Everton must make more moves before the transfer window closes

Everton head into the 2024/25 Premier League season aiming to put the memories of their most recent campaign firmly behind them.

Points deductions for financial rule breaches plunged the Toffees into trouble last term, although they eventually navigated their way to a safe position.

The club has been busy during the summer transfer window, signing several players including Jake O’Brien, Iliman Ndiaye and Tim Iroegbunam.

Winger Jack Harrison has returned from Leeds United for another season, while fellow wide-man Jesper Lindstrom has been signed on loan from Napoli.

Despite those acquisitions, Everton still need to conduct more business before the transfer window closes having lost some key players this summer.

Read on as we look at some potential moves for Everton, starting with a player who has looked hugely impressive since moving to the Scottish Premiership.

Alistair Johnson – Celtic

Much like the millions of people who enjoy playing blackjack, Everton will be hoping the cards they are dealt this time season are a little kinder to them.

Their hopes of success would be boosted if they could sign a long-term replacement for full-back Seamus Coleman and Canadian star Alistair Johnston fits the bill.

He has been superb for Celtic since Ange Postecoglou signed him from CF Montreal in January 2023 and looks capable of performing in the Premier League.

Celtic would be eager to make a significant profit on Johnston, but the potential fee should be within Everton’s range if they make a move for him.

Wilfried Gnonto – Leeds United

Everton reportedly had a £23 million bid for Wilfried Gnonto rejected by Leeds United earlier this summer, but it would be no surprise to see them make another attempt to sign him.

While Lindstrom, Harrison and Dwight McNeil offer manager Sean Dyche plenty of attacking options, the Italian international has the ability to be a game-changer.

Gnonto netted a superb goal for Leeds in their 3-3 draw with Portsmouth last weekend and looks ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

His direct style would offer another dimension to Everton’s attack and boost their chances of pushing towards European qualification this season.

Kalvin Phillips – Manchester City

With Amadou Onana joining Aston Villa this summer, Everton need to sign a commanding midfielder before the transfer window closes.

While viable targets are a little thin on the ground given the club’s financial situation, a loan move for Kalvin Phillips may not be beyond the realms of possibility.

Things have not worked out for Phillips at Manchester City, but working under Dyche could help him rediscover the form that made him an England regular.

Phillips showed he retains his ability with a decent performance in a pre-season friendly against Barcelona and would be an excellent signing for Everton.

Eddie Nketiah – Arsenal

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract due to expire next summer, Everton need to be on the ball to ensure they not left short of strikers.

Beto is a decent enough back-up, but the Toffees need more firepower if they are to have any chance of improving on last season’s 15th place finish.

They have been linked with a move for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, while Chelsea’s Armando Broja has been touted as another potential target.

Nketiah makes more appeal as he brings something different to the table, although Arsenal’s reported £25m asking price could prove to be a sticking point.