and Moyes most successful one since being at the helm, the Toffees must now show their credibility and strength in the transfer market to truly earn their place among the top English clubs. 

In Everton's run for fourth in the league, only to lose out in the last month of the season, it became more apparent than ever that the squad lacks the depth to compete with the top four. This aside, it will take a signing of significant notability to really stamp their mark in the league.

Moyes has been no stranger to big money purchases, breaking the club transfer record several seasons in succession, first with Andrew Johnson for £8.6 million two summers ago, and then Yakubu for £11.25 million last summer. 

However, his skill at picking players from lower leagues, and seeing them develop over several seasons has also benefited Everton in the long run. It will be no surprise to see both big names and up and coming stars linked with Everton this summer.

 

Heading Out

Having already lost Lee Carsley to Birmingham on a free, an experienced player has left a crucial role in the squad, which will be one of Moyes' top priorities to address this summer.

Steffan Wessels was also released on a free leaving Tim Howard head and shoulders above any other goalkeepers in the squad. This is a potentially serious gap that could prove very costly if Howard were to be injured during the season.

One of the biggest transfer rumours currently circulating around Goodison Park is where does the future of Mikel Arteta lie. Having constantly been linked with clubs in Spain, most notably cross-town rivals: Real and Atletico Madrid, this summer looks more and more likely to be his last in England.

Arteta's desire to play for the national squad and inconsistent form have built over the last few seasons, and it has reached a "now or never" moment for the winger.

While it will be a huge loss for the Toffees to see him go, it is unrealistic and unbeneficial to keep a player at a club against his will, as Man Utd will soon find out. Transfer is rumoured to be in the £12-15 million range.

 

Heading In

For a squad notably lacking in depth, hopefully more players will be joining than leaving this summer. With Euros in full flow many names have been thrown about. 

Having lost out to sign Aaron Ramsey, Moyes has looked abroad:

One name was that of Orlando Engelaar

Single Page
(0)
...
Share This  
Crop_45x45
or to post this comment

7 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading more comments...
posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

509
reads

7
comments

written on June 20, 2008 Opinion

Telegraph.co.uk Football News

Visit Telegraph.co.uk for more news.

The best Everton newsletter on the web

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address


CBS Sports Official Partner
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Getty Images.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Getty Images is strictly prohibited.