A Summer Rebuild Beckons

Great article Matt. Your analysis in my opinion is well reasoned and I would agree with all of your suggestions. I would add the following. I do believe there is a footballer trying to get out in Lindstrom. He works hard but I do think at the moment he is over anxious when he gets in front of goal. A little more patience and composure and I also think he would be a valuable asset to the squad,

On a more controversial note and in trepidation of being bombarded with abuse and banned from the site, I think we should consider another option to finance a rebuild is if we were to accept any offer for Pickford. I know he has made some brilliant saves, is a great shot stopper but I believe some of these would be avoided if he was able to command the 6yard box. I also think he contributes (at times) to some of the panic in our back four.

I would consider it if we could get a keeper who is itching to get first team football. (remember how Villa got Martinez from Arsenal)

I have seen nothing to suggest any club is interested in signing Pickford. Equally there has been nothing to suggest he wants to leave. Given he has stuck with us through some traumatic seasons I can’t see why he would wish to leave now that, at long last, things are looking brighter.

Really good article, Matt, and I agree with what you say, including where we need to strengthen the first team.

Where I disagree is that this rebuild will happen this summer. It's not feasible and it's certainly not how Moyes will want to do things. Yes always been the you're to add a bit of quality, bit by bit. He's already said as much.

Loan signings come and go. We'll still be in that market next year. Hopefully there'll be some free transfers available - it does seem that the generation who never knew football before the Bosman ruling are now more accepting of running down contracts. Free transfers might be as common as paid transfers before long. I mean, why wouldn't they if it's the players making the decisions?

Matt, I think you're wildly optimistic that four youth players will be able to step up to the senior squad next season. Armstrong has so far gotten only a few minutes off the bench for Derby, which is in the relegation zone, and if the pattern continues he will likely need another loan next season at 18. I've barely glimpsed Dixon and have never seen Sherif play, but they too seem like loan candidates.

Your other conclusions seem to be right on the button. I agree with Neil on Lindstrom, that there's potential there that hasn't yet registered on the scorebooks (like McNeil before we bought him) but could come very good in future years.

Worth mentioning that our outbounds take with them 31 million in salary, led by Doucs and Keane, so we have good salary flexibility to attract top younger players who won't demand six figures a week.

From only limited playing time, I had thought Virginia looked a useful deputy to Pickford.
If Jordan were to be out injured for a time, would you prefer Begovic?
I dream about pacy young wing backs coming in, but at what cost...
We may see one or even two utility players who can play a couple of positions, a left sided defender that could play advanced would be very useful, as would a box to box mid who can be an enforcer if needed...
Big challenges for Moyes and Thelwell, and I can't honestly see us getting a full compliment in one window.

Andy, we certainly won't get the fully built-out version of the roster in one window, and I don't think Matt is suggesting we will.

But we must fill every role even if just for one season, and that will require 10-12 incomings in this next window no matter what.

4 youth players around the fringes isn't out of question. As a club, we should probably be insisting on that anyway.

Harrison, Sherif, Dixon. There's 3 who should be on the edge of game time if needed.

I actually would have liked to see Sherif for the last 5 minutes against Palace. Beto was spent.

Largely depends on how much wiggle room we have under PSR. Can only see this happening over 3-4 windows. Selling a major asset could fast-forward that a bit and realistically that is branthwaite or Pickford.i wouldn't be keen but it is a valid way to improve a squad. Can see all loan players getting picked up again except broja. Also good to see the straq get a mention but I doubt Moyes considers him one his successes😀

Thanks Matt a good write up and food for thought.

Personally I’m excited about what will be a massive rebuild, I’m confident that Moyes and Thelwell/Weir would make a good fist of fashioning a youngish team interlaced with some experienced heads.

I would agree with Gueye and Begovic being offered new contracts but not convinced that we would get Mangala for the number you quoted there.

One additional point (thanks Dave Abrahams for the heads up here) is around the youth squad, Braiden Graham to me looked head and shoulders above everyone else for the U18’s and could be ready to step up as cover if need be.

Given his injury, we might get Mangala on another loan deal as he'll probably take some time to recover there won't be a massive list of clubs chasing him.

