Summer signings analysis.

[Christiffa25]

Does anyone want McGeady from Spartak ?, looks like he wants out

I think he's rubbish personally. No better than billy.

If he was on a free and we wanted to try him out as a squad player then maybe but for close to 10M "you gotta be kidding me" !!

 

[Tree13]

Stones will be a CB, Moyes defo sees him as one.

I had presumed that Stones was signed as a consequence of Hibbo's injury, the suggestion being that a 32 year old coming back from a knee injury is unlikely to be a big factor in future seasons.

And Moyes isn't managing Stones anymore.

 

[PeterMeter]

I'm going with a Fellaini to Utd for Rooney swap deal, any additional money would probably go to Rooney's sign on bonus since he will be having to take a considerable wage cut.

Heitinga leaves for 5m (at best probably) and say any new manager gets 10-15m to buy for that leaves a kitty of 20m.

GKs Howard, Springthorpe, Taudul. - Need a ready-made back up, can't see either of the youngsters taking that step in another 3-5 years.

Def Jagielka, Distin, Duffy, Baines, Oviedo (Mid), Coleman, Hibbert. - Promote Browning, Garbutt, Stones. Probably need decent cover for centerback even if there are a few who could play there at a stretch.

Mid Osman, Barkley, Gibson, Oviedo (Def), Mirallas, Pienaar. Promote Lundstram, Junior and Kennedy. Definitely need another strong central midfielder to supplement Gibson. Lundstram isn't ready and Osman is to weak with really poor defensive stats highlighted.

Att Jelavic, Anichebe, Naismith, Rooney. - Promote Vellios, McAleny. It's a decent strike force, Rooney would be the world beater we need. Could drop down the field to create space for Jelavic/Anichebe.

---
So, 15-20m to buy a minimum of 3 players? Decent odds for Moyes to do it, whoever's the successor's got to work some magic. I would identify the keeper and the central midfielder as the two most important positions to strengthen if this was the team. Bit of a missed chance with Butland, Fer still available probably but central mid leaves no shortage of targets surely.

 

[sportbillyblue]

When that accuracy is just an on target pearoller into the keepers arms it doesnt mean all that

hehehe .. they are embarrassingly powder puff at times. Imagine if we still played with the old casey, he'd have no metatarsals left

 

[just_COYB]

Here's a list of some free transfers:
http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/spieler/vertragsende/basics_GB1.html

First reaction:
Cole might be worth pursuing. 47 goals in 208 apps isn't awful, compared to what we have already.
Malouda might be a good player for us, if he can take the wage cut.

Edit: That list is just EPL. I don't see anything from the championship, or the top Spanish division.

Anyone with any info on the top 2 from the Bundesliga:
Andreas Ivanschitz - Midfield, 29 Years
Claudio Pizarro - Striker, 34 Years

I've heard of Pizarro, and of course he's old, but maybe worth a short deal.

Lots of guys in Ligue 1, but not sure about French league players at all.

A whole list for the world, here:
http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/spieler/vertragsende/basics_gesamt_2013.html

Anyone think Tomas Necid is good, and possible?

 

[Christiffa25]

Paper talk saying arsenal would let vermalan go for 5M. If that was true, I'd snap him up at that price!!

 

[zirc]

Where did you read that? If Honda isn't doable for less, Belhanda for £8m would be good business.

Hi sorry i just saw this. I read it here:

http://metro.co.uk/2013/05/03/spurs...confirm-younes-belhanda-will-be-sold-3712294/

i think he'd be a snip at £8m.

 

[harry]

I think it's easy to look at Osman's flaws playing CM and ignoring the plus points of playing him there. I'm sure moyes with all his pro zone stuff had a reason for both playing where they did whether that was right or wrong.

I think Osman has just had his best season for us. I do hope we replace him this summer tho....but as a CM and ACM I think he will offer a great option from the bench or as a squad/backup player.

He did, we wanted a target man to hold the ball up when played long from the back. i dont think another manager would play fellaini there. if he is still here or if we get tony pullis.

