Everton’s pre-season might not be the most exciting, but with huge financial limitations, that is to be expected.
The Toffees are riddled with debt, and whilst they are allowed to spend in the transfer market due to Kevin Thelwell’s clever business plan over numerous years, offloading a huge chunk of money on a trip to America or Asia is out of the question for this club.
Instead, the furthest they will travel is Ireland, where they recently faced Sligo Rovers before returning to Finch Farm.
And yet, despite this dull and uninspiring pre-season, one youngster has seemingly taken his opportunity to impress Sean Dyche.
Sean Dyche impressed by Tim Iroegbunam in Everton pre-season
In fact, the young midfield gem has even been the subject of specific praise from the 53-year-old, whose latest comments are outlined by The Athletic.
With a whole host of youth talent ready to take the next step up, it is a good time to be at Everton even if the last few years have been hard.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and with it comes a huge alleviation of the pressures to stay in the Premier League.
Should that truly disappear, affording chances to youngsters becomes much more viable.
Tim Iroegbunam, who was only signed this summer from Aston Villa, could well be first in line, especially after what Dyche said about him: ‘He’ll get more minutes and he’s done well in training.
‘We threw him in at the deep end with all the youngsters but he is a youngster himself and still developing and learning. We’ve been pleased with him.’
Tim Iroegbunam typifies Everton’s new transfer strategy
Although there was much debate over his signing, with the Premier League left frustrated by Everton’s PSR loophole, the deals between them and Aston Villa this summer have been nothing but fair.
After all, although many might point to Iroegbunam and Lewis Dobbin’s transfers, the £10m and £9m fees respectively represent fair value in the current market.
Especially given the promise held by the 21-year-old midfielder, who boasts far more high-level senior experience than the latter.
Not only has he amassed 19 first-team appearances for Villa, but a solid loan spell with Queens Park Rangers has afforded him some much-needed experience in the Championship.
Meanwhile, Dobbin’s only loan spell came with Derby County in League One, and he has otherwise been limited to substitute appearances for Everton.
What is so special about the Iroegbunam acquisition is that, in all honesty, few knew much about him.
The fanbase simply had to trust Thelwell’s judgement and assume that enough due diligence had been done to make this a successful deal.
He typifies this new transfer strategy, which focuses on youth and tapping into unknown and underappreciated markets.
And, despite marked progress over the last 12 months, it remains to be seen what the long-term benefits for the club will be.
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