Perhaps Young should be given another 12 months as he covers a few positions, although I'm not a fan of his tbh.

Alcaraz and Lindstrom should definitely be kept, either permanently or on another loan. There's definitely a player in Jesper...somewhere.

With Patterson and Dixon we should have plenty of cover on the right, but I'm still angry we didn't get Harrison Burrows to cover the left. Sheff United only paid around £5M for him and he's got definite potential. Hopefully we'll find another gem from the Championship like Moyes Mk1 did with Cahill.

You’ve basically beaten me to writing this, I was trying to work out how to make it shorter!

However, your list of four ways to fill the squad missed one crucial, 5th area: out-of-contract players from other clubs. We can’t afford (I don’t think) to buy 12 players at £12-20M, so targeting the right free agents could be vital.

Transfermarkt provides a list, but some of the more realistic names include Kieran Tierney and Tyrick Mitchell at LB, Tariq Lamptey and Devyne Rensch at RB, experienced Premier League players like Will Hughes and Christian Norgaard in midfield and then the likes of Leroy Sané, Adama Traore, Angel Gomes and Jonathan David further forward. We need to at least be looking and making an effort here, there’s no avenue we should be ignoring.

Of our youngsters, only Armstrong can be in the first team squad next season - the rest need Championship loans. I wouldn’t renew any of the players over 30 and Calvert-Lewin is probably looking for a fresh start.

We’ll do well to have 25 first team players, 2 for each position plus an extra goalkeeper, midfielder (Armstrong) and no.9.

Fans need to realise that what we spend now reduces what we’re able to spend in the future.

Going through the list, and by the way, I agree in principle that the targets are about right, I would offer the following.
Goalkeeper. Virginia has always looked a capable replacement for Jordan, but he will surely now be looking for first team football. Finding another young prospect on a loan initially as cover with Begovic as back up would seem the best route.
At Centre back, you list 'an experienced defender as cover'. This sounds like you'd be looking at another club's version of Michael Keane then. In which case (flak jacket at the ready) why not offer a deal to our own version?
Further forward we need players who can tackle and pass to team mates in the middle and pace out wide. You have identified options here. Interesting that one player we made a huge hullaballoo about, is only warming the bench at Leeds at the moment.
Up front I am more worried. To get an all round centre forward as good as a fit DCL is not going to be easy or cheap. Beto is a one trick pony. great when the ball is put in front of him to run on to, but he has none of the other skills needed as a number 9. Dominating centre backs, offering an out ball, trapping and holding the bal up for runners. It is sad that when DCL was fit, he had nobody running off him as they were all defending. As soon as the shackles were off he, and we, looked far more of a threat.
I hope Moyes and co have scouted well.
I think next summer will be one of great interest.

I happily recall the days when a player would jump at the chance to sign for Everton and deals were done very quickly without extended contract negotiations. I agree wholeheartedly with the suggestion that quality talent is identified from the Championship ( and below) where the price paid is sensible and realistic and Moyes does have an eye for such players. I think too, that he can sniff out the fringe players from other teams who are desperate to play and who will not demand stupid salaries. Finances will not permit any marquee signings nor could we justify them. Decent quality in depth, properly managed and motivated is what is required. On the Pickford debate, he strikes me as a Baines type player. Happy where he is giving his best and I doubt he has any desire to move on. However, as much as he can and has been outstanding, I don't see him as irreplaceable and I'd rather big money for him than Branthwaite. Virginia is a player who will want to play and he has impressed on every appearance. Maybe the replacement lies within.
The rebuilding of our squad is a lively topic for us all to debate over the next 6 months and it's great that we are now able to look forward rather than being in the Dyche doldrums where misery and depression ruled.

Thanks for all the thoughtful (and kind) comments. And for reading such a long article in the first place! A few responses/thoughts...

Virgina looks capable but surely has to be in search of 1st team football now? If not, offer him a contract.

Yes, this is HUGE (which was the point I was trying to highlight) and I don't think we'll get a perfect squad in one summer but facts remain that all teams require a 26-28 man squad at the very least just to get through a season.

Young players might not be ready for regular 1st team action but I think 4 of them stepping up and training wih the 1st team on a full-time basis is a) essential given our squad size and b) should be next stage in their development. Great point re Braiden Graham - can't say I know a lot but all reports are extremely promising.

@11 Mike - great point, should have included frees under acquisitions/purchases. Some very decent names on that list too. Tho we should bear in mind (as Matt Slater in Athletic explained in a recent podcast) that free transfers can cost almost as much as paid transfers given signing-on fees etc, so "free" is a misnomer in that context.

However we look at it and tackle it, it's gonna be a massive summer. And a costly one. One we can't afford to get wrong...

I think a lot of people are being very optimistic about youth players coming into the first team squad, especially given Moyes’ previous record in this area.

Without going into Mark’s detail I’d renew both backup keepers, sign Alcaraz to play AM and then be looking for the following:

RB, LB, CB, DM, CM, LW, RWx2 (one might be Lindstrom), CFx2 (Chermitti would go out on loan).

Free transfers might cover RB, LB, DM and CM, and I’d look to invest properly in the match winning wide areas. Tom Fellows seems like a good option and the links to Rayan Cherki are genuinely exciting.

Either way, I’d be looking to spend big money on 2-3 really high quality players who will win matches and double or triple in value, and build the rest on free transfers, two loans maximum (leaving room for January problem-solving) and bargain players who’ve lost their way but still have something to offer (Zinchenko springs to mind in that category). I don’t think we can afford the idea that we’re only signing one profile of player, we need to utilise every area of the market.

Really interesting and thought provoking article Matt.Presenting the bare bones of our squad like that on paper does open your eyes to the task ahead.Plenty of work to be done in searching out suitable recruits to swell and strengthen our ranks,not only on the skill and compatibility levels but,as you state,also within the tight lines of PSR.
I personally do not delve into speculation,but take a more interested look into replacements as and when names start hitting the “persons of interest “ spotlight.
So,game by game,let’s get this season satisfactorily completed and then see what’s on offer for the BMD era.Looking forward,at last,to better times.COYB

Very useful and really well thought-out article, Matt. Perhaps it's too much to ask to add 8-10 players to the squad this summer given the time, effort and finances required. I'd say it's more likely we'll get 4-5 new players so will be a bit short of numbers.
Your point about Branthwaite is interesting. Only Man Utd has shown a serious interest so far and why would he join that shitshow? I think (and hope) he loves playing for Everton and will want to be part of next season in the new stadium. I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting him to be our first-choice CB for many years to come, but hopefully we get at least one more year before he goes for insane money (nine figures?).
I also think we should try to hold on to Virginia.

Good article Matt, thanks. Also Chermiti will enter the third year of his four year contract next season so a decision will have to be made on him 2025/26.

In other news related to summer activity I read this morning that along with United, Bournemouth and West Ham we’re in advanced talks to participate in the Premier League’s Summer Series event in the United States at the end of July. Expected to take place in Atlanta, New Jersey and Chicago.

Matt one thing that I disagree on is that Managers could not get a tune out of the squad and suddenly Moyes can.

This overlooks the long running staff and regime that continued uninhibited as the Manager merry go round went on for years.

Managers with strict systems such as Dyche had them for a reason.He did not have confidence that the players would look after his interests Ancelotti admitted the same

Moyes has been able the play players to their strengths, because he had the backing of Finch Farm.I would even say the reason why he was selected was Moyes was seen as a known candidate who would protect positions.

Moyes has learn't alot since his last time at Everton and is under new owners who know how to run a Professional organisation.

I expect they will expect a reset squad during the Summer transfer, but it will be alot more strategic than before.

Jerome @ 19

And to your point Jerome it will be interesting to see how or even whether they, the owners, view the Director of Football role, considering Moyes reluctance in the past to embrace the concept, allegedly 🤣

Jerome, I've got to be honest and say I don't really understand that point about Moyes and Dyche's respective backing?

It's obvious Dyche didn't trust the players and had a rigid system. I'd argue that was him though. He wasn't given much but he had no interest in seeing what they could do. His actions and words throughout his reign made that point very clear.

Moyes (and probably others that we could have appointed) seem to want to get the best out of what is available to them. The same limitations are still there for now.

