In a major boost ahead of the summer transfer window, Everton have reportedly been given the green light by one particular midfield target to push on and complete their move.
Friedkin could hand Moyes midfield boost
Everton could be one of the sides to watch this summer. The arrival of The Friedkin Group already resulted in the loan arrival of Carlos Alcaraz in January and now they’ve seemingly set their sights on further reinforcements in the next transfer window.
Names such as Tammy Abraham and Hamza Igamane have already been mentioned and it should come as no shock to see the Toffees in pursuit of attacking reinforcements. Abraham would be a particularly interesting arrival, given his past Premier League experience at Chelsea before leaving for Italy where he has enjoyed a mixed spell.
In joining Everton, the experienced striker would be replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is set to become a free agent this summer when his current contract expires. If that is to be that for the academy graduate, then his Goodison Park spell may well be summarised by injuries rather than his inconsistent goalscoring record.
Meanwhile, it’s not just Abraham who could arrive. As Graeme Bailey told Everton News, Everton have now been given the green light to sign Sean Longstaff this summer with a move to Bramley-Moore Dock one that appeals to the Newcastle United midfielder.
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The Everton board surely can’t wait to see the back of this miserable signing.
He could come fairly cheap too. Just last summer, Newcastle set his price tag at just £12m. Now, one season later and into the final year of Longstaff‘s contract, the midfielder’s valuation should – in theory – remain the same or be even more accessible.
A player with Champions League experience, David Moyes is reportedly a fan of the midfielder and could welcome him with open arms in pursuit of taking Everton back into the top half next season.
“Excellent” Longstaff could partner Gueye
Whilst a place in Eddie Howe’s midfield three ahead of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali is far harder to come by these days, Longstaff would have an instant role to play at the heart of Moyes’ Everton side next to Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Likely taking the place of the less experienced James Garner, Longstaff could complete a solid foundation that should see the Toffees push beyond relegation scraps.
|
League stats per 90 24/25 (via FBref) |
Sean Longstaff |
Idrissa Gana Gueye |
|---|---|---|
|
Starts |
8 |
25 |
|
Progressive Passes |
4.58 |
4.21 |
|
Tackles Won |
1.93 |
2.69 |
|
Ball Recoveries |
3.49 |
5.91 |
Just eight league starts sum up the struggles that Longstaff has endured at St James’ Park, with a move away no unsurprisingly on the cards. There was, of course, a stage in which the midfielder had an important role to play at his boyhood club – earning praise from Howe as a result.
The Newcastle boss told reporters in 2023 after Longstaff netted twice against Southampton in the FA Cup: “I’m so pleased that he’s got the headlines tonight. The two goals were great finishes. His all-round performances this season have been excellent. He’s getting the rewards for what I saw last year.”