Everton narrowly escaped relegation which was a huge feat given what was Everton’s situation six weeks ago. After that, to secure safety with one game to go, was a monumental effort from the team and the supporters who got behind the club showing unwavering support and loyalty.
With the Toffees securing safety, the relegation battle went down to the wire between Burnley and Leeds United. Norwich City and Watford had already known their fate and on the final match day, Leeds pulled out a spectacular 2-1 away win at Brentford meanwhile Burnley lost to Newcastle United at home.
The Clarets joined Watford and Norwich in heading down to the Championship. With their Premier League status usurped, many teams from the Top Flight will want to lay their hands on the talents of the demoted clubs. At times, we see a fire sale as there are players who may not be simply willing to play in the Championship or are considered too good to play in the Championship.
Everton must also target some players from Burnley, Norwich and Watford. They may even get a cheap deal if the player is eyeing a return to the Top Flight and pushes for a move. Despite the relegated teams not performing collectively, few individuals turned heads through their solid performances. Everton must keep an eye on them.
5 players Everton could target from relegated sides
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James Tarkowski is an Everton target
1. James Tarkowski (Burnley)
James Tarkowski from Burnley is already a transfer target for Everton. The central defender is set to be a free agent and his chances of leaving the Clarets have only increased since Burnley’s relegation. Tarkowski is a target for a number of clubs like Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Leicester City but the Toffees are said to be working extremely hard to win his signature.
In fact, as per reports, Everton have already offered him a £90,000 per week deal which has placed Everton ahead of the likes of Villa. The 29 year old is a different breed to the current players Everton has in that position.
Perhaps, Everton’s backline does need a bit of refreshing. The injury prone backline has really affected the way Everton operate as Frank Lampard has had to chop and change his central defender pairings because of injuries.
Tarkowski comes with a reputation of being robust and a brute force of nature. He’s a beast in the air and can command the backline. If Everton can pull off a free transfer for Tarkowski, it will be a huge coup in the summer transfer window.
If Tarkowski does arrive, the Merseysiders may push to sell one of their current centre backs. Ben Godfrey is certainly safe, meanwhile, Jarrad Branthwaite is one for the future, so it could be Michael Keane, Yerry Mina or Mason Holgate who could be shown the exit door.
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Maxwel Cornet has been one of the best players for Burnley
2. Maxwel Cornet (Burnley)
Maxwel Cornet arrived at Burnley in a record deal for the Clarets for £13.5 million. The Ivorian hit the ground running instantly, scoring his first Burnley goal in his second game. Cornet has played in a number of positions, from playing as a left winger to playing as a centre forward in a two striker formation, the 25 year old has showcased versatility in his first season in England.
The former Lyon man has racked up nine goals in 26 Premier League games, even scoring on the final day, finishing his individual campaign in style. The attacker performed consistently throughout the season and was club’s top scorer which did catch the attention of many.
Cornet’s contract at Burnley is till 2026 but a report has revealed that a relegation clause exists in the Ivorian’s contract. In the event of relegation, the 25 year old can leave the Clarets for £17.5 million. It looks likely that Cornet will be looking to leave Turf Moor sooner rather than later.
In such case, Everton must pay close attention. In Cornet they can get a highly versatile player who has flourished in the Premier League and has impressed with his talent. His tantalizing pace can send chills down a defender’s spine, making him a destructive weapon to have in the arsenal.
If Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison seek greener pastures, Cornet could be the ideal replacement. The fact that he will be available for £17.5 million makes it an even sweeter proposition.
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Similarities can be drawn between Everton’s Richarlison and Watford’s Joao Pedro
3. Joao Pedro (Watford)
Joao Pedro is one of the most promising youngsters to have emerged in the Premier League. Since joining Watford in 2020, the player became a household name in the side, making 38 appearances in the Championship last season. At the tender age of 20, Pedro was thrown into the Top Flight, making a total of 28 appearances and scoring three goals.
The 20 year old draws parallels from Richarlison as both came to England from Fluminense and started their expedition in England at Watford. Pedro has been an eye catching talent and many termed him as a generational talent at Fluminense. This buzz meant that he would earn a €20 million move to Watford in October 2018, while still being a youth player at Fluminense.
Pedro was an important player in propelling the Hornets to Premier League in 2020-21 season, scoring nine in the Championship. His skills and flair haven’t gone unnoticed and there can be clubs coming for him in the summer.
In a way, Everton can get their hands on a mini version of Richarlison. Pedro is a striker but is comfortable playing as a left winger too. At 20, he has ample time to develop and polish himself. Frank Lampard likes working with the youngsters and has shaped the upward trajectories of several young guns. Pedro could be the next one.
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Pierre Lees-Melou can be a handy midfielder
4. Pierre Lees-Melou (Norwich City)
Pierre Lees-Melou signed for Norwich from OGC Nice last season and instantly became a regular starter at the club. The midfielder has played 37 games this season, starting 31 of those games. Often operating as a central midfielder, Lees-Melou hasn’t shied away from playing as a defensive midfielder or even as an attacking midfielder when given the responsibility.
The 28 year old is in his prime and has been exciting to watch in his first season in the Premier League. Lees-Melou gave Norwich the much yearned flexibility and often allowed others around him to drive forward.
The Frenchman is a highly technical and sought after player. He is known to pressure the opponents and win the ball back, very similar to Allan. Lees-Melou averages 25.99 pressures per game while also winning 2.6 tackles per game.
Lees-Melou has the tenacity and physical capacity to cover a lot of ground throughout the game. He often runs the most in the Norwich side and works hard in every part of the pitch, reminiscent to Abdoulaye Doucoure.
There have been rumours of Allan leaving Everton in the summer with Maurizio Sarri calling him back to Italy. If the Brazilian leaves the club, Lees-Melou can be a solid option to consider.
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Everton have previously targeted Max Aarons
5. Max Aarons (Norwich City)
Max Aarons has been a target for Everton in the past. The player was strongly linked with a move to the Goodison Park on several occasions but a move never materialized. Everton’s search for a right back was quenched with Nathan Patterson’s arrival in January 2022.
Seamus Coleman is on the wrong side of thirty and will soon have to concede his starting role to a younger, quicker and fresher right back. Even though Patterson has arrived, he is still a work in progress and cannot be instantly burdened with carrying out the role week in week out.
Lampard will have to provide Patterson with right incubation for him to flourish. So, the Toffees may want a right back which can straight away slot into the first team and take over the reins from Coleman when the time is right. Patterson can continue to be the understudy and develop in the background.
Aarons can be that right back who can drift into the starting lineup. The 22 year old has had ample Premier League experience under his belt which eases some worries. The last time Norwich nosedived into relegation, Aarons stayed put and did not leave the club. This time around, his stance could change as Norwich may cash in on him this time.
Which player should the Toffees sign from relegated sides?