Everton: 5 players EFC could sign from relegated sides

Everton have escaped relegation for second straight season by the skin of their teeth. This cannot became a regular occurrence and in order to avoid that, the club needs to strengthen the squad. Everton have struggled financially which has restricted them in the previous two transfer windows.

Everton’s net spend in summer of 2021 was less than £2 million. In 2022, EFC’s net spend was negative, thanks to two mega sales of Richarlison and Anthony Gordon. The Toffees may not be able to spend big in the transfer market but they can get cheap deals.

EFC could target players from relegated sides. Leeds United, Leicester City and Southampton suffered relegation but they do have some impressive players in their roster that deserve to play in the Premier League. With these sides relegated, a fire sale could take place as players could push for an exit, eyeing a return to the Top Flight.

5 players Everton can sign from relegated sides

James Ward-Prowse

The midfield technician has been one of the best midfielders in Southampton for years. His dead ball abilities are spectacular and he is one of the most fearsome free kick takers in England. His on the ball abilities cannot go unnoticed as well.

Questions have been raised over his future after the Saints suffered a drop to the Championship and he is a midfielder that brings quality to this Everton side. Ward-Prowse is reliable and omnipresent in the midfield.

Mohammed Salisu

With Everton not signing Conor Coady permanently and Yerry Mina leaving as a free agent, the Toffees will need a new centre back. Additionally, the futures of Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey are also in doubt. The Merseysiders will need a new centre back and Salisu is an interesting option.

Michael Keane has been far too inconsistent to share the backline with James Tarkowski, so EFC need a dependable centre back option and Salisu is certainly a reliable man in the rearguard. His current deal expires in 2024, which could mean he will be available for a cheap price this summer.

Marc Roca

Marc Roca has often been an anonymous yet dependable presence in the Leeds United midfield. The Spaniard is capable of playing at the base of the midfield and also operates in a central role. He is impressive with ball at his feet and does tidy up the midfield.

He is valued at £12.9 million and should be available in a similar bracket given Leeds United’s relegation to the Championship. With Tom Davies potentially leaving as a free agent, signing Roca would add depth to the engine room.

Kiernan Drewsbury-Hall

Leicester City Academy graduate Kiernan Drewsbury-Hall has made a name for himself over the last few years. The once prodigious youngster has now become a regular in the Foxes midfield. As per Betfair, Everton are favourites to sign Drewsbury-Hall with AFC Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Fulham also in the mix.

Leicester would like to hold onto KDH but an offer from a Premier League side could tempt the Englishman to consider his future.

Kelechi Iheanacho

Everton are in search of a forward who can ease the goalscoring load. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin missing games because of injury and Neal Maupay failing to impress, EFC will go into the market with the intention to sign a striker.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract expires in the summer of 2024 which could force the Foxes to make a sale this summer. The Nigerian has often excelled when playing as the second striker but is also capable of leading the line. He is valued at £14.6 million, which isn’t an overpriced valuation.