Everton News

Much has been said about Everton fans this week, in the days leading up to their trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

Sean Dyche did not help himself with his assessment of the home support after their opening-day defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, passing comment on a near-empty Goodison Park at full-time, but lo and behold when it came time for a trip down south there was a full away end packed out.

That was despite there being little chance of them snagging a result.

This fanbase has followed their team up and down the country as long as the club has been alive, regardless of form or their chances of winning.

Current players speak about the impact it has on them, even if it often does not improve results, and former stars are arguably even more complimentary when they leave, realising just how good they had it before.

One particular player, who built up a great affinity with the Evertonians, has reaffirmed that relationship just yesterday.

Richarlison shows love to the Everton fans at full-time

As the full-time whistle blew, bringing to an end the Toffees’ 4-0 trashing on the road, there was likely a collective sigh of relief from the away end.

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It was over, and thus began their arduous return to Merseyside.

However, that journey did not commence until they were finished applauding the players, despite the manner of the result, with a few coming over to applaud back at this unwavering support.

Ironically enough, it was a Spurs player who came the closest to the fans, with Richarlison coming over to lap up the adulation.

Richarlison even gave one Everton fan his shirt, which will likely only spark further rumours about his uncertain future.

Could Richarlison really join Everton this summer?

Ever since murmurs emerged suggesting that the Lilywhites wanted a new striker, Richarlison’s future has been clouded.

So, when Dominic Solanke was officially purchased, that notion was only intensified.

The £90k-a-week forward, who had deputised out wide and up front for both Everton and Spurs, was left without a spot in the starting side, unlikely to displace Ange Postecoglou’s new £65m marksman or Heung-min Son.

So, that is where Kevin Thelwell came in, with Everton touted for a move to re-sign Richarlison.

The Brazilian has already ruled out a potential move to Saudi Arabia, but it’s also clear that he will not be content just to sit on the bench all campaign.

Perhaps even just a loan move might be a switch that benefits all parties, allowing him to return when Postecoglou has guided his side back into Europe and his chances across numerous competitions are more likely.

Everton have started the Premier League season off in the worst possible fashion, losing both games, conceding seven goals across them, and failing to find the net themselves.

Yesterday’s crushing defeat at Tottenham Hotspur was to be expected, but it was their opening-day disaster at home to Brighton and Hove Albion that has really stuck the knife in, and ramped up the pressure on Sean Dyche before the new Premier League campaign has even really got underway.

Supporters are torn on the 53-year-old, with many claiming that his time is up after he once again omitted Iliman Ndiaye, Jesper Lindstrom and Jake O’Brien from the starting side.

However, the rest of the fanbase attest that without the former Burnley boss they would be playing Championship football now, which is almost certainly true.

Yesterday, he made one particularly bold call which would have pleased most fans, as he opted to start Roman Dixon at right-back.

After a really tough debut, Dyche has since given his review.

Roman Dixon makes his Everton debut vs Spurs

Although it was only brief, touching on the 19-year-old’s competency in what was arguably one of the toughest times to make a first senior start, the Everton manager could be nothing but complimentary for the teenage speedster who gave a solid account of himself in north London.

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Expected to face the formidable trio of Heung-min Son, James Maddison and Destiny Udogie, who all often occupy similar spaces on their left flank, many feared that the inexperienced Dixon would get overrun.

But, on occasion, he was seen getting the better of fellow debutant Wilson Odobert, even if in possession he left a little to be desired.

As noted earlier, Dyche’s assessment was only short, but it certainly suggested an element of pride after there had been an inkling that Dixon would start at Spurs.

He told Sky Sports: ‘Young Roman has done terrific. Tough game for him, but he has done terrific, he has stuck to task.’

How did Roman Dixon play vs Tottenham Hotspur?

Naturally very keen to impress, but hamstrung due to his defensive responsibilities, it was hard for Dixon to make the impression he likely wanted to yesterday.

That, as well as their regressing youth production, has seemingly resulted in a failure to produce a starring player from their academy, who has risen up to cement a first-team spot.

Well, the teenager in question might just have made a case for at least another start, with Ashley Young’s suspension ongoing whilst Seamus Coleman, James Garner and Nathan Patterson all scramble for fitness.

On the ball, Dixon was disappointing, swallowed by the stresses that Spurs’ press induced.

However, defensively, against a skilful and paced Frenchman, he more than held his own, making five tackles, two clearances and one interception whilst also winning three of his five ground duels.

