Everton must make World Cup decision with player exodus on cards
Frank Lampard must decide on the future of several Everton players during the World Cup break as he looks to reinvest in his squad in January, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The much-maligned 44-year-old has come under fire this week following consecutive losses to Bournemouth on the south coast, with his job now seriously under threat.
The club hope to strengthen the squad in the January transfer window but are also mulling over the future of several players whose contracts expire at the end of the season.
The Liverpool Echo reported: “Talks have been ongoing with Jordan Pickford, Alex Iwobi and Anthony Gordon as the club attempts to agree on new contracts with three of their most important players.
“Making progress on those talks would be useful – though Pickford will be at the World Cup and Iwobi is part of the Nigeria squad this week.
“A host of players are also out of contract next summer, so decisions on whether to open talks with players such as Tom Davies, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Yerry Mina, among others, will also be part of discussions.”
Squad needs strengthening
Quite clearly Everton’s squad lacks depth and quality, despite the millions spent over the past few seasons. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin having fallen out of favour following a number of mistimed injuries, Neal Maupay is the only real striking option in a paper-thin Everton squad.
The right balance must be found in January to reinvest in the squad without being held to ransom by other clubs, which might be hard as the Everton desperation has been well reported.
In order to balance the books, players on hefty wages such as Doucoure may need to be shipped on as a result, and it would be no surprise to see the club do the same with Mina and Davies – who have both been nothing short of unreliable and embarrassing at times.
January may end up being a sole hunt for a proven goal-scorer, whereas any major reconstruction of the squad is likely to take place during the summer. Lampard must quickly assess who he thinks can help propel the club away from the relegation zone.