Everton finished 13th last season, and there has been some debate on whether that’s progress.
Many Everton fans aren’t convinced the team has made much progress over the last 12 months, but David Moyes has been quick to dispute that in the media.
Ultimately, there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Toffees must refresh the squad this summer transfer window in order to kick on and get back into Europe.
After watching him for England vs Croatia, I’m convinced he’d be the perfect right-back signing this summer! 🔥
The main worry at the moment, though, is some of the targets being mooted with a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
There is significant doubt over Everton’s interest in Liam Delap, and some aren’t convinced by the potential signing of John Stones, who has been plagued by injuries.
Now, there is a fresh link to another defender and in truth, it’s another possible arrival which may divide opinions.
Everton should pull the plug on Ainsley Maitland-Niles deal
According to TEAMtalk, Everton are considering a deal to sign Lyon right-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer.
Maitland-Niles is reportedly emerging as an ‘attractive option’ for Moyes and his recruitment chiefs at Finch Farm.
Whilst the 28-year-old would be a solid addition, it’s not going to move the needle much and really push the team towards the top seven or eight.
Maitland-Niles, who is a midfielder by trade, isn’t a specialist full-back and is quite limited going forward.
Everton must sign an attack-minded right-back as we’ve already seen that Jake O’Brien’s defensive profile really restricts chances being created.
If you were Angus Kinnear who would you be going all out for this summer? 💰
With Moyes’ strikers often tall and physically imposing, there is a pressing need to get more quality crosses into the box next term to really get the best out of the likes of Beto, Thierno Barry and the potential new addition up front.
The Toffees were looking at Genk’s Zakaria El Ouahdi, who registered a whopping 18 goal involvements from wing-back last term.
That’s the sort of profile Moyes should be targeting, not Maitland-Niles or Ben White, who aren’t really notable upgrades on O’Brien.
The Scotsman must take the handbrake off and allow his team to be more front-footed next term, otherwise, how can he expect change and improvement?
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