Moussa Dembele on his way to Goodison Park – Three players Everton could sign this summer
Despite Everton being firmly engulfed in a relegation dogfight at present, the hierarchy at Goodison Park will have one eye on the summer transfer window.
The board have enjoyed a mixed year on the transfer front. Amadou Onana has been the standout addition to Sean Dyche’s squad. The Belgium international has been an integral part of the Toffees’ Premier League plans and has adjusted to life in England extremely well.
However, there have been some disappointments, with Neal Maupay failing to hit the levels expected of him after his move from Brighton and Hove Albion. If Everton can secure their Premier League status, this summer will be absolutely essential. The board cannot repeat past mistakes, and here Goodison News takes a look at three players who could be Merseyside-bound come the end of the season.
Moussa Dembélé
Lyon striker Moussa Dembele was linked with a January move to the Toffees and this is one we could envisage in the summer. The Scottish Daily Mail (20 January, page 73) suggested Dembele was available for £3million in January, with his contract set to expire.
The latest reports to emerge now suggest the 26-year-old will “definitely” leave the Ligue 1 at the end of the season. Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg revealed (via Twitter, 21 March) Dembele, who is on £50,000-a-week, will depart, with there being strong interest from England, Italy and Germany.
It would not be a surprise if the Toffees were one of England’s interested parties. Another striker is a priority for Dyche, particularly with Maupay’s future up in the air. The Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano claimed (via Twitter, 22 March) the 26-year-old could leave the club, which could open the door for Dembele to make the move to Merseyside.
Rodrigo Becao
Rodrigo Becao has been a long-term target for the Toffees and if the club can secure its league status, this is a move we could see happening. The club were eying a January move for the 27-year-old Brazilian defender, with The Mail on Sunday suggesting (print edition, pg. 108, 29 January) that Everton were keen on a move for the Brazilian.
With there still being some uncertainty over Yerry Mina’s future and Conor Coady’s loan move, another central defender will be on the agenda for Dyche.
Iliman Ndiyai
Sheffield United striker Iliman Ndiaye is a name which has emerged in recent weeks and the 23-year-old is exactly the type of forward the Toffees need to be targeting. He’s young, Premier League-ready, and could be snapped up for a cut price.
The Sunday Mirror suggest (12 March) the Merseysiders are one of a number of Premier League clubs who are monitoring the Senegalese striker, who has 20 goals and assists in all competitions in the 2022/23 campaign.
The Blades are currently embroiled in “extraordinary” financial issues and could be forced into selling their assets in the summer (The Daily Mail, 17 March). The Championship star would be a low-risk but high-reward addition.