@Jerome - without wanting to rehash a previous article I wrote elsewhere, my argument was that the vast majority of PL players are of a very similar quality. The fact that Iwobi, Gordon (even Maupay in a lesser league, admittedly!) etc have gone on to become key performers at better teams than we currently are goes to show that. Equally, I have no doubt that a player like Ryan Christie would never have reached such heights if he'd been with us for past few seasons.

So, yes, a lot of other stuff (management, club set up, coaching, competition for places... etc etc) accounts for performance. But I refused to believe that we were as bad as Dyche and many fans were saying ("Championship squad" was often bandied around). While Beto may never be a world-beater, him and Lindstrom are examples of what come decent coaching, clear instructions and good man management can achieve.

Yes, we'll need a lot more than that to get to where we need to go. But good coaching makes good players.

Apologies, very off topic, but for those who lived through the punk/new wave era

RIP Rick Buckler

Well thought out article Matt and given the recent upturn in our fortunes both on and off the pitch, it gives the article extra impetus to join in the discussion.

Not sure it is a good idea to bring in so many new faces in one window, even if we could afford to. There has to be a step by step approach to improving the squad. For me though, keeping Branthwaite and exercising the option to purchase Alcaraz are important, as is the retention of Pickford. It has been mentioned there is a player in there with Lindstrom with which I also agree but I also feel there is a real striker in Chermiti. With Moyes talent for spotting potential, I will happily sit back and let him get on with it!

Just a little follow up.

I didnt advocate that we sell Jordan but if as was bandied about last Summer that there was serious interest in him (Maybe it was agents upping the ante pre contract), if a big money offer came in for him, I would take it. Virginia and Berkovic can do a job. Not as good a shot stopper but if they commanded the 6 yard box maybe less dramatic shot stopping would be needed. We may never know.

I also see the point on retaining Michael Keane. I think his problem is confidence which is not helped by the sometimes lunatic ranting behind him. Tarks can take it but I'm not sure Keane can.

I also think there may be a player in Chemitri, however, we have never had the opportunity of seeing him on a regular basis. Everton seem to have a habit of recruiting players who quickly become injured and then we never see their full potential.

On the Beto/DCL choice, certainly DCL has a better first touch, superb leap and great header of the ball but based on my recent observations Beto is better to finish 1 on 1 situations.

We need to improve the squad and get a manageable wage structure but I would build slowly, we all know what happened when Walshe was Director of Football, lots of square pegs in round holes. We need both Moyes and Thelwell to work together on building a team and lowering the average age over the next couple of years.

Ernie#21

I included Ancelotti as well.Both Dyche and Ancelotti were good Managers under difficult circumstances for Everton when compared to the many others.Though Dyche seemed to be looking out since before Xmas.

Everton would never have got relegated, because there is a bedrock of expertise, which will survive.Equally this can be withdrawn as sacked Managers can tastify.

Matt#22

It was unfair for me to jump onto the one point.Your articles always have depth and knowledge. I am glad you replied to flesh out your thinking more.I agree that in the main that Premier League Players are of similar quality.Often Everton players went on to other teams and become stalwarts.

The Everton Culture at long last is going to have to change, because of new Professional Owners. The important point is that we have got back a reborn Moyes and he maybe able to facilitate that change given his insight, experience and the quiet determination he seems to have acquired.He looks like he is on a mission
,

Pretty much agree with what has been said. Based on the current squad and contracts, assuming we have triggered the deal for Alcaraz, using a 4231 formation we would have:
Pickford, O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Garner, Iregbounam, McNeil, Ndiaye, Alcaraz, Beto - Subs Patterson, Chermiti

Of that group, currently, only Pickford, Tarkowski and Beto are over 25, and Pickford is relatively young at 30 for a keeper, so there is a good core squad to build on

Of those out of contract I would only offer Gueye an extension as a true 1st team contender and Begovic as a reserve keeper, with either Crellin or Tyrer stepping up as the 3rd keeper. We’ve also need to make a decision on Patterson to keep or sell, too many managers seem unconvinced so I’d suggest a sale. That would leave 10 positions available in the squad, so a busy summer!

@Ian 24 - ideal world, I'd agree, but the point is that we can't do this little by little. It's impossible/would be madness to go into a Premier League season with a squad of 16, for example. The smallest PL squads this season are Arsenal and Fulham at 24 players - and that number doesn't include the U21 players who've made a considerable impact at Arsenal, at least. In reality, their squad is more like 26-27.

@Jerome 26 - agreed. I guess the ultimate point I wanted to make with that comment is that it doesn't matter who you sign if they're not well coached.

@Neil 25 - given the scope of this rebuild, I suspect that good offers for any players (including Pickford and Branthwaite) would have to be considered. That's simply the position we're in. Doesn't mean I'd be putting up a big for sale sign either, but we have to be pragmatic.

I’d say we can’t ‘afford’ to sell anyone at all as we need (nearly) all the continuity and identity we can get. Keep 12, renew 2, sign 2 that are currently here on loan and maybe promote 2 tops from the youth system. That still leaves 7 new players needed just for the minimal squad of 25. That does all need doing this summer; the bit that will take longer is replacing the weaker players and building the quality in depth to compete in 4 competitions, including Europe, playing twice a week.

That’s what will take another year or two to rebuild.

It's always difficult judging opposition teams players, unless you watch them consistently and intently.

Take the LB at palace, Mitchell. A few palace fans I know say he's a liability and very poor defensively, but I've seen posters on here say he would be a good signing.

We've had so many poor signings over the past decade that it's difficult to know. One thing about Moyes is that in general his record at bringing improvements in at decent prices was good. He has struggled with CFs though (although admittedly they are difficult to come by)

It will probably take more than a couple of seasons to develop a rounded top 6/8 squad. That will still depend on value for money, quality recruitment.

It's going to be a very interesting summer I think.
However, my first signing would be Coleman on a one year deal. Not that I expect him to play but I think what he brings to the playing staff and Club in general is immeasurable.
Integrate him slowly and part time into the coaching staff and see where he, and we, are at the end of next season.

I agree with Gana getting another one year deal as he is still doing the business. Plus I doubt we can afford to bring in that many players in the close season.
His tandem with Mangala has shown they can work as a unit so Mangala at a knockdown price might be worth a punt

Unfortunately although the last thing Harrison wants to do is to rejoin Leeds I'm not sure we should sign him. Similarly Lindstrom. Yes he is playing better than a few weeks ago but is he really worth spending 20-30 million on?

Pickford and Branthwaite should be retained at all costs. As for the rest of our recent defensive unit, apart from Young, I would leave as is.

Up top it appears DCL is adamant on leaving and it's a shame as I think Moyes could get a lot out of him. As for Chermiti and Broja, well who knows as they've been injured for most of their tenures.

I doubt that Moyes will want to integrate too many new faces into the squad. I would keep Virginia if he wants to stay and Young on another one year deal. I also think that he could improve Kean but he would have to take a pay cut. That would leave most of the defense intact. DCL and Broja will most likely be gone and we have yet to see if Chermiti is the real deal so we may need a backup for Beto. Some players recover well from a torn ACL but others don't. We may be able to take a chance on Mangala getting back to where he was by the start of next season.

Could Moyes entice some players from West Ham? Soucek and Bowen would be great additions.

Steve@33

Could be Steve but I would be interested also in whether some of their youngsters may fit the bill. Moyes must have had a good luck at them.

Matt a very lucid and well reasoned article with, I would argue, one exception. My view is that Joao Virginia, at 24 years of age, is a far better prospect than 38 year old Becovic as a second goalkeeper. When Joao has deputised for Jordan Pickford, last season and in his FA Cup appearance against Peterborough recently, he has played extremely competently. From what I've seen I would go as far as to say he commands his area more effectively than Jordan and has proved a decent shot stopper during his limited number of appearances. I may be mistaken but I think the club has the option to renew Joao's contract for a further year. He certainly has the potential to become the number one keeper although he may not be prepared to wait very much longer.

@Christoper 35 - Don't disagree at all, mate. TBH, I was assuming Virginia would be off in search of first team football elsewhere. He's shown enough to suggest he's capable of doing so.
If that's not the case, keep for sure.
Course, if he does leave, Pickford is guaranteed to do his ACL within days...

I really hope that our new professional set up does not sanction anymore charity contracts to the likes of Seamus Coleman. This year has been bad enough when we knew he would never be fit and would rarely play; he’s been a cheer leader on premier league footballer wages.

IMWT I guess.
Classy site Lyndon.
Superb 💙

Clearly significant squad changes are needed next season and I hope we have some ambition ( matched by TFG funding).
There are good value deals to be had ( Ndyia, Alcaraz for example), providing our DOF and scouting team do their homework.
We need cover at full backs, particularly left, with players that are pushing for first team, not making up the numbers.
Sadly Mangala may be too much of a risk now. Gueye should get an extra year, but fewer games, with a central midfield addition.
We need width, despite improving Lindstrom isn’t the answer for me, we need pace.
Plus another quality forward. I’m assuming DCL will go.
Coleman for coaching, not playing staff.
Patterson, Keane, Doucore can leave, Broja, Lindstrom, Harrison loans end- we want better loan replacements.
Having seen a bit of the Academy players, I don’t see any near ready. That’s a disappointment for me. Armstrong is closest.
Lots to do, it will be a busy pre season, but let’s have some ambition.
Out with the old stale faces, and the nearly men, raise the bar.

Fine work Matt. Glad to see you have Gana getting an extension, we need some continuity and professionalism as we make massive changes. Alcaraz certainly passed the audition. If Moyes can keep him interested he gives us an additional, more direct threat of pace in possession than Ndiaye's cagey style. Start writing the check for that one.

Overall, I think we have enough to avoid a conservative approach to the window. Finishing the season strong could sway a frustrated talent to push for a move. Sorting out the fullbacks is obviously the focus.

Good stuff and you have every right to feel vindicated. That was a tough call to make and the right one.
UTOFM!

I don’t know if anyone has mentioned it already but as we are now part of a larger football ownership group we likely have some level of access to both the first teams and academies of other group teams. Anyone available at Roma etc that we fancy?

Chris 34 and Matt 35,

I agree that Virginia is a very competent and able keeper, he has done well when he's played albeit against lower opposition.

It would take a brave man to sanction the sale of Pickford as he has been immense for us, apart from a spell when he came back from the world cup when his head seemed a little scrambled.

A crazy bid of 80 to 100m would be hard to turn down, not sure who'd be prepared to pay that amount these days, but he is the england no.1 and that carries a premium.

Regardless, a very interesting summer coming up. We may only be willing to give one year extensions to the likes of gueye, Coleman etc. but they may want 2 year deals, in which case we have to be prepared with a plan B and plan C.

Matt and Dale, I wouldn't have expected Gana to pursue a new contract, but given the passion and joy he expressed for Everton in his interview on the club site this week, it would seem he very much wants to stay, and I would be delighted if he does.

Chris and Alan, it will be very interesting to see if the club views Virginia as Pickford's potential successor, or whether it's Harry Tyrer, who by all accounts has had a fine season on loan at Blackpool and is only a year younger than Virginia.

I do wonder why so many clubs seem to keep an older keeper around. I guess they're probably not very expensive, and maybe their experience is considered important?

As far as I can tell, Begovic's only contribution this year was getting involved in a melee.

@Ian 39 - Agree across the board. Where do we apply as joint DoFs???

@ Mike 43 - If that's the case, can see us allowing Virginia to go and making HT our number 2.

@Ernie 44 - third choice keeper rarely gets a look in but obv you do need one as, if one keeper gets injured, you need a sub on the bench just in case. BUT, by all accounts, 3rd choice keeper is as much a goalkeeping coach as a player so teams look for an experienced hand who can guide younger keepers and younger players in general, keep morale high etc while accepting a lower wage as they prep for the next stage in their careers and no longer being disappointed or disheartened by not getting playing time.

Interesting and thought provoking article, al be it a bit early as plenty of football to be played yet. I would be surprised if we didnt offer a few out of contract players an extension. I would be very disappointed to see Virginia go, also I see virtually no chance of Pickford going, maily because we wont want to sell and also that he loves it here and with a youing and settled family he is likely to refuse to go, Brainthwaite may well be gone unfortunately, I would offer extensions to Gueye, Keane and Doucoure {i know} but he has a place on the bench but obviously on reduced wages, also I would not be surprised if DCL signed a new one. Lindstrom is still early days I think, maybe for 15M max if he steps up a bit more anything m ore and I would look elsewhere, Mangala as long as he recovers ok then a no brainer as is Alcaraz. I don't think we will be changing a massive amount of players, we need to evolve not make sweeping changes as we don't have the finances

A very good article, Matt, with many thoughtful comments.

