Everton could be forced to seal new loan transfer after recent developments – Expert
David Moyes is still patiently waiting to land his first Everton signing of the January transfer window.
Everton have many transfer targets who they could sign to help Moyes out in a second-half of the season push up the Premier League table.
The Toffees are expected to let some players go in the window, with the Friedkin Group believed to be happy to reinvest additional funds into bolstering the squad.
Everton have been heavily linked with Bologna’s Emil Holm and Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Alebiosu on permanent deals in recent days.
However, the Blues may have to prioritise the loan market in the transfer window for crucial factors that are currently affecting Moyes.
Dan Plumley warns injuries and AFCON could change Everton’s transfer plans
Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye are still with Senegal for the African Cup of Nations, and are yet to return to Merseyside with their country now into the semi-finals of the tournament.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Jarrad Brantwaite continues his return from a lengthy absence.
- Dewsbury-Hall picked up his injury in the 2-0 loss to Chelsea back earlier in December
- He has been crucial for Moyes, scoring and contributing to six goals in the Premier League
- The Everton boss is still without Branthwaite, who played 32 times for the Toffees last campaign
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, finance expert Dan Plumley detailed why injuries and the ongoing AFCON tournament may affect the Toffees’ winter business.
Plumley said: “Those are all factors that might force your hand. That could mean a dip into the loan market, because it’s a short-term thing.
“You’ve got players out, you’ve got players away at the African Cup of Nations. They might look to the loan market, certainly if you’ve got an injury crisis, and a short-term hit to the squad. So it could force you to change your plans a little bit.
“The club might decide not to spend fees in that regard, or certainly not to spend huge fees.”
As highlighted by Plumley, the Friedkin Group may look at loaning players of interest instead of splashing millions.
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It appears that Everton‘s recruitment team are well prepared for the January window; it’s just now a case of carefully assessing situations before finalising any deals.
Given the short-term problems that the Toffees face, it’s highly likely that loan transfers could be sanctioned for Moyes to have further free roam in the summer window when things are clearer.
Everton’s interest in Blackburn’s Alebiosu is strong, and making the jump to the Premier League could be all the persuasion he needs.
The Blues could move for the 24-year-old on a loan-to-buy deal that could see the Toffees make a permanent decision in the summer, with guaranteed cash also a possible head-turner.
Alternatively, Edoardo Bove is terminating his contract with Serie A giants Roma, and Everton could kick in front of Watford to sign the Italian midfielder on a free deal this month.
Either way, Everton need signings this month.