A nail-biting end to the season saw Everton claw themselves out of the relegation zone as Frank Lampard’s side succeeded in retaining their spot in the Premier League. Despite the odds against their favour, resilient performances from the likes of Richarlison and Anthony Gordon, amongst others, ensured the Toffees finished four points above the relegation zone, with the club now expected to back Lampard’s project despite their financial uncertainties.
While Everton are unlikely to bring in a raft of players owing to the possibility of breaching Financial Fair Play Rules, the club are expected to sanction the sale of a handful of notable figures within the dressing room. Amongst them, 25-year-old Brazilian forward Richarlison emerges as the foremost name, given the interest of numerous clubs alongside the possibility of extracting a decent transfer fee for the player.
Although, having been pivotal to Everton’s push to avoid relegation last season, the winger is expected to seek a move elsewhere with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United reportedly interested in his services. Moreover, with Everton unlikely to reinvest a huge sum of the Brazilian’s transfer fee in a bid to address their losses, the club is likely to target financially feasible forwards suited to Lampard’s vision for the club.
Armando Broja (Current Club: Chelsea, Valuation: €25-30m)
Amongst Southampton’s proficient players last season, Broja established himself as a pivotal part of Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side on loan at the club. Having netted six goals alongside providing an assist in the league for the Saints, the Albanian striker is likely to secure a permanent move provided he is deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Although primarily employing a central role, Broja’s imposing physique combined with work rate and aggressive pressing style makes him a perfect replacement for Richarlison. Moreover, boasting a natural ability to bulldoze past defenders alongside exceptional finishing technique, the 25-year-old is likely to improve Everton’s attack under Lampard.
However, given the exciting prospect of applying his trade under the Thomas Tuchel, it remains to be seen if Armando Broja seeks a permanent move away from Chelsea this summer. Nevertheless, given his raw and untapped potential, Everton are likely to express their interest subject to his availability and valuation over the transfer window.
Emmanuel Dennis (Current Club: Watford, Valuation: €25-30m)
Having registered ten goals and six assists, the Nigerian international had a stellar campaign despite Watford’s relegation last season. One of only two relegated forwards to have reached double-digit figures for goal contributions, the Nigerian international is likely to attract the eye of several clubs this summer.
Capable of playing either as a striker or winger, the 24-year-old showed commendable adaptability in his first season playing Premier League football. A pacey forward, Dennis’ all-around finishing ability combined with composure and understanding of movement and space across the attacking third helped him emerge as a menace to deal with in the early stages of the 21/22 league campaign. Moreover, with the ability to dribble past defenders in 1v1 situations alongside being a competent passer of the ball, the Nigerian forward is likely to seamlessly fit into Everton’s front-line next season.
With West Ham United having recently expressed an interest in Dennis, Everton will be wary of losing a promising target to another club early in the window. Provided the Toffees succeed in extracting a substantial fee for Richarlison, the club are likely to look at Dennis in a bid to bolster their attack under Lampard ahead of the 22/23 campaign.
Jack Harrison (Current Club: Leeds United, Valuation: €35-40m)
A significant part of Leeds’ endeavours this season, 25-year-old winger Jack Harrison emerges as a player likely to seek an ambitious move this summer. Having registered a notable ten goals and two assists across all competitions, the Englishman boasts the ability to improve Everton’s prospects under Lampard’s management.
Possessing sublime pace alongside a natural ability to execute his defensive duties efficiently, Harrison has established himself amongst the tenacious defensive wingers in the Premier League in recent seasons. Adept to a high-pressing system, the winger is an exceptional ball carrier possessing a commendable ability to deliver crosses and passes into the penalty areas from wide areas of the pitch. Moreover, renowned for his shooting ability, a move to Everton could see Harrison supplement Lampard’s system with two goal-scoring wingers in Demarai Gray and Harrison next season.
However, having established himself as a first-team regular following Jesse Marsch’s appointment at Leeds, Harrison remains unlikely to leave the club anytime soon. Nevertheless, provided Everton makes a favourable offer, a move to Merseyside could be on the cards for the Englishman over the summer.