I would be desperately disappointed to see either Pickford or Branthwaite leave. A) they are two of the foundations of the team, with great presence
B) I enjoy watching them play.

Barry #46

I'd agree with much of that. PSR will probably hamper us for a while yet and I'd be very surprised if we didn't offer new deals to most of our "out of contract" players.

I'd also suggest the "out of contract" players are in a pretty strong position to push for two year deals given that we're unlikely to have the finances to bring in a significant number of new recruits.

Brendan@48

Probably wrong here Brendan but I was kind of hoping that the stadium naming rights money would give us a lot more leeway with PSR. Is that not the case?

Nigel #49

It will certainly give us more leeway but I'm not sure how much and we're not starting from a particularly good place. I have no real idea how much revenue naming rights will generate but I understand that even if it were, say £100 million for 10 years... that's £10 million per year.

Not to be sniffed at but I'm not sure, even with whatever other funding is available, it will be enough to allow for radical transformation.

Perhaps I'm just being overly cautious.

Perhaps I’m the odd one out but I am expecting a lot of squad change.
I believe there is more scope this Summer under PSR.
One of the worst years drops out of the 3 year rolling average; commercial revenues will step up at BMD, including naming rights which as you say Brendan £100m equates to £10m pa. Player acquisitions are amortised the same way.

For the first time in a good while I think there’s some money in the coffers ( hope I’m right).
Not expecting Moshiri madness, just a little Friedkin flexibility.
It sounds like appointments of CEO, maybe DOF are getting close.
I’m torn on DOF, but those closest know best.

Great thought provoking post MAtt,
One of my bugbears these last few years has been the lack of goalscoring ability in the players we recruited and that is somethinmg we need to address this summer.

Also we are undoubtedly weak in the full back arena given Semus and Asley Youngs age.

I would like to look at the possibility of Hutchison and Delap from Ipswich if they are relegated and alternatively Gnonto but it Looks like Leeds may get promoted.

I believe Roman Dixon with some coaching will become a better option than Lamptey who has not been the same since being out injured for so long.

More than anything I think it is important to give Jarrad a new contract and keep him with us for at least a couple of years.

It really is a big change coming...a huge opportunity to make it a Moyes team. it comes with risk obviously but of all the positions it seems to me that centre mid and striker are the priorities. I've like our current CM options so hopefully we can maintain this level. Alcaraz on the basis of 2 part games appears to offer more than Doucs in that role with ndiaye in the mix. Finding a couple of strikers will be the task...Nunez is going to be looking for a club😁

Ian #51

Player sales are indeed amortised in a similar fashion but over a much shorter period. It makes a significant difference.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see more of the out of contract players mentioned, maybe about four or so, offered a deal to remain for at least another season.

Dennis@55

To your point Dennis, It will be interesting for me to see what happens with DCL, particularly.

Personally, if he were to lower his salary expectations I for one would be happy for him to stay.

Having said that, I do accept and completely agree with the clubs stance on reducing the wage bill at the club and believe it is essential that we maintain this culture as the new status quo.

With that in mind, for me he would have to manage his own expectations massively here, not only in terms of wage but also not necessarily being the automatic shoe in he once was. If that is possible, then a new Manager, new stadium a rosier general climate, I can see him wanting to be involved.

Not heard too much either way at the moment probably due to his own injury and the resurgence of Beto. Despite all of this, even if he were to stay an additional striker is still a must in my opinion.

For me, Gana has earned a new two year contract, other than him and Virginia I’m not too sure to be honest about the others. I don’t really have an appetite for Doucouré, Young or Keane for next season, I would rather us attract new blood and persuade Branthwaite to extend his contract, whilst the feel good factor is in town it could be the ideal time for us to do this.

