Everton mean business. The Merseysiders finished the last season in the seventh place in the Premier League last season and qualified for the UEFA Europa League. And manager Ronald Koeman has not wasted any time to strengthen his troops ahead of the next season.
The Toffees have gone on to sign two big players already with Jordan Pickford and Davy Klaassen arriving at the Goodison Park, indicating that the club are intent on doing one better and challenging for the top four spots next time around.
While there remains a cloud of doubt over the future of Romelu Lukaku, who is widely expected to leave, Everton have identified their target to replace the Belgian international in Celtic’s Moussa Dembele. If they manage to get their hands on the Frenchman in the summer, this is how Everton could line up at the start of the next campaign:
Probable Everton Playing XI For Next Season
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Ronald Koeman
Jordan Pickford (GK)
The goalkeeping position was a bit of a concern for the Toffees last time around, but they have addressed it the first thing in the off-season, by bringing in Jordan Pickford from Sunderland for a club-record fee of £25 million. The Englishman was one of the best custodians in the Premier League last season and will be the undisputed No.1.
Mason Holgate (RB)
With Seamus Coleman still recovering from his leg break, it is unlikely that he will be available for selection at the start of the season. And unless Koeman goes out and brings a new right-back, the spot is likely to be retained by the talented Mason Holgate.
Ashley Williