Everton have announced the signing of former England international centre-half Conor Coady as the ex-Wolves man becomes the fourth addition of the summer.
Coady is a very solid addition and a fine defender who will add further nous and experience to the heart of the Everton defence.
In particular as previously mentioned he is adept at playing in a back three, Frank Lampard’s preferred choice of defensive system so he should fit right in.
This signing was of course given added impetus by the injuries to Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina in last weekend’s Premier League opening day defeat to Chelsea.
Having both Coady and James Tarkowski in the centre of the Blues’ defence has certainly improved what had been a major area of weakness last season.
During the last campaign the Toffees conceded far too many goals from individual and collective mistakes and lapses.
With the combined talent and experience of these two former England internationals, Everton should eliminate most of those error-strewn performances of last season.
In addition, moves for midfielders Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana are supposedly progressing well (at least according to media sources) although in Gueye’s case we’ve been hearing this for weeks now with no confirmation of a deal.
Assuming those two players do eventually sign, once again transfer window attention must now be focused on strengthening the attack.
I’ve said this over and over again but the need to bring in reinforcements up front is pressing and there have been mutiple forwards recently linked with a move to Merseyside.
The lastest name is Sheffield United’s Daniel Jebbison who has been mentioned before as a possible target and is now apparently back on the club’s radar.
Reports claim Everton are still interested in the young striker after his name was mentioned last year as the search for a replacement for the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues.
While Jebbison is certainly a promising young forward, he seems far too young and inexperienced for what the Blues’ need.
I think one of the other more experienced forwards who have been linked with a move to Goodison Park would represent a better bet. The question is will any of these players be wearing royal blue when Everton take on Aston Villa this weekend?