Crucially, he was not dribbled past once.

With a home match against AFC Bournemouth now on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether Dixon will be trusted again.

What’s for certain is that Dyche needs to win this match, or else face the full force of a fanbase just waiting to boil over.

Everton have a matter of days now to solve their issues which have been evident in their opening two games of the Premier League season.

Sean Dyche has now seen his Everton side suffer two heavy defeats in their first week of the new 2024/25 campaign.

It has not been easy watching for the Blues fans on Merseyside which have seen seven goals conceded and zero goals scored so far.

However, they have also been watching the majority of their summer signings sit on the bench for those opening defeats.

Regardless, of how Dyche has used his new recruits, there is clearly some work needing to be done in the final days of this summer’s transfer window.

And Fabrizio Romano has just provided the Everton fans with an update on what they could expect over the final days of the market.

Everton could bring in two more signings before Friday’s deadline

The Toffees’ boss casted an angry figure last week as Dyche hit out at the Everton fans who left during their defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

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Over the coming days, Everton are going to have the opportunity to potentially add to their front line with questions remaining about their strikers.

Everton have been strongly linked with interest in Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier with the defender potentially available for a late move.

But the England international may not be the only potential arrival on Merseyside over the next week with Romano providing an encouraging update.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano has claimed the Toffees could be set for a busy end to the market.

“They could be busy, for sure. I think they could do something, maybe two signings or something like that. Let’s see how many. But for sure, they will be busy,” he said.

“They’re exploring opportunities that we know about. The financial fair play situation is not making things super easy for them, but they’re still actively working on several things.

“We said about Trippier, but there could also be other possibilities in several different positions. So, I think Everton will be active.”

Everton may not have the finances available to make any move transfers

With the Everton takeover situation still lingering in the background, the long-term financial situation at Goodison Park is up for debate.

It has been claimed by Alan Myers that Everton did not have any financial concerns for the short-term, but that was earlier in the summer.

John Textor has entered exclusive talks with Farhad Moshiri following his bid to take over Everton.

Now, with less than a week left in the window, Everton may be feeling slightly more reserved given there has been no takeover completed of the club.

And Dyche certainly did not hint towards any late signings coming through the doors following the defeat against Tottenham on Saturday.

Everton endured another 90 minutes to forget on Saturday afternoon as they were beaten in emphatic fashion against Tottenham Hotspur.

Having seen his side concede three goals last weekend against Brighton & Hove Albion, Sean Dyche had to watch Everton concede four in north London.

Seven goals have now been picked out of the Everton net in the opening two games of the campaign whilst none have been scored at the other end.

With so many injuries plaguing the side, it really has been an opening week of the season which has offered very little to sing about for the travelling fans on Saturday.

But they were treated to a classy gesture from one of their former players Richarlison following the full-time whistle.

What Richarlison did to Everton fans after the Tottenham defeat

Richarlison did not start the game despite Dominic Solanke’s injury issue which kept him out of the game on Saturday.

Everton are facing their own issues up top with Dominic Calvert-Lewin said to have been left frustrated with some of his teammates during the game.

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But the Brazilian did come on towards the end of the game and he made sure he showed his gratitude towards the travelling fans after the game.

Having seen their side humiliated once again, it was understandable that the away end in north London was far from full at the whistle.

However, Richarlison still walked over to the Everton fans to share his gratitude for their support towards him over the years.

Richarlison made sure he was able to clap the away end before he headed down the tunnel after his short display off the bench.

What Sean Dyche said after the game about Everton making more signings

Seven days on from Dyche’s blunt message towards the Everton fans, he did not exactly provide them with a much happier message after the Spurs defeat.

Although Dyche did not take aim at the fans, the Everton boss did provide them with some frustrating news when it comes to transfers.

There isn’t any finances to change things, this is what we are,” Dyche told the media after the game.

But Everton have already made some promising additions and yet the Everton boss is deciding against using them.

Jake O’Brien is watching on from the bench as his fellow defenders have now conceded seven goals and Jesper Lindstrom made an immediate impact from the bench.

Perhaps the Everton manager needs to look closer at the options he has before worrying about not being able to add any more.

Everton are travelling down to the capital later today to face Tottenham Hotspur in their second game of the Premier League campaign.

It was not the start to the season which Sean Dyche will have wished for as his Everton side were embarrassed in front of their home fans last weekend.

