Monday transfer round-up: Mirallas leaves Everton
Kevin Mirallas has departed on loan to Olympiacos, but Everton have reportedly set their sights on further acquisitions.
Barely a week into January, and Everton have already had a whirlwind transfer window. Former talisman Ross Barkley packed his bags for Chelsea, leaving Merseyside in ignominious circumstances. Incredibly, Liverpool’s mayor Joe Anderson looks set to complain to the FA about the transfer:
I will be writing to .@premierleague & .@FA calling for investigation into the circumstances around the transfer of Ross Barkley between Everton and Chelsea. Agent pulls transfer on deadline day of £35 million doesn’t play again transfer 4 months later £20 million
— Joe Anderson (@joeando58) January 5, 2018
In more positive news, the Blues finally confirmed the signing of Cenk Tosun. The Turkish striker has scored at a decent clip both in his domestic league and in European competitions. The transfer fee wasn’t all that high too. According to Goal, the lump sum amounted to 22 million euros, although there are some add-ons.
Mirallas returns to Olympiacos
Considering the heated aftermath of the Merseyside derby, another departure from Goodison may have slipped under your radar. After over five seasons with the Blues, Kevin Mirallas has signed on loan with Olympiacos. The Belgian winger played for the Greek club before signing for Everton in 2012.
In all honesty, this isn’t awful news for Sam Allardyce and his backroom staff. Mirallas wasn’t happy at Everton, and had lost any interest in pulling his weight in the team. This attitude culminated in a training ground bust-up in November, in which he and Morgan Schneiderlin were sent home.
After this incident Schneiderlin resolved to improve, but Mirallas did not. A move always looked likely, and since then Mirallas has been keen to transfer. If anything, Everton could have moved him quicker. A deal with Olympiacos fell through in late August according to Sky Sports.
Despite his questionable conduct at the end of his time at Goodison, Kevin has had a decent career at Everton. A great finisher, he ended with a respectable 29 goals in 151 league games. Hopefully, he will be happy and motivated back in Greece. As David Prentice reported in the Liverpool Echo, he has already received a hero’s welcome from Olympiacos fans.
Allardyce targets more signings
Despite recruiting Tosun, Allardyce is keen to make further signings. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Allardyce said:
"“We need to move a few players to bring maybe one or two in. I don’t think we need to think about anymore than that – maybe three – that would really good business.”"
Moving current players might raise alarm bells. But Allardyce is more concerned about squad size than funds according to the Echo‘s coverage. Needless to say, two or three more players in choice positions would really strengthen the Blues for the rest of the campaign.
As of yet, there are few hot leads, although it is likely Everton are in for a new full-back, and potentially more striking support. Hopefully more will become apparent this week.
Next: Chelsea strike deal with Everton for Ross Barkley
Now over to you. Who do you think Everton should sign? Where do the Blues need to strengthen? Comment with your thoughts below.