Everton's summer business has accelerated this month with three signings now all confirmed. The latest of those is Tyrique George, announced on Monday as a permanent addition to David Moyes' side following his loan spell through the second half of last season. He has joined along with Merlin Rohl, another familiar face who will be back at the club next season, and Championship player of the year, Hayden Hackney.
Early Business a Positive for the Club
Moyes repeatedly expressed his frustration at the slow pace of activity last summer and will be pleased at the work done so far. The Blues liked both George and Rohl when they were on loan last season and given the pair settled on Merseyside during their stints from Chelsea and Freiburg respectively, they should be able to hit the ground running.
George will add an option on the wing that should prove valuable as Everton assess further movement in the wide areas after his move was made permanent for an initial fee of £18m. A further £6m of add-ons could bump up the price but the deal was negotiated down from the terms initially set out in the option-to-buy that featured in his loan agreement.
Rohl and Hackney Deals
Rohl is another £18m deal that was confirmed when the Blues' Premier League survival was guaranteed in April, triggering the obligation to make the deal permanent set out in the loan agreement with Freiburg. Everton announced on Monday that he had been given a three-year deal. Hackney, meanwhile, adds a prospect to Moyes' central midfield, the 24-year-old arriving on a £16.5m deal from Middlesbrough that could rise to close to £25m if bonuses are met.
Further Incomings Expected
Further incomings are expected, with a priority being a right-back. Defensive midfield is another area that has been looked at, while the side lacks depth at left-back and could yet enter the striker market, depending on who becomes available. Sensible offers for a number of squad players are likely to be listened to, particularly with Carlos Alcaraz, Dwight McNeil, Tim Iroegbunam and Nathan Patterson among those now in the final 12 months of their contracts.
Leadership Void to Fill
One major task for Moyes this pre-season will be to ensure the departure of club captain Seamus Coleman and, as it stands, veteran midfielder Idrissa Gueye does not leave a leadership vacuum given the influence of both. James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford should help on that front, with James Garner seen as an emerging leader. Gueye's departure has not been officially confirmed, with the midfielder and club having engaged in talks ahead of his departure for the World Cup, but his contract did expire on June 30.
Everton Ins and Outs Summary
Ins: Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George, Merlin Rohl
Outs (all due to contract expiration): Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gueye, Reece Welch, Tyler Onyango, Roman Dixon, Frankie Okoronkwo (who has since joined Doncaster Rovers), Bradley Moonan, Jacob Beaumont-Clark, Kingsford Boakye, Ademide Akarakiri (who has since joined Cagliari), Goodness Gospel-Eze, Louis Poland, Charlie Stewart, Kean Wren