They now have the opportunity to make a real statement with what would be a huge win against one of the Premier League’s top sides.

Spurs are also coming into the game looking for their first win of the season with Ange Postecoglou left frustrated on Monday by his side’s missed chances.

However, both sides are also coming into the game in north London with injuries plaguing their starting XI despite being just one game into the season.

But something which happened on Friday night may have just hinted towards one of the players who could be set to play against Spurs for the Toffees.

Everton injury latest ahead of Tottenham clash

One of the biggest issues for Everton going into the game on the weekend is the lack of senior right-backs available.

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Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson are both missing the game through injury and Ashley Young will now be sidelined through his red card picked up last weekend.

This has now seen Everton show an interest in Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.

But for now, it has left Dyche with a real decision to make for their trip down to north London on Saturday.

Roman Dixon could be set for Everton debut vs Tottenham

With no senior options at his disposal and a lack of left-back’s available anyway, Dyche may have to look to his youth options.

One player who did feature throughout pre-season was the 19-year-old full-back Roman Dixon.

The U21s right-back has already featured in the Premier League 2 this season and managed to provide an assist in the season opener.

However, he was not a part of the squad to take on Chelsea U21s on Friday night which may be a significant indication he is set to play a role against Tottenham today.

What Sean Dyche has previously said about Roman Dixon

Clearly, these are serious circumstances which has seen Dyche’s options really tested with injuries and suspensions hitting Everton hard.

Last season, Dyche told The Athletic that it would be a ‘big ask’ to see the likes of Dixon brought into the starting XI given the jump up in the standard from the U21s.

However, it now appears Dixon could be made to make the leap with Dyche’s options stretched massively ahead of the Spurs game.

“He showed flashes of his pace, which is standout,” Paul Tait told The Athletic.

“As a young player, he’s still got some bits around the edges — his understanding and positioning but that gets better with time and appearances.”

And if he is to come up against the likes of Heung-min Son, Dixon is going to need every last ounce of pace he has available.

After the disaster endured on Saturday, where they were crushed 3-0 in their opening Premier League match, Everton’s deficiencies were laid bare.

Most were already well-known but blissfully ignored by the decision-makers within the club, likely praying that it would not be this soon into the campaign that they were exposed.

However, exposed they were, with the outstanding issue unsurprisingly coming at right-back.

It’s been a problem position for the Toffees for many years now, yet no work has been done to source a long-term solution.

This might not be it, but their interest in a few new targets provides hope that the Toffees are at least looking into it now.

Everton need to sign Eric Ebimbe

That notion is especially emphasised by Everton’s efforts to sign Eric Ebimbe from Frankfurt following a fine first permanent campaign at the German club.

Having first impressed on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, the 23-year-old earned himself a £6m move to the Bundesliga, where he has only gone from strength to strength.

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A strong yet technical midfielder, one of the key assets of the Frenchman is his versatility, particularly the ability to move into right-back.

In fact, when compared to other right-backs across Europe, Ebimbe ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals and total shots per 90, the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90, and the top 5% for aerials won per 90, via FBref.

His physical prowess is further emphasised by Dijon sporting coordinator Peguy Luyindula, who once claimed: ‘He’s powerful, versatile and knows what he wants.’

Everton are now showing interest in Kieran Trippier

It’s actually quite ironic that, after all the turmoil surrounding their right-back position, it seems the Toffees are now inundated with targets to hopefully fill that position.

After all, whilst Ebimbe would likely do a job there, having deputised at times in the full-back role, a proper solution is needed to ease the pressure on Coleman and to finally usurp Ashley Young from the first-team.

Therefore, Everton’s interest in Kieran Trippier makes perfect sense, even if he is still hardly brimming with energy at 33.

There has been a notable decline in the Magpies’ main man, and being dropped from the starting squad for his side’s Premier League opener last weekend spoke volumes for his place within Eddie Howe’s squad.

But, Sean Dyche undoubtedly loves the full-back, and has made that clear many times before.

This might not be a deal done quickly, and thus Ebimbe remains a player they should still try and get in as soon as possible.

Trippier, though, is realistically the best option they could hope to get to truly fulfil that position though, allowing the former PSG man to star in his favoured role.

Everton need to bounce back from last Saturday’s disastrous opening-day loss to Brighton and Hove Albion, but things get no easier with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur on the horizon.

