Title winners, loans and £28m buys - How Everton’s rivals strengthened in January
Whilst Everton didn’t sign a player during the January window, their relegation rivals have and it could be detrimental to their chances of survival.
The January transfer window has now officially shut and whilst Everton didn’t take the opportunity tostrengthen - but their rivals did.
With a relegation battle on their hands, Sean Dyche was afforded no new additions despite the club selling winger Anthony Gordon for £40m.
Outside of Goodison Park, the likes of Leeds, Wolves, Southampton, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest have all brought in extra firepower ahead of the second half of the season.
Now the dust has settled, here’s how Everton’s rivals strengthened in the January window.
1. Leeds United - Weston McKennie
Leeds secured the signing of Juventus and USA midfielder Weston McKennie on a loan until the end of the season. The 24-year-old has 13 goals and five assists in his 95 games for Juve and will bring a youthful energy and experience to a Leeds side battling relegation. Photo: Leeds United
2. Maximilian Wober
The 24-year-old defender has a wealth of experience at club and international level already in his career. He’s been a champion at Ajax and Austria and considering he can cover both left-back and centre-back - he could prove to be an excellent buy. Photo: Stu Forster
3. Georginio Rutter
Signed for around £28m, the 20-year-old is highly rated and arrives from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. He’s represented France at every level from U15 to U21 so far and has 20 goals and 10 assists across 92 games so far in his career.
4. Southampton - Paul Onuachu
A reported target of Everton, Paul Onuachu stands tall at 6’7 and will give the Saints additional attacking muscle. The 28-year-old is in great form, netting 17 times in 22 games across all competition for KRC Genk and could be a real threat in England.