Everton Football Club has a rich history of transfers that have shaped the team’s destiny over the years. From big-money signings to unexpected bargains, the club’s transfer activity has always been a topic of intense interest for fans and pundits alike. The Toffees have made significant investments in recent seasons, aiming to bolster their squad and compete at the highest level of English football.
This article takes a closer look at some of the most expensive Everton transfers in recent years. It examines the impact these players have had on the team’s performance and explores the circumstances surrounding their arrivals at Goodison Park. From wingers to defenders and midfielders, we’ll delve into the stories behind these high-profile signings and assess their contributions to the club’s ambitions in the Premier League and beyond.
Yannick Bolasie: The Unfortunate Winger
Bolasie’s Big-Money Move
On 15 August 2016, Bolasie joined Everton for a reported ยฃ25 million transfer fee from Crystal Palace. The hefty price tag raised eyebrows, but Bolasie was confident in his abilities, stating, “It’s so much money, but I knew I was worth it.” He acknowledged his impact on the pitch, taking defenders out of the game with his dribbling skills and drawing multiple markers, creating space for teammates.
Bolasie’s Injury Struggles
Bolasie sustained a devastating injury to his right anterior cruciate ligament in a 1โ1 draw with Manchester United on 4 December 2016. Initial scans indicated the damage extended beyond just the ACL, potentially requiring a longer recovery period. He underwent surgery and faced an arduous rehabilitation process, sidelining him until 26 December 2017.
Bolasie’s Everton Legacy
The injury robbed Bolasie of his pace and agility, ultimately leading to the decline of his career at Everton. Despite loan spells at Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, and Sporting in Portugal to regain fitness, he never recaptured the form that prompted Everton to invest heavily in him. On 2 October 2020, manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged that while Bolasie was training well, he was not in his plans, and the winger eventually left the club in June 2021.
Moise Kean: The Italian Prospect
Kean’s Promising Arrival
In August 2019, Everton secured the services of Moise Kean, a highly-rated Italian prospect, from Juventus for a fee of ยฃ27 million. The signing was considered a coup for the club, as Kean was regarded as one of the hottest young talents in Europe at the time. His arrival at Goodison Park seemed to confirm Everton’s growing reputation as a viable destination for promising players from across the continent.
Kean’s Struggles at Everton
However, Kean’s time at Everton has been marred by struggles and unfulfilled potential. In his first season with the Toffees, the young striker managed to score just one goal in 26 appearances, an abysmal record for a player of his caliber.
- Adaptation Issues: Kean faced challenges adapting to the demands of the Premier League, having only played a handful of games in Italy’s top flight before his move to Merseyside.
- Disciplinary Concerns: There were reports of disciplinary issues, with Kean arriving late for team meetings and displaying a lack of effort in training sessions.
- Managerial Fallouts: Kean’s relationship with former manager Marco Silva was strained, leading to him being dropped from the matchday squad on occasion. Even under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, a fellow Italian, Kean failed to find consistent form or playing time.
Kean’s Departure and Lessons Learned
After a loan spell at Paris Saint-Germain, where he enjoyed relative success, Kean eventually returned to Juventus, effectively ending his time at Everton. The move highlighted the challenges of integrating young talents into a new environment and the importance of proper guidance and support during the transition phase.
Ben Godfrey: The Versatile Defender
Godfrey’s Transfer from Norwich
Ben Godfrey’s journey with Everton began on October 5, 2020, when they secured his services from Norwich City for an undisclosed fee, reported to be an initial ยฃ20 million, potentially rising to ยฃ25 million with add-ons. The transfer marked a significant investment by the Toffees in the young defender’s talent and versatility.
- Norwich City’s Record-Breaking Deal: Godfrey’s move to Everton set a new club record transfer fee for Norwich City, surpassing the figure they received for James Maddison’s move to Leicester City in 2018.
- Everton’s Defensive Reinforcement: The acquisition of Godfrey was a strategic move by Everton to bolster their defensive options, capitalizing on the player’s ability to operate in multiple positions across the backline.