Sean Dyche will have been desperate to get off to a good start at the weekend, and despite a spirited opening 45 minutes, things swiftly fell apart.

Conceding twice inside 60 minutes, getting a man sent off and making far too many mistakes condemned the Toffees to a 3-0 defeat, and left them with plenty to think about going into their next match.

It has quickly snuck up on them as well, as they will travel to north London hoping that they can cause further upset after newly promoted Leicester City snagged a draw off Ange Postecoglou’s side on Monday.

With that in mind, here’s how we think Dyche might line up for the visit to Spurs.

Predicted Everton XI for their Premier League game vs Spurs

It’s expected that the 53-year-old manager will make just two changes from the side that started at Goodison Park last weekend, but shift the formation dramatically.

After all, he goes into Saturday’s match without a recognised right-back option, with Seamus Coleman, James Garner and Nathan Patterson all out injured.

Naturally, Jordan Pickford will start in goal, and he will likely play behind a new-look back three.

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Dyche employed this system when forced to a few times last campaign, achieving great success on the road against Aston Villa in the EFL Cup and at Burnley in the Premier League too.

With that in mind, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane will retain their starting spots, and they will be joined by the first of two new debutants Jake O’Brien.

Vitaliy Mykolenko and Dwight McNeil will make up the wing-back spots, with Mason Holgate still very much untrusted.

This shift to a back three has been forced due to Ashley Young’s recklessness, getting sent off against the Seagulls to condemn his side to defeat.

It seems little has changed since journalist Jack Mendel branded the £40k-a-week veteran a ‘liability’ back in 2019.

Tim Iroegbunam stunned Dyche with his starring performance last weekend, and he will retain his spot next to Idrissa Gana Gueye due to a lack of competition in this role.

A front three will have to be full of energy to try and stop Spurs from playing through them with ease, so Jack Harrison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will also be expected to start again.

However, with no spot for the attacking midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, Iliman Ndiaye could be deployed out wide and allowed to roam.

His unpredictability in possession could prove crucial, to create that one piece of magic needed to snag them a goal on the road.

Everton, following their demolition at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, have a glaring problem heading into their next match.

After all, the scoreline was not the only negative to come out of the clash.

Chasing the game at 2-0 down, Sean Dyche was frustratingly tentative with his changes, and Iliman Ndiaye’s official debut was made even more difficult when Ashley Young made the unwise decision to take a touch down just inside his own half, despite being both the last man and marked by Kaoru Mitoma.

The Japan International couldn’t believe his luck, and as he stole the ball and raced through on goal all it took was a slight pull-back to send him sprawling to the ground and send the 39-year-old off.

Mason Holgate’s substitution was booed by Everton fans, which says enough about the likelihood of him starting against Tottenham Hotspur, whilst suggestions of throwing Roman Dixon in despite his lack of Premier League experience are wildly unlikely.

So, at the moment, they are heading to north London without a recognised right-back to try and thwart Heung-min Son.

Everton bid to sign a new right-back

Having recognised that, Kevin Thelwell has seemingly rushed into the market to fix that issue, but his solution does not include buying someone with experience.

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Instead, he seems set to opt for more youth, actually investing in a player who is one year Dixon’s junior.

Alisson Santana may be a bright Atlético Mineiro prospect hailing from Brazil, but little is known about him.

And yet, according to Brazilian outlet O Tempo, the Toffees have submitted an official bid.

The exact figures are yet to be disclosed, but it is assured that ‘negotiations are underway’.

Despite boasting a €60m (£51m) release clause, earlier this year during Arsenal’s tenuous links to the 18-year-old, a more reasonable fee of €25m (£21m) was being discussed.

Who is Everton target Alisson Santana?

Despite his youth, Alisson already has an impressive number of senior appearances for his boyhood side, where he developed through the youth ranks to make his debut just last year.

Although described by some as an attacking midfielder, the bulk of his appearances have actually come at right-back or right-wing-back, revealing a versatility that would be much welcomed at Goodison Park.

This ability to play all across the pitch seems similar to Oleksandr Zinchenko, who also started his career as an attacker.

However, with youth comes malleability, and his tactical and physical maturity will only grow with further experiences.

It might be a long shot to think that Everton could not only sign him up but deem him instantly ready for the first team, but if they are to pay £21m for a right-back, he may well start against Spurs on Saturday.

Everton have spent rather freely this summer, likely well aware that a huge sale was to come.

