An summary of how some of the players Everton targeted this summer have performed in the first few weeks of the season.
Everton’s summer was a fascinating one, and despite the fact that the club was clearly operating within financial restraints, speculations about transfer targets abounded.
In the end, the Blues signed five players as Sean Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell prepared for what they think would be a successful season.
Beto, the striker who has already demonstrated in 135 minutes that he may be the addition Everton needed throughout multiple transfer windows, looks to be the most essential.
With the first international break approaching, here’s a look at how some of the other players Everton were interested in have performed this season.
Rodrigo
Rodrigo was an early target for Everton as the club explored for possible additions from relegated Leeds United. The striker had Premier League experience but was always expected to depart Elland Road for a bargain. He instead went to Qatar, where he is leading the queue for top-tier Al-Rayyan. In his second game, the 32-year-old’s first goal was the game-winner against Qatar SC.
Wilfried Gnonto is a Frenchman.
Everton’s lengthy pursuit of Gnonto from Leeds ended in failure, despite the teenager skipping games and filing a transfer request as interest increased. Gnonto’s conduct prompted a public condemnation from Leeds, and his own supporters turned against him during the incident. But Leeds stood fast, and Gnonto has already been reintegrated – and has begun his quest to make atonement. Following an apology, he was named to the first team at Ipswich Town, where he scored 14 minutes after his return. Leeds eventually won 4-3. Since then, he has started both games and is back in Daniel Farke’s plans.
Bilal-Toure, El
El Bilal-Toure had been on Everton’s radar all summer, but a trade always seemed to be just out of reach after Atalanta’s interest was confirmed. The Serie A club increased its chase of the striker as Manchester United’s interest in Rasmus Hojlund grew, and after that deal was completed, Atalanta had the cash required to capture the Mali international. His transfer, a club record, has started disastrously, with the 21-year-old ruled out for some time after suffering a tendon injury during a friendly against Juventus.
Che Adams, who has been linked with a transfer to Everton on several occasions, seemed to be on his way to the Blues before the Beto deal was completed. He then appeared to be on his way to Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan, but the deal fell through, and he is still at Southampton. The striker’s retention at the south coast club has aided the team’s start to the season, with Adams scoring two late wins in the club’s first three Championship games. When Southampton beat Sheffield Wednesday in the season opener, Adams scored with minutes to go, then left it even longer to help his team grab all three points against Plymouth.
Sulemana, Kamaldeen
Another target from relegated Southampton was Kamaldeen Sulemena, who almost joined the Blues when he arrived to England in January but chose St Mary’s over Goodison Park. He was one of a few right wing prospects considered by the Blues, but he also stayed at Southampton. While his colleague Adams has had a successful start to the season, Sulemana has yet to appear in a Championship matchday squad this season due to a muscle ailment that affected the conclusion of his pre-season.
