Everton’s board already appear to have made a brilliant move this summer by signing ‘different class’ player

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Everton’s start to the new Premier League season has been diabolical, but not too dissimilar from last year’s.

And, after incurring two points deductions as well, they still survived by some distance and with plenty of games to spare.

With that in mind, there remains cause for optimism surrounding Sean Dyche and the club, even if it is hard to look past the immediate unrest shrouding Goodison Park at the moment.

However, when combing through the current squad, they are in a much stronger place now than they were this time last year.

That’s thanks to Kevin Thelwell’s shrewd business throughout a busy summer, which saw necessary sacrifices made to pave the way for multiple incomings.

All of Everton’s signings from the 24/25 summer window

It’s worth noting that, despite some major sales, Everton still had to operate on a shoestring budget over the summer.

This is well-indicated by the sheer lack of players who will likely be here in another year’s time, with only 12 current first-team players contracted to stay beyond 2025.

However, this figure is skewed by the sheer number of loan signings made recently too, with Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom, Orel Mangala and Armando Broja all welcomed to Goodison Park over the summer.

They are expected to provide a wealth of attacking talent and options, as well as some much-needed stability in the engine room too.

Then, Thelwell got to work on securing some permanent additions in real positions of need, signing Jake O’Brien to bolster the backline and Iliman Ndiaye to provide that touch of magic in their attack.

And yet, despite all these high-profile signings, the shrewd and early acquisition of Tim Iroegbunam already stands out among the lot.

For a full round-up, here are all of Everton’s incomings and outgoings for the 2024/25 summer.

Tim Iroegbunam has been Everton’s best signing so far

Already viewed as ‘different class’ by Dyche, despite playing just four games for the Toffees, it’s indicative of this early favouritism that Iroegbunam has started all of the club’s opening fixtures across the Premier League and EFL Cup.

It seems that it has taken no time at all to establish himself as a mainstay, providing combative tackling and unrelenting energy with a willingness to pick up possession and drive into space.

Just 21 years old, the future is still exceedingly bright for the youngster, who was signed for just £9m whilst Lewis Dobbin went to Aston Villa for £10m.

Technically, given the nature of these two quick-fire deals, Everton were actually paid £1m to take this talented maestro off their hands. Incredible business.

Everton’s board get little credit for their actions, and rightly so given how they have driven the club into the ground over the last decade.

But, this one transfer action, which has instantly replaced the £50m vacancy left by Amadou Onana, could end up saving them a fortune.