Analyzing Everton’s January Transfer Window

Jul 31, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Everton head coach Roberto Martinez leaves the field after the first half against Juventus at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The January transfer window is reminiscent to the glee with which a struggler’s eyes light up when offered help to make his way easier. After experiencing a fall from grace like never before, Everton’s situation was analogous to the comparison drawn above.

From challenging the likes of Arsenal for a Champions League spot last year to being embroiled in a fight to stay above the relegation tangle this season, Roberto Martinez’s men have epitomised the quick-changing nature of the sport.

The Goodison Park faithful believed that this could’ve been the period where one or two smart buys and a couple of much needed exits could do the trick – one move of mastery from their boss was all what they yearned for.

However, we’re almost towards the end of the window and the only bit of business which has taken place at Goodison Park is the exit of veteran striker Samuel Eto’o to Sampdoria – a move whose motive fans are still trying to figure out.

Departures:

Forget the prospective acquisitions which could’ve taken place.

I feel the exit of the Cameroonian is the last nail in the coffin for Everton. When your main striker is disastrously out of touch at such a pivotal phase in the season, all that you’d want is an experienced campaigner providing the much needed flourish not only on the pitch but also on the training ground.

Evidently, that’s not what Roberto Martinez had in mind. What’s more baffling is Martinez’s decision to not yet hunt for a direct replacement in this window. As reported by the Express, the Spaniard made his intentions clear by stating that he’s ideally looking to improve the current crop of players at his disposal and build confidence among the squad.

"“We are not looking at this window to find solutions. The work is to get players back in their confident mood.”"

Although the amount of faith he’s investing in Lukaku is impressive, his decision to let Eto’o leave might come back to haunt him at the end of the ongoing season.

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Arrivals which should’ve been:

Along with the failure to amass goals, one major issue which has proven extremely detrimental is the absence of Tim Howard.

The veteran American goalkeeper has been facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines and his understudy Joel Robles has failed to deputise ably for him so far. Need proof? Just look at the horrendous record Everton have endured since Howard has been out of action.

Martinez’s side has managed to rack up 2 points out of a possible 12 since Howard suffered a calf injury on Boxing Day. In my previous piece for Prince Rupert’s Tower, I discussed three candidates who Martinez could look to sign in the window. Sadly, that hasn’t happened (until now at least). According to me, the most important signing of this window should’ve been a goalkeeper.

With Howard approaching the twilight of his career and Robles failing to shine when given the opportunity, the addition of a robust shot-stopper would add much-needed solidity to the squad and also help in marshalling a back-line that has looked suspect whenever John Stone has been absent.

Conclusion:

All in all, the January transfer window has been non-existent at Everton.

A hoard of supporters had expected reinforcements, although, Roberto Martinez looks to be satisfied with the resources at his disposal and feels he can turn things around in the second half of this campaign. As mentioned above, the faith which he has invested in the squad is appreciable and we hope that the players pay him back with some scintillating displays on the pitch.

Will Everton sign anyone this window? Who would you like to see come in?