Everton remain on the hunt for a right-back as the new season approaches and the transfer window enters its final weeks. The addition of Brennan Johnson on Tuesday solved another potential selection headache and, with noises from Iliman Ndiaye’s camp suggesting Al-Hilal’s interest in him is not reciprocated, the Blues’ preparations for the new season are starting to gather pace.
Performances against Newcastle United tonight (Wednesday) and Lille on Saturday will influence the mood heading into the new season but there is no issue more central to setting the tone than right-back.
Right-back options assessed
With 10 days to go until the start of the new season, the prospect of Jake O’Brien or Merlin Rohl starting against Crystal Palace at right back remains serious. Both had stints there in the defeat to Stuttgart on Saturday with Nathan Patterson, the only natural right-back in the squad, only coming on in the second half.
When Tim Iroegbunam was replaced in the first half, David Moyes opted to push Rohl from right-back to central midfield and introduced Michael Keane ahead of Patterson, meaning O’Brien was pushed into the wide slot he has occupied for most of the 18 months since the Blues boss took over.
Moyes' stance and potential targets
That move was the latest evidence that Moyes does not see Patterson as a contender to take a spot that has now caused issues for years. While the manager is yet to share his thoughts publicly this summer - not even on the club’s own media channels - he spent much of last season acknowledging the need to sign a right-back and there is little to indicate his view has changed.
Moyes had spoken with Martin O’Neill over Alistair Johnston, his Celtic right-back, but a move for the Canada international has not progressed. Everton admire Daniel Munoz of Palace but any interest is only likely to develop should there be signs he will be made available, a possibility should the club’s move for Anan Khalaili of Royal Union Saint-Gilloise go through.
Other squad movements
While the Blues are yet to make progress on that front, they have made strides elsewhere with the Johnson swoop providing a winger with Premier League experience who can dovetail with Tyler Dibling, who appears to be growing in confidence through pre-season. The knock-on effect is that Ndiaye, who appears intent on staying in Europe, could be used in his favoured left wing spot, with new signing Tyrique George in support. Should Jack Grealish arrive on loan, a move that would likely be left until later in the window, Everton would have an exciting mix of options on the wings.
The departure of Dwight McNeil, who joined Palace as part of the deals that brought Johnson to Merseyside, also allowed for the Blues to move on a fringe player in a seemingly advantageous move - albeit McNeil initially played an important role for the club.
Everton are still oversubscribed in midfield after the additions of Hayden Hackney and Christian Norgaard, the latter of which will provide Moyes with a genuine defensive option around which he can build the rest of the midfield, another priority for the summer. The addition of Johnson and a right-back, should one be signed, should remove the need to play Rohl or James Garner, once fit, out of position.
Against that backdrop the futures of Carlos Alcaraz and Iroegbunam - who was withdrawn injured against Stuttgart on Saturday - remain uncertain. Both have been the subject of interest this summer with the latter a target for Hull City. Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic, speaking on BBC Humberside Sport last night said of Iroegbunam: “I think there is progress in this player. I like him and how he’s playing. He’s played at this level and we need this type of profile for a midfielder and I hope we will sign him. But we will see - a loan or a permanent transfer. There is a lot of exchanging. First they want more more than we send. Tim is in the last year of his contract, so that’s an advantage for us. He’s a great size, very dynamic player, powerful, pace, strong in the challenges and duels. We don’t have this profile.”
Where Harrison Armstrong’s immediate future will lie is also a source of intrigue given the options around him. He has been a key part of the side through the five friendlies so far this summer but Armstrong, who has changed agencies this summer, will need regular minutes this season to continue his impressive rise. Whether that will be at Everton or on loan may depend on business elsewhere in the squad.
