Report: Edoardo Bove and Iliman Ndiaye: Everton’s Potential Targets Following the Signings of Tim Iroegbunam and Jack Harrison

Joe Thomas – Could Joe Thomas be the Solution at Right Back?

Initially, I suggested Iliman Ndiaye as a promising addition to Everton’s attacking lineup. Ndiaye’s potential to play as a support striker behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin could enable Abdoulaye Doucoure to adopt a deeper role and allow Youssef Chermiti to develop through a loan spell, similar to what we hoped for from Arnaut Danjuma.

However, considering Paul has already advocated for Ndiaye, I am exploring alternative options, particularly free transfers and loan deals. My primary concern is the right-back position, an area plagued with issues last season. Despite Seamus Coleman’s new contract and his significant presence on and off the field, his injury history is worrisome. Similarly, Nathan Patterson has ended all three of his seasons with Everton on the treatment table. Ben Godfrey’s performance as a makeshift right-back in the latter part of the season was commendable, but he is not a natural fit for the role.

Ben Johnson, currently out of contract at West Ham United, presents a viable solution. As a specialist right back with ample Premier League experience and at 24 years old, Johnson could be a valuable, low-risk acquisition. He offers a long-term solution or at least strong competition for Patterson, provided the latter can overcome his injury setbacks. For Everton, addressing this problematic position with Johnson would be a prudent move.

There was significant apprehension among Everton fans as the summer transfer window approached, but initial developments have been cautiously optimistic.

A seemingly outrageous £35 million bid for Jarrad Branthwaite was promptly dismissed, demonstrating the club’s firm stance. Simultaneously, Everton seems close to securing deals for Jack Harrison from Leeds United and Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa. While Harrison is a known quantity, Iroegbunam presents an intriguing midfield prospect.

Despite these moves, Everton still needs to bolster their squad, especially after several departures left it looking thin. While the club has resisted selling Branthwaite, it wouldn’t be surprising to see substantial offers for Amadou Onana or Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the coming weeks.

The squad’s current state lacks creativity, an issue exacerbated by Lewis Dobbin’s potential departure. Harrison and Dwight McNeil provide reliable, hardworking options on the wings that fit Sean Dyche’s preferred playing style. However, Dyche will need additional creative options off the bench and adequate cover in case of injuries.

Central positions also lack creativity. Additionally, losing Abdoulaye Doucoure to injury again would leave a significant gap, as there’s no natural replacement for his role. This context makes links to Edoardo Bove particularly interesting. Bove, a box-to-box midfielder from Roma, could add goals and assists from midfield. At a reported £18 million, he might be out of Everton’s price range, but his blend of talent and tenacity could be an ideal fit for Dyche’s system if the club can manage a sensible trade.

Paul Wheelock – Among the names linked with Everton, one stands out

The unfolding transfer window has brought some unexpected developments. Jack Harrison’s potential return on loan from Leeds United was anticipated due to the clause that facilitated his initial move. However, the spate of transfer rumors following the window’s opening has been surprising.

Tim Iroegbunam’s imminent move from Aston Villa, along with a potential swap involving Lewis Dobbin, came out of nowhere. Both transfers make strategic sense. Dyche needs reinforcements in midfield following Andre Gomes’ departure. Although Everton fans would regret losing another young talent like Dobbin, his sacrifice might be necessary to avoid a third Profit and Sustainability Rules charge. Dobbin’s exit would leave Dyche short on wingers, with only McNeil and Harrison available. Thus, another winger is essential.

Amidst the various transfer links, Iliman Ndiaye stands out. Had Dyche and Kevin Thelwell succeeded last summer, Ndiaye might already be at Everton. Instead, he joined his boyhood club, Marseille, where he struggled due to frequent managerial changes and could not replicate his form from Sheffield United.

However, Everton should not be deterred if Marseille indicates willingness to negotiate. Ndiaye’s skills on and off the ball would add dynamism to Everton’s midfield and forward areas. His versatility allows him to play both upfront and deeper, providing Dyche with tactical flexibility. Ndiaye could allow Doucoure to either rest or move further back into midfield, options that have been unavailable due to Doucoure’s key role.

In summary, Everton’s transfer strategy involves balancing immediate needs with long-term potential, considering both free and loan transfers. The right-back position, weakened by injuries to Coleman and Patterson, could be strengthened by acquiring Ben Johnson. Meanwhile, creative and dynamic midfielders like Edoardo Bove and Iliman Ndiaye could address the lack of creativity and versatility in the squad, enhancing Everton’s tactical options and overall squad depth.