Everton expected to announce James Tarkowski signing on Friday to soften blow of Richarlison transfer to Tottenham
Everton fans have been dealt with quite the blow on Friday morning with Richarlison’s move to Tottenham being confirmed by both clubs.
On 1 July, the Blues took to their official Twitter account to bid farewell to the 25-year-old Brazil international while a statement on the club website says he’s moved for an “undisclosed fee“.
Sky Sports reported after the announcement that the deal will be worth up to £60million.
Understandably, it’s a blow for Evertonians, who’ve enjoyed watching Richarlison play at Goodison Park over the last few years while he was instrumental in the final weeks of last season to help keep the Toffees in the Premier League.
However, Everton do look as though they could soften the blow of Richarlison’s exit with another announcement expected on Friday.
James Tarkowski is being widely tipped to formalise his move to Goodison Park on 1 July after his contract at Burnley expired at midnight on Thursday night (30 June).
Writing via his personal Twitter account on 17 June, Fabrizio Romano reported that Tarkowski, 29, has already had a medical and agreed personal terms with the Blues, who’ve also agreed a fee with his agent.
Romano added that an “official statement” was “pending”.
But that official announcement is yet to come – perhaps because it’s now expected on 1 July.
Tarkowski is officially a free agent now with no attachment to Burnley.
And on 15 June, the Liverpool Echo reported that Everton won’t formally confirm the centre-back’s arrival on Merseyside once that contract at Turf Moor expired.
It was suggested by the Echo that the situation between Everton and Burnley meant that the deal wouldn’t be announced while his contract at the Clarets was still active.
Burnley wrote to the Premier League to complain about Everton’s spending.
However, on 1 July, it was also reported that the Clarets – as well as Leeds – have dropped their complaint to the Premier League after it was proven to them that there are no issues regarding Financial Fair Play at Goodison Park (Daily Mail, page 74).
It seems as though every obstacle has now been removed to clear the way for Tarkowski to be officially unveiled as a new Everton player.
Evertonians need a lift after waving goodbye to a Goodison fan favourite.
And while Tarkowski isn’t the blockbuster signing that everyone might be hoping for, it’s at least a very astute addition to Frank Lampard’s defence for the 2022/23 season and beyond.