 

[sportbillyblue]

Paper talk saying arsenal would let vermalan go for 5M. If that was true, I'd snap him up at that price!!

been thinking the same. He's been a bit like the Arse's Heitinga this past season only difference is he's far better even when he's ****e

and to those who think we'll get 5m for Heitinga, think again ... it's Kenwright let's not forget, not Levy

 

[Mogwai]

Another one from the Bleacher on supposed good transfer targets for us......all them have been thrown around this forum recently and I would take any of them in a second..... Most of you agree?

It’s fair to say Everton’s summer hasn’t exactly begun in the most positive manner.*

The club have recently become embroiled in a bitter saga with their fans due to a controversially re-branded badge. Supporters were so enraged with the lack of transparency and*fan input*on the matter that a petition was launched, fetching 22,000 signatures in a matter of days.

As a result, the Toffees announced their new design will only be in place for this coming season alone before a different badge will be created next year, with far greater involvement from fans.

Alongside all of this, supporters have had to watch David Moyes take charge of Manchester United while the Toffees continue on without a manager in place.

As*The Guardian*reported, recent news of Roberto Martinez’s departure from Wigan may well hasten Everton’s quest for a manager. However, until they appoint one, transfer plans cannot be fashioned out or pursued.

In an effort to erase some of this current despondency, here’s a look at five transfer targets that would instantly raise spirits should they be signed.

Romelu Lukaku


Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Yes, Chelsea would be utterly mad to sell their Belgian starlet, but there are two potential scenarios that could possibly land Romelu Lukaku at Everton’s feet.

The Toffees are not going to be able to pry him away with a simple bid. However, a season-long loan is certainly not out of the question.

He impressed at West Brom with 17 Premier League goals, and Chelsea may prefer to give him another season away to further hone his game.

Failing that, Marouane Fellaini is widely expected to leave the Toffees this summer. As the Daily Mail reports here, Chelsea are often linked as a potential destination for Lukaku’s international colleague, which could perhaps tie him into a deal.

Perhaps there’s a way a loan move or possibly even a permanent transfer can be hatched into any Fellaini-to-Chelsea arrangement.

Alvaro Negredo


Jasper Juinen/Getty Images
For Everton to improve on this season’s sixth-placed finish, up front is where they need improving most.

Should their current squad be maintained, a top-quality striker would greatly enhance their chances of European football next season.*Another option here could perhaps be Sevilla’s Alvaro Negredo.

On paper, this is another ambitious move, yet the Spanish club are currently stricken*by financial issues and may well have to listen to offers for their leading players.

Negredo bagged 21 La Liga goals this season, finishing as the division’s fifth-leading scorer. His pace and power would surely make him an instant hit in the Premier League and his energy and work-rate are assets Evertonians crave in their strikers.

The Toffees supposedly registered their interest in January, according to BBC Sport, and should Negredo once again be on the Toffees’ radar this summer, he would be a signing sure to delight supporters.

Callum McManaman


Michael Steele/Getty Images
Attacking flair is one of the most exciting sights for football fans.*Pace, skill and an unerring desire to take on and expose your opposite man are often traits that make a player a fan favourite.

After a lengthy time in the wilderness, having been released from Everton as a 16-year-old, Callum McManaman has began demonstrating this ability on a regular basis at Wigan. His performance in the FA Cup final was especially captivating.

With Roberto Martinez one of the favourites to take charge of the Toffees over the coming days, perhaps he could negotiate a suitable deal with his former club to bring McManaman back to Merseyside.

His explosive qualities would certainly add depth to Everton’s roster and the sight of an academy graduate flourishing, despite the fact he was initially released, is something all fans relish.

Keisuke Honda


Dmitry Korotayev/Getty Images
Keisuke Honda is a name many clubs are sure to be keeping tabs on due to his rapidly expiring contract.

The Japanese international is free to leave CSKA Moscow come the end of the year, meaning his current value would be extremely appealing to many sides.

While McManaman would add pace and trickery, Honda would bring guile, poise and intricate creative ability to the Toffees’s final third.

