Despite their well-documented financial constraints, Everton could still potentially enter the transfer market this summer. This will require immense caution, but Sean Dyche has managed tight budgets before, and Kevin Thelwell is well aware of the challenges involved.
Given these financial issues, it seems likely that Everton will operate on a ‘one in, one out’ system. This strategy involves selling high-profile players for substantial fees and replacing them with undervalued or distressed assets.
One such swap has already been suggested this summer. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future uncertain, Everton is reportedly eyeing Tammy Abraham once again. Interest in the former Chelsea striker was strong last year, and he came close to moving to Goodison Park according to some reports. It’s no surprise to see him linked with Everton again.
According to Corriere Dello Sport’s print edition (12/06), Dyche and Thelwell are planning to pursue the 26-year-old striker. However, they will face competition from Aston Villa, West Ham United, and Leicester City. AS Roma is expected to command a fee between £17m and £21m.
Comparisons have been made between Abraham and Calvert-Lewin, both tall, fast English strikers who can be profligate at times. Calvert-Lewin has stayed in England, trying to prove his worth at Everton, while Abraham has spent the past three years at AS Roma. Abraham joined the Italian club for £34m and once might have commanded a similar price tag to Calvert-Lewin. During the 2019/20 campaign, Calvert-Lewin scored 13 league goals, followed by 16 the next season. Meanwhile, Abraham scored 15 and then six goals for Chelsea in those seasons before moving to Italy, where he scored 27 goals across all competitions in his debut year but has since struggled with form and fitness.
A return to England might rejuvenate Abraham’s career, especially considering Calvert-Lewin’s precarious contract situation.