Godfrey’s Performances at Everton
Godfrey’s time at Everton has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by both highs and lows. His versatility has been both a blessing and a curse, as he has been deployed in various positions by different managers.
- Impressive Debut: Godfrey made his Everton debut on October 17, 2020, in a Merseyside derby against Liverpool, coming on as a 31st-minute substitute due to an injury. Despite being thrown into the deep end, he impressed with his composure and defensive solidity.
- England Call-Up: Godfrey’s standout performances under Carlo Ancelotti earned him an England call-up in May 2021, a testament to his potential and development.
- Challenges and Setbacks: However, Godfrey’s progress has been hampered by managerial changes, positional uncertainties, and a bout of Long COVID that affected his performances during the 2021-22 season.
Godfrey’s Future Prospects
As Godfrey’s stock has fluctuated, his future at Everton remains uncertain. While the club recognizes his potential and versatility, interest from other clubs has emerged, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
- Potential Suitors: Clubs like Leeds United, Sheffield United, and AC Milan have expressed interest in acquiring Godfrey’s services, each with their own motivations and plans for the defender.
- Everton’s Dilemma: Everton faces a dilemma regarding Godfrey’s future. While they would like to retain his services, financial considerations and the need to fund potential replacements could influence their decision.
- Godfrey’s Preferred Position: Despite his versatility, Godfrey sees himself primarily as a center-back, and his ability to excel in that role could be a determining factor in his future endeavors.
As the transfer window progresses, the fate of Ben Godfrey’s Everton career hangs in the balance, with the club and potential suitors weighing the defender’s potential, versatility, and future prospects.
Amadou Onana: The Midfield Investment
Onana’s Signing from Lille
In August 2022, Everton secured the services of Amadou Onana from Lille for a reported fee of ยฃ30 million ($34.5 million). The 20-year-old Belgian international’s arrival was a significant investment for the Toffees, who had to navigate financial constraints during that summer transfer window. Onana’s signing was seen as a coup, as he was regarded as one of the most promising young talents in European football.
Onana’s First Season Impact
Onana’s impact at Everton has been steadily growing with each passing game as his fitness levels improve. In his early appearances, the 21-year-old showcased the qualities that prompted Everton to invest heavily in his services. His maturity, influence on the pitch, and ability to maintain focus despite receiving a first-half booking against Liverpool were particularly impressive.
- Defensive Prowess: With his long stride and ability to cover ground quickly, Onana helped Everton contain the threat of Liverpool’s attacking midfielders. He won the most duels (11) and made the most ball recoveries (8) in that match, according to Squawka.
- Aerial Dominance: Onana’s stature represents a defensive boost for Everton. He won the most defensive aerial duels (3) and made the most tackles (7) against Liverpool, highlighting his physical presence and defensive capabilities.
- Distribution Skills: Despite the high-pressure situation, Onana maintained an impressive 88% pass accuracy, showcasing his composure and distribution skills.
Onana’s Potential for Growth
Onana’s performances have been particularly impressive considering he was making only his third Premier League start against Liverpool, one of the top teams in the league. His ability to brush off challenges and continue playing, even after being fouled aggressively, demonstrates his resilience and determination.
As Onana continues to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, his importance to Everton is expected to grow. With his intelligent all-action playing style and the guidance of an elite coach, Onana’s potential for development is significant. His combination of defensive solidity, physicality, and ball-carrying ability make him a valuable asset for Everton’s midfield.
Conclusion
Everton’s transfer history showcases the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level of English football. The investments in players like Bolasie, Kean, Godfrey, and Onana highlight the Toffees’ commitment to strengthening their squad across various positions. These signings have had a big impact on the team’s performance and future prospects, though with mixed results.
Looking ahead, Everton’s transfer strategy will likely continue to focus on balancing big-money moves with smart, value-for-money acquisitions. The club’s experiences with these high-profile transfers offer valuable lessons to learn from and apply in future transfer windows. As Everton aims to establish itself as a consistent top-tier Premier League team, its transfer decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the club’s destiny.