Everton suffer major blow ahead of new season as transfer reality revealed
Talismanic attacker Iliman Ndiaye is reportedly closing in on a move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal.
According to transfer insider Pete O’Rourke, the Senegalese international is expected to finalise a lucrative departure this summer, stripping the Toffees of one of their main goal threats.
While losing Ndiaye depletes Everton’s firepower up front, the reality of the squad’s defensive depth – or lack, thereof – is arguably even more alarming. As things stand, Everton possess just three senior central defenders in their entire squad.
Everton in transfer trouble ahead of new season
Tellingly, two of those options are James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, both now 33 years old, who formed part of Burnley’s central defensive unit a decade ago.
During Burnley’s 2016/17 Premier League campaign, Ben Mee was Sean Dyche’s preferred choice alongside Keane, although Tarkowski and Keane did play together 20 times over the course of the season.
Relying on that exact pairing ten years later highlights a stark lack of squad evolution and could leave Everton exposed at the back in 2026/27.
Compounding the growing uncertainty at Goodison Park is speculation surrounding manager David Moyes.
The veteran Scot has been linked with taking the vacant Scotland national team job following Steve Clarke’s recent departure following a disappointing World Cup exit.
Given where Moyes stands in his managerial career, taking charge of his national team at this present juncture is widely regarded as his final opportunity to undertake the role.
Should the Scottish FA make a formal approach, Everton could find themselves searching for a new manager at the worst possible time.
With just over three weeks remaining before the Premier League season gets underway, the pressure on Everton’s transfer negotiators has reached the point where fans are beginning to question the strategy underpinning their summer business.
The club cannot afford to head into the opening weekend relying on an aged defensive duo, little central depth, and their star forward sold abroad.
The Toffees have added Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George on permanent deals, as well as securing Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, but there is work still to be done. Everton kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday, August 22.