Everton would clearly be up against a number of other clubs in trying to land such a high-calibre player, but his signature would certainly create a wave of enthusiasm should it be acquired.

He has already been tentatively linked with the club in the Liverpool Echo, and fans will hope to see more rumours over the coming months.

James McCarthy


Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Regardless of whether or not Roberto Martinez becomes Everton’s manager, it would make considerable sense for the club to be monitoring James McCarthy’s availability this summer.

Leon Osman and Darron Gibson have been the Toffees’ primary midfield options this season. While both have performed well, Gibson’s patchy injury record and Osman’s age make it necessary to add a youthful presence in the middle of the park.

McCarthy is a metronomic passer with an excellent touch and intrinsic vision who Everton’s new manager could build his midfield around for several years.

He was already one of Wigan’s leading talents, and the fact his current side are now destined for Championship football next season is a fate he may not want to share

 

[Tree13]

Another one from the Bleacher on supposed good transfer targets for us......all them have been thrown around this forum recently and I would take any of them in a second..... Most of you agree?

I would rather loan McCarthy and McManaman with options to buy; give them a few more months in the Prem to see if they can deliver consistently before committing funds. With several older players leaving, we will have the capacity to pay the wages on a couple of season-long loans.

Lukaku just isn't leaving Chelsea, no matter how much we want him. He won't even be loaned out to a top eight club, because Chelsea won't want to improve the likes of us or Liverpool.

Negredo.... it's all about the fee. If we could get him for less than £10m fine, do it. anything more than £12m and I start to worry about resale value. Contrary to poular belief, striker is NOT our weakest position. We have depth there but it's misfiring or out of form; contrast that with RM/RW where we have Mirallas, backed up by tumbleweed.

RM/RW is the number one prority becasue if we get someone who can play there we can free up Mirallas to play elsewhere: his goalscoring record in Greece, his tally this season from limited game time both suggest he's actually a goalscorer. He reminds me of Thierry Henry in as much as he's very effective on the wing but his shooting seems to be a more valuable asset than his delivery of a cross or final ball. Mirallas at ACM/10 could be the key to getting Jelavic firing on all cylinders again....

Additionally, this season he seems to have worked better on the left than he has on the right. Long term I suspect he is not the answer on the RW and we have no other RMs at all. Therefore, the right side of midfield is the biggest priority, which is why someone like Honda or Belhanda is IMHO the sort of target we should be pursuing aggressively.

If I had to choose between spending £14m on Negredo, or £14m on Honda AND Belhanda then I would take the two midfielders please.

 

[stinger]

Negredo.... it's all about the fee. If we could get him for less than £10m fine, do it. anything more than £12m and I start to worry about resale value. Contrary to poular belief, striker is NOT our weakest position. We have depth there but it's misfiring or out of form; contrast that with RM/RW where we have Mirallas, backed up by tumbleweed.

RM/RW is the number one prority becasue if we get someone who can play there we can free up Mirallas to play elsewhere: his goalscoring record in Greece, his tally this season from limited game time both suggest he's actually a goalscorer. He reminds me of Thierry Henry in as much as he's very effective on the wing but his shooting seems to be a more valuable asset than his delivery of a cross or final ball. Mirallas at ACM/10 could be the key to getting Jelavic firing on all cylinders again....

Additionally, this season he seems to have worked better on the left than he has on the right. Long term I suspect he is not the answer on the RW and we have no other RMs at all. Therefore, the right side of midfield is the biggest priority, which is why someone like Honda or Belhanda is IMHO the sort of target we should be pursuing aggressively.

If I had to choose between spending £14m on Negredo, or £14m on Honda AND Belhanda then I would take the two midfielders please.

I second this, except for the fact that I'm not sure Honda has enough engine to play out wide in Premier League, probably CAM in 3 man centre midfield is the only position suited for him.

 

[Tree13]

I second this, except for the fact that I'm not sure Honda has enough engine to play out wide in Premier League, probably CAM in 3 man centre midfield is the only position suited for him.

That's a good point.

