Everton largely improved well over the summer, despite having to take a step or two backwards before they could then move forward.
Kevin Thelwell, the chief orchestrator behind the business they undertook, has been well aware of the challenges faced ever since his appointment.
The director of football knew what he was getting into when he took the job, and must be admired for his shrewd work in the face of such adversity.
However, that does not mean he is not immune to criticism, with one glaring deficiency left within the squad even after the window has slammed shut.
Everton fail in late bid for right-back
Despite bringing in Orel Mangala and Armando Broja on deadline day, these two loan acquisitions did little to paper over the cracks of other failed deals.
After all, it had been well-documented all summer that they wanted a fast, dynamic winger, yet failed to bring Jaden Philogene, Wilfried Gnonto, Largie Ramanzani and Ernest Nuamah to Goodison Park, to name just a few.
However, all whilst they missed out on target after target, their efforts to sign a right-back were seemingly going under the radar.
It was clearly an area that had also been earmarked for improvement, with Everton’s interest in Kieran Trippier well-documented, but unfortunately, that also fell flat in the end too.
In fact, Italian outlet Tuttosport, relayed by CalcioNapoli24, has now claimed that the Toffees failed in a very last-minute bid to sign Jackson Tchatchoua from Hellas Verona.
A player they had shown interest in throughout the summer, it always felt like, for a cut-price, this full-back might be able to answer their prayers.
Tchatchoua even wanted to move to Everton.
Alas, a late €10m (£8.4m) bid was rejected, and he remains in Italy.
Would Jackson Tchatchoua have improved Everton?
Having enjoyed a solid first campaign within one of Europe’s top five leagues, Tchatchoua has started this season in emphatic fashion, seemingly poised to improve his value tenfold.
After all, he went throughout all of last term with just two goal contributions to his name, far more revered for his 1.5 tackles and 3.2 ball recoveries per game.
However, already these figures seem set to be easily usurped, having scored once and forged two big chances all whilst maintaining 1.7 key passes and 2.3 tackles per game, via Sofascore.
His youth and energy would have been a welcome sight for Sean Dyche in a position where the two currently playing are 35 and 39 respectively.
Perhaps, they may never get a chance to snag Tchatchoua for such a cut-price should such form continue.
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