Everton complete underwhelming new transfer for Asmir Begovic after developments
Asmir Begovic’s move to Everton on a free transfer is representative of the entire summer window at Goodison Park, according to Tim Spiers.
The Athletic journalist shared on 3 September that he and others were surprised to learn that veteran stopper Begovic had not retired, after the Toffees announced his arrival on 23 August.
Begovic was the last permanent signing of the window for the Blues, with Orel Mangala and Armando Broja arriving on Deadline Day as two of four loanees, with just three other permanent transfers made.
Spiers wrote: “The 37-year-old backup goalkeeper’s arrival on a free transfer kind of sums up Everton’s window – cheap and underwhelming.
“Loan signings (Mangala, Broja, Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom) may dictate whether they have done enough.”
Did Everton have to do more in the transfer window?
The Toffees’ horror start to the Premier League season – three losses from three including a nine-minute collapse against Bournemouth last time out – suggests the answer to that question is a resounding yes.
Begovic is unlikely to get many minutes regardless of Jordan Pickford’s inconsistent form thus far, but him being just the fourth permanent first-team signing does strike as underwhelming.
A quartet of loanees – three of whom have ample Premier League experience – may prove to be enough to get the Toffees over the line in another season which is already shaping up to be a relegation dogfight.
The onus is now on Dyche to make use of his loanees on top of the signings of Tim Iroegbunam, Iliman Ndiaye and Jake O’Brien at Goodison Park, and get the best out of his new arrivals as soon as possible.
With Broja and Lindstrom’s loan deals having options to make their moves permanent on Merseyside [Corriere dello Sport, 18 July], Dyche must treat his new faces as if they’re already part of the furniture.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are likely to still be missing two key defenders for their first match after the international break.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.