There is rarely a dull day when it comes to Everton.
In the last 48 hours alone, they have rejected Manchester United’s latest bid for Jarrad Branthwaite and stepped up their interest in Hull City winger Jaden Philogene despite significant competition from elsewhere.
At the same time, the Friedkin Group continues its due diligence into a takeover deal that could well define the long-term future of the club.
Advertisement
With Sean Dyche’s squad having returned to pre-season training and ready to ramp up their preparation for the new campaign, we thought the time was right to ask for your questions on the summer — and indeed the season — ahead.
Here are the answers, with Branthwaite’s future, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract situation and transfer plans all on the agenda.
The elephant in the room is Man United’s pathetic attempts to unsettle a player (Branthwaite) less than a year into their new contract — Jesse C
Everton formally rejected Manchester United’s second bid for Branthwaite on Tuesday, with the £50million ($63.9m) package still some way off their valuation.
As reported, they have been using deals involving Josko Gvardiol, Wesley Fofana and Harry Maguire — all of whom were sold for in excess of £70m — as a benchmark.
It would take something close to that sum, I think, for Everton to even give it consideration because their priority is for Branthwaite to stay another year at least.
But I agree it is all starting to leave a sour taste in the mouth. This has become a public pursuit of a talented 22-year-old. I don’t think that helps anyone apart from Manchester United, certainly not Branthwaite.
United will have known Everton’s valuation for some time and as such must have been aware of the likely response.
So the pertinent question to ask here is: why are they doing it this way? Is it an attempt to unsettle the player? Or is it posturing by a new regime looking to show they are ushering in a new era of fiscal responsibility?
Perhaps it is both. But Everton would be well within their rights to issue them now with a ‘put up or shut up’ ultimatum.
Aware of the mounting interest in Branthwaite, the recruitment team have routinely scouted a number of central defenders over the past 12 months. Lyon’s Jake O’Brien is one, as is Hull City’s Jacob Greaves, who looks set for a move to Ipswich.
Advertisement
With Ben Godfrey already having gone to Atalanta and Mason Holgate likely to depart, you could easily argue Dyche needs another centre-back regardless of what happens with Branthwaite.
Where are we getting the money from for Ndiaye, Philogene and anyone else coming in? — Simon T
A range of factors to consider here, Simon.
The first is that Friedkin’s loan, together with season ticket income and TV money, provides financial security for now. This wasn’t a given, of course, at the start of the summer.
The Friedkin Group continues to do their due diligence into a potential takeover and it remains on track, but this is not yet a formality. There is still a way to go and exclusivity can be extended if necessary.
Then you have transfer proceeds from Godfrey (for an initial £11m) and Lewis Dobbin, who moved to Aston Villa for £9m. Although they usually come in the form of instalments, it does give Everton extra wiggle room when it comes to making payments.
The final one, and just as important, is that all deals are being done on a “buy now, pay later” basis, with most of the fees due later on in the contract.
What it does mean is that you lose out on some top targets, including Yankuba Minteh, who went to Brighton & Hove Albion from Newcastle United, because sometimes clubs aren’t willing to accept those terms.
The extent of the business has been a pleasant surprise on the whole, though, and hopefully there is more to come.
A pacy, dynamic winger remains a particular priority, given Dwight McNeil is their only permanent option there.
GO DEEPER
Iliman Ndiaye to Everton: The Athletic 500 transfer ratings
What’s the score with Dele and Spurs? — Jay W
As planned, Dele Alli is back at Finch Farm as he continues his rehab from long-term injuries, the most recent of which was a thigh problem.
At present, the 28-year-old midfielder, who has not played for Everton since August 2022, doesn’t have a contract but my understanding is that he is hoping to impress sufficiently to earn one.
As I’ve reported, nobody has ruled out him playing some kind of a role this pre-season but there are significant hurdles to overcome.
Under the terms of the previous deal with Tottenham Hotspur, a significant payment is due if Dele signs a new deal at Goodison. There would need to be some resolution there before any deal is struck, and the two clubs have struggled to reach one previously.
Spurs, as we know, are notoriously tricky negotiators.
Advertisement
Is there an update on DCL’s contract situation? How likely is he to stay? — Alex G
Last I checked, this hadn’t moved substantially in a while — at least not when it comes to a potential new deal at Everton. That remains their priority though after he got back towards his best at the end of last season.
Calvert-Lewin’s camp have long been aware of the club’s intention to offer new terms, but a decision was put on hold until survival was secured and Everton’s future became clearer. I’m unaware of any breakthrough of note, but it has been stressed to me that all options remain on the table.
A decision obviously needs to be made soon, given the 27-year-old striker is now into the final year of his deal. Everton���s financial situation is such that they can’t afford to lose a player of his ability and value for free, and that forces their hand here. If he doesn’t sign, then he almost certainly has to be sold.
Remember: Calvert-Lewin would already be a Newcastle player by now had he agreed personal terms there.
Amadou Onana links have gone quiet. Any news on whether he stays or goes? — Bobbie R
They have a bit, Bobbie, you’re right.
We knew Bayern Munich admired him, but their deal for Joao Palhinha seems to have taken that option off the table.
There has been other interest, from English clubs and those on the continent, but I’m unaware of anything that has shifted the dial sufficiently.
The feeling is still that he goes if Everton’s valuation, which is in excess of £50m, is met.
Any insight on the situation with Neal Maupay, Mason Holgate and Michael Keane? And any word on Elijah Campbell after his time at Fleetwood? He does play left back… — Chad L
All three are fringe players and likely to be available if the right offer comes in. That’s not materialised.
The problem in some (perhaps most) of these cases is that the players are on much higher wages than they would get elsewhere.
Keane, for example, has attracted interest over the past 12 months but clubs have been put off by the package for a 31-year-old centre-back heading into the last 12 months of his deal. Holgate, meanwhile, had two disappointing loans last season with Southampton and Sheffield United.
Everton would be happier keeping Keane as cover, but every player has a price — certainly fringe players.
As for Campbell, he received decent reviews during his loan with a Fleetwood team who were relegated from League One. I’d suggest the next step for him is a loan at a higher level.
Although he can play at left-back, I see him more as a centre-back — perhaps ideally a left-sided central defender in a back three. He’s quick and strong but not the biggest.
Advertisement
I’ve always felt his fellow under-21 defender Reece Welch has a lot of the attributes needed to succeed at a high level in the modern game, but he’s yet to properly push on yet.
How do clubs receive bids for players? — John-Paul F
Great question! I’m told WhatsApp often plays a big role, at least initially. Then sometimes formal terms are conveyed over email. Back in the day, it would have been fax — remember those machines?!
Everton’s WhatsApp response to Manchester United’s first bid for Branthwaite? Can I suggest a crying-laughing emoji? Feels suitable in the circumstances…
GO DEEPER
How transfer bids actually work: Emails, brinkmanship and massive egos
It looks like we are going to field a similar team to last season with a few additions and minimal departures. Assuming no financial fair play breaches this season, do you suspect this season’s result to be a slight improvement on last season’s standing? — Thomas M
Provided the situation is as outlined above, I see no reason why this side can’t compete for a top-half finish.
Iliman Ndiaye should add quality and I think we’ll see more from Jack Harrison, who has re-signed for a second season on loan from Leeds United, this time after a full summer of training.
The league should be stronger/more competitive, but Everton have showed they can compete under Dyche.
A season of stability of that kind would be most welcome after the sustained turbulence of the last few years!
(Top photos: Getty Images)
