Jefferson Lerma sends one-word message as Everton seal signing
Everton are looking to build a stonger first team squad ready for their first season at the Dickinson Hill stadium.
The Toffees have tied down a handful of their existing players onto new contracts, which was a key step at the start of this transfer window.
It ensures the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Idrissa Gueye, Seamus Coleman and Michael Keane will remain at the club, when that was far guaranteed at the end of last season.
They have also signed Thierno Barry from Villareal. He will be expected to lead an Everton attack which struggled for goals last season.
Goalkeeper Mark Travers has also signed from Bournemouth. He will battle Jordan Pickford for a starting position in goal.
Jefferson Lerma offers his support to new Everton goalkeeper Travers
Travers was signed from Bournemouth for £4million. He was developed in Bournemouth’s youth team and made his debut for the Cherries in the 2018-19 season.
Still only 26, Travers is excited with the chance to compete with Pickford for a starting place.
Shortly after the deal was completed, he posted an image of himself signing an Everton contract.
In the caption, he said he was proud to sign for Everton and ready to give everything for the club.
Several memorable names offered their congratulations in the comments. Jefferson Lerma, a former Bournemouth teammate left a simple comment of ‘Congrats’.
Everton need to strengthen in attack
The signing of Travers leaves Everton well covered for goalkeepers.
The Toffees released Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia this summer after their contracts expired.
They now have Pickford, Travers and Harry Tyrer as the three senior goalkeepers at the club.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded |
| 22 | 1980 | 5 | 25 |
Pickford will be expected to remain first choice as he has been since 2017, although the signing of Travers will keep him on his toes.
Everton are still desperately in need of new faces in attack though. Their top goalscorer last season was Iliman Ndiaye with nine league goals. They’ve lost Dominic Calvert-Lewin as well.
The signing of Barry should help to boost their firepower, but a couple more proven attackers would help the team to build on last season’s progress.
Jack Grealish and Richarlison have both been linked with a move to Merseyside this summer, although the noise surrounding these potential transfers has quietened down in recent weeks.
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