And come it did, with Amadou Onana’s mouth-watering £50m move to Aston Villa providing more than enough financial impetus to allow Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell to wade into the market.

With three permanent additions and a further two loan signings made, many would be forgiven for assuming that their summer business was tied up, but with Everton reportedly interested in two new midfielders, it seems funds are still there to be spent.

So, with this latest update from a well-respected journalist, perhaps they might be better served abandoning that pursuit and instead spending big to sign just one star man to solve their outstanding problem.

When combing through the big issues that need fixing at Everton, it’s undeniable that their goal threat is still lacking.

Whilst Iliman Ndiaye will provide some much-needed creativity from just behind the striker, and Jesper Lindstrom promises energy and delivery for the other attackers too, it is the finishing that remains a big problem, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto both suffering from their fair share of profligacy.

However, one man who did not struggle for goals during his spell on Merseyside was Richarlison, and despite leaving two years ago for a £60m fee, reports are emerging suggesting that his future now hangs in the balance,

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Having failed to stand out during his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, links even emerged suggesting he might move to Saudi Arabia and join that revolution.

But, journalist Paul O’Keefe has now emerged to refute that notion, simply writing: ‘He doesn’t want to go’.

So, with the Brazil international now ruling out an entire nation, perhaps Everton could swoop in and offer all they possibly can to return him to Goodison Park.

Everton should break the bank to re-sign Richarlison

Although the £90k-a-week forward left for greener pastures, Spurs are now a far cry from the Champions League outfit that he first joined.

Instead, now under Ange Postecoglou’s management rather than Antonio Conte’s they are a project which needs time.

But so too is Everton, and whilst the gulf in quality between the two sides is vast, Richarlison might actually be the missing piece of the puzzle for Dyche rather than just another squad player for Spurs.

During his final year with the Toffees, he scored ten goals and assisted a further five, effectively saving the club from relegation.

His efforts even led Carlo Ancelotti to suggest that, in the future, he could fight for Ballon d’Or’s, such was his quality, with Richarlison admitting he loved Everton another reason why his return is plausible.

Whilst that ambition is now looking somewhat unlikely, there is no doubt that he would thrive within Dyche’s hard-working system.

An energetic presser with good link-up play, who is remarkable in the air and already boasts a fine relationship with Calvert-Lewin, if Thelwell can convince him to return this would prove the coup of the century for Everton. Give him what he wants and build a sustainable and progressive football club around him.

Everton have been left in a difficult situation when it came to the future of Dele Alli on Merseyside.

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder made the move to Everton back in 2022 on a free transfer.

There was more to that deal than initially met the eye with the north London side holding a performance clause which entitled them to £10m.

However, due to his injury issues last season, Dele Alli never hit the number of appearances needed to see the Toffees send Spurs the money.

The former England international has since become a free agent this summer with his future remaining uncertain.

What Everton are now discussing with Tottenham about Dele Alli

Although the 28-year-old is a free agent having not seen his Everton stay extended, Sean Dyche is allowing the midfielder to train with the club.

Dele is still overcoming the groin injury which kept him out of the 2023/24 campaign but Everton have offered him their assistance.

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The Englishman was only able to rack up a total of 13 appearances for Everton over his spell at the club which offered a mere 369 minutes of action.

But there are now talks going on between Everton and Spurs over the player’s future.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are now attempting to negotiate their deal with Spurs for Dele.

If Everton are able to succeed in their discussions with the north Londoners, it could offer the 28-year-old with an opportunity to prove himself over pre-season.

Despite being out of contract, it is claimed the terms of the deal between the two clubs struck in 2022 would make it difficult for Everton to re-sign Dele as it stands.

But it seems as if the Toffees have not given up on the midfielder following what has been a really difficult period in his life.

What Xavi previously said about Dele Alli

Despite his struggles on the pitch over recent years, it has to be remembered the talent which Dele showed during his time at Spurs.

And it is apparent the midfielder is keen to rediscover his best form as he has been shown to be putting the work in this summer ahead of pre-season.

Dele was hailed for his impressive displays as a youngster by many with the likes of former Barcelona midfielder Xavi waxing lyrical about him.

“There are some very promising young English midfield players – and there is no doubt he is very special,” Xavi told the media back in 2017.

“He is very talented, very technical. I can understand why The Tottenham fans are hoping he is the next Paul Gascoigne.”