Fifteen Everton players could say farewell after final match vs Arsenal as big summer decisions await
Everton’s ‘to do’ list for this summer will be significant regardless of the state of the club’s finances.
Loan players to return to parent clubs
Harrison, on the other hand, has been a stalwart for Dyche. Aside from a few games on the bench last month, the Leeds United attacker has been ever-present when fit and contributed three goals and three assists in his 28 Premier League appearances. Danjuma’s limited opportunities – which sparked challenges to his time at Everton in January – suggest his future may be elsewhere. There is more to suggest Everton would like to reunite with Harrison but, aside from the club’s own issues, the Blues may well have to wait until Leeds United season is over – with the club looking likely to end up in the Championship play-offs.
Ashley Young may be 38 but has clocked up more than 30 appearances across all competitions and his versatility may be deemed useful again given Everton will start the summer with a lack of wide players given the expiring loan deals and the long-term injury suffered by Nathan Patterson. Vitalii Mykolenko’s outlook is looking more promising but he will also carry an injury into the close season. Dyche went out of his way to praise Young after the win over Brentford, adding: “[He is] A different class, I say to all the young players don’t look at anyone else other than him.”
Gueye’s wages, like those of fellow out-of-contract midfielders Andre Gomes and Dele, may be a topic of discussion but with an overhaul in the middle expected – injury issues have plagued both Gomes and Dele across recent seasons – and interest expected in Amadou Onana, there may be deemed additional value in keeping an experienced player in a key position.
Discussions will also be held over the players heading into the last 12 months of their deals. Everton’s proximity to profit and sustainability limits mean the club may well be willing to cash in on players who spark interest and this window will be the last opportunity to do so on a host of stars. The highest profile player whose long-term situation needs addressing is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. While he struggled for goals across the middle third of the campaign he has finished with a flourish and his derby performance highlighted how effective he can be against those at the top end of the table. His improved durability this season makes him more important to Everton – but could also make him more attractive to rivals.
Beyond those players, Virginia and Lewis Dobbin have been valuable squad players this term and the lack of wide options and backup to Pickford mean both hold value to Dyche. Abdoulaye Doucoure will also enter the last year of his latest extension. The midfielder, key to Dyche’s approach, is understood to be happy at Everton and rebuffed interest in his services from Saudi Arabia in January.
Leave a Reply