With Osman, Naismith and Barkley all better-suited to ACM than anywhere else, and Felli and Mirallas both capable but needed elsewhere currently, do we even need another ACM? I would suggest yes, for the following reasons:

- We should look to sell Osman this summer. He's been capped by England and scored some decent goals this season. At his age, we either shift him now or never.

- We should loan Barkley out to a lower-level Prem team, like Chelsea have done with Lukaku, so that he plays week in, week out. I would love to see him at Villa, Swansea or somewhere similar playing 60+ minuntes every week.

- Even if we do pick up a RM to free up Mirallas, we still have little depth behind Pienaar on the left. It has been frustrating seeing how players who are clearly out of form still get the start every week due to lack of alrenatives. And as I mentioned above, Mirallas looks more menacing on the left (remember the first derby this year?) than he does on the right.

In summary:
Sell Osman;
Loan Barkley out to Swansea/Villa/Fulham
Bring in McCarthy on loan w/option to buy
Bring in McManaman on loan w/option to buy
Buy Belhanda
Buy Honda

Squad looks like this (ignoring back 4 and keeper)

CM: Felli, Gibson, McCarthy (Fer??)
LW: Mirallas, Pienaar
RW: Belhanda, McManaman
ACM: Honda, Naismith

That midfield will create chance after chance for Jelavic, Anichebe and Velios; if none of the three of them can convert those chances then we shift Mirallas up front.

 

[stinger]

I really don't want to sell Osman, as I enjoy having a academy veteran in squad who still is not crap. Would prefer to sell Naismith.

And there's two players from Wigan too much that I would like to see in our squad .

This will sound racists in political correct place like UK and it will be difficult to proved otherwise (not that I care much), but based on observing players from this region not really a fan of hiring players from Maghreb countries, especially when they grown up there or in France. Don't know much of Belhanda's behaviour, but as a rule would be worried that he's a terrible teammate and not much better person. Plus - like Louis van Gaal for example - not a fan of signing players from Africa because of ACN.

 

[Mogwai]

That's a good point.

With Osman, Naismith and Barkley all better-suited to ACM than anywhere else, and Felli and Mirallas both capable but needed elsewhere currently, do we even need another ACM? I would suggest yes, for the following reasons:

- We should look to sell Osman this summer. He's been capped by England and scored some decent goals this season. At his age, we either shift him now or never.

- We should loan Barkley out to a lower-level Prem team, like Chelsea have done with Lukaku, so that he plays week in, week out. I would love to see him at Villa, Swansea or somewhere similar playing 60+ minuntes every week.

- Even if we do pick up a RM to free up Mirallas, we still have little depth behind Pienaar on the left. It has been frustrating seeing how players who are clearly out of form still get the start every week due to lack of alrenatives. And as I mentioned above, Mirallas looks more menacing on the left (remember the first derby this year?) than he does on the right.

In summary:
Sell Osman;
Loan Barkley out to Swansea/Villa/Fulham
Bring in McCarthy on loan w/option to buy
Bring in McManaman on loan w/option to buy
Buy Belhanda
Buy Honda

Squad looks like this (ignoring back 4 and keeper)

CM: Felli, Gibson, McCarthy (Fer??)
LW: Mirallas, Pienaar
RW: Belhanda, McManaman
ACM: Honda, Naismith

That midfield will create chance after chance for Jelavic, Anichebe and Velios; if none of the three of them can convert those chances then we shift Mirallas up front.

Osman just signed a new contract.... In any case, I think we should keep him because a) we would get nothing of worth for him, b). He is a really good squad player and better than anything we could replace him with for the money. And c) he deserves to end his career here like Hibbert.... He's been a loyal servant and we should treat him with respect...

With respect to Barkers.... I think he should be starting most games for us to get experience. But that is unlikely to happen isn't it... So yes we should try and loan him out if possible...

Very unlikely wigan would ever do a loan deal for those two.... They are not strapped for cash, and not in a hurry to sell them as in all likelihood there stock is just going to keep on rising any way... They will want cold hard cash for them... But I would be willing to take a chance on both of them in any case