I havent been in the stadium yet, but I've got to say the view down Boundary street when the stadium is lit up would melt the hardest of Scouse hearts. Unless of course you're a kopite. The RS around here are going to extreme lengths to not be bothered by it Haha. I swear It's only a matter of time before they start walking around wearing blinkers - They're as sick as sea-going parrots and I'm loving it.

Lyndon

Would there be any chance of putting up a "recent comments" space on the front page so we can go straight to the current topic of conversation ?

Seconded Darren

On the subject of re building for the future, very positive interview with Charly Alcaraz in The Times and on the BBC site. He seems very keen to make his loan permanent. Hope so.

I have a question. If chelsea sold two hotels and the womens team to a parent company to navigate psr. Could friedkin do that with the stadium. Sell it to his own parent company.?

Alan 42 and Mike 43 -

Whilst it's not a situation that I would want to occur, I would not rule out a sizeable bid for Jordan this summer being accepted and the proceeds utilised in the squad rebuild. I have the impression, admittedly only from the UK based media, that the Friedkins are primarily hard-headed business people. Consequently, even though Jordan, at 30 years of age, has hopefully another four or five years as a Premier League player ahead of him, our new owners may take the view that his resale value will now begin to decline significantly and that part of any reasonable fee now would, potentially, be more effectively used in the acquisition of two or three outfield players- Chris

Brendan 48

I agree that "out of contract" players may well, not only at Everton but in the Premiership generally, find themselves in relatively stronger negotiating positions than previously. Notwithstanding the general PSR situation, any further deterioration in the economy may persuade clubs to focus more on conserving higher than normal levels of liquidity rather than incurring excessive transfer fee debt- Chris

Delap and Hutchison cost £35m as untried (except as Championship loans) City and Chelsea youth products. After a strong Premier League season they could cost £45m and £30m respectively.

These are fairly unremarkable fees these days - but personally I'd be amazed if we can afford that.

Our shopping will probably need to be done in cheaper markets (Championship, Scotland, overseas) except for frees and low cost (sub £15m) experience.

Shopping in the Premier League offers absolutely atrocious value (unless from academies / benches etc).

Great article Matt, it really highlights the amount of change coming.

As others have said and from Moyes own comments in press conferences, I think the focus will be on quality over quantity. So 2 to 3 new players to the club to raise the standards of the team, ideally pacy players for me in attacking areas, possibly including an attacking full back.

However, I think it will remain a smaller than average squad to allow a constant evolution of player quality. As a consequence, I think Moyes has previously had an eye on versatile players, capable of playing a number of positions, maybe Harrison fits this brief if he can build back his confidence.

Add in permanent transfers for Alcaraz, Lindstrom and Managala. I’d also be focused on giving short term extensions on reduced wages for the likes of Doucs and Young, even Keane and Virginia. I’d personally keep DCL but I think that ship has sailed based on wage demands and injuries.

I’m amazed at the amount of people wanting to effectively keep the same squad, especially the really obviously ageing players. Gana is hanging on by his fingertips and looked way off the pace at times in the derby - he was lucky to only get one yellow card.

Coleman, Young, Keane, Gana and Doucoure all need to go. Keane and Doucoure are too expensive and aren’t very good, the other three are simply way too old.

We’ll need 12 players, 6-7 of them are going to have to be entirely new to the club and 2-3 of them need to be match winning, value-doubling signings. This is realistic and anything short of it is a missed opportunity.

This article needed writing Matt and the recent good form has enabled us to look beyond this season and Moyes has a lot to think about.
Matt -you suggest us looking at the other Pl clubs for players out of contract but I would rather we looked at South American players like Alcaraz. Other teams seem to scout them. Other options are Leagues of a slightly lower standard like the Portuguse French and Belgian leagues.

Disagree with the keeper suggestion, personally I think we should keep Virginia if he is willing to accept a new contract.

I would also like to see Lindstrom signed up permanently, I do think there is a player there. I would also be pleased if we could get Mangala signed up, albeit for a lower price, if possible.

At right back I would prefer to see both Dixon and Patterson given an extended run, before looking to buy a new player. Definitely need a new left back as competition for Mykolenko.

It will be interesting to see how Chermiti shapes up in pre season as he looked good prior to his injury.

But some new faces are a must in this he summer