The summer transfer window is officially open - and it’s set to be a pivotal one for Everton.
The Toffees have been in a Premier League relegation scrap for the past two seasons - only narrowly avoiding the drop on the final day of the 2022-23 season following a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth.
In the aftermath of that victory, manager Sean Dyche was under no illusions of the task that he still faces. The Everton manager admitted there was ‘massive amounts of work to be done’ to turn the club around both on and off the pitch.
Financial constraints mean that Dyche may be forced to work with a limited budget in the window. Utilising the free agent and loan market could be key if Everton are to improve their squad.
With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the free agents who the Blues could look to target.
1. Everton manager Ashley Young. Picture: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Everton manager Ashley Young. Picture: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
2. Daichi Kamada
The attacking midfielder, 26, has departed Eintracht Frankfurt, having scored 40 goals in 169 appearances. He also helped Japan reach the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup. Photo: Koji Watanabe/Getty Image
3. Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Once a target for Everton in the summer of 2021. Maitland-Niles, 25, has been released by Arsenal and is a versatile player, capable of playing in midfield and right-back.
4. Moussa Dembélé
The striker has been linked with a move to Goodison after his exit from Lyon. The 26-year-old hit 70 goals in 172 games for the French side.