Everton have confirmed that they have completed a deal to sign James Tarkowski after days of speculation that the signing was close.
An official announcement by Everton will apparently be left until towards the end of the month due to the supposedly ‘delicate’ relationship the Toffees’ have with Burnley.
Signing Tarkowski was in some respects I suppose a bit of a no-brainer for the Blues’ given that he was available on a free and is a very experienced, consistent defender with much-needed leadership skills.
Bringing the 29-year-old in also probably makes sense as it looks more and more likely that Yerry Mina may well leave in this summer’s window. So, I suppose the idea is that he will be a pretty close direct replacement for the Colombian.
Hopefully, the Englishman can help other young defenders like Ben Godfrey and Jarrad Branthwaite to realise their potential. So, after signing Tarkowski who should the Toffees’ be looking at next?
Another centre-back still seems to be on the cards if you believe the paper rumours. Various tenuous links to other central defenders keep surfacing in the media.
If Mina does leave then I think the Blues’ will need another option as the other existing squad members such as Micheal Keane, don’t exactly install a great deal of confidence!
But, whether their are other signings, leaving central defence aside the other area of the team that needs most attention is midfield.
Andre Gomes and Allan are also players rumoured to be on their way out of Goodison Park and players like Tom Davies don’t convince while Abdoulaye Doucoure’s form went way down in the latter half of last season raising questions about his long-term future.
As we’ve said many times Everton need youth as well more pace, athleticism and energy in the centre of the park and there are options out there but the question as always at the moment is does the cluyb have the resources to sign the players they want?
All this takes place in the context of a possible takeover of the club by a new consortium, which may or may not end up taking control of the club.