Everton will be looking to build on some strong showings in the Premier League last term after finishing 10th in the top flight under the management of Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti has since left Goodison Park in favour of a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, with Rafael Benitez being appointed as his successor at Everton.
Demarai Gray, Asmir Begovic and Andros Townsend have all signed for the Toffees this summer, and it remains to be seen as to whether any other players will come or go before the transfer window reaches a conclusion on 31st August.
Speaking on The All Together Now Everton Podcast, The Athletic’s Greg O’Keeffe predicted that it would be a ‘frantic end’ to the summer transfer window for Everton.
“We do need more players, I think we’ll have to sell before we can go and invest on the quality of players we need. They’ve done a bit of good business in terms of [a] bargain with Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray, but your right-back who’s going to rival Seamus Coleman, who’s going to be the next Lucas Digne equivalent is not going to be cheap.
“Your extra midfielder isn’t going to be cheap. If [James] Rodriguez does go, you’re going to have to attract really good players.
“We could see a lot of changes in the squad from now towards the 31st of August, and I think it’ll be quite, as ever, a frantic end.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Keeffe’s transfer prediction, as Deadline Day edges closer…
It’s certainly going to be an interesting few weeks ahead at Goodison Park, as it wouldn’t come as too big of a surprise to see players arrive and depart before the summer transfer window slams shut, if you consider their recent record in transfer windows compared to their current level of activity.
With previous interest in the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, we could see a domino effect when it comes to any potential deals towards the end of month.
Everton could certainly benefit from adding to their squad, as it could be argued that based on last season’s performance, their current options aren’t quite good enough to challenge for the European qualification places this term, even under the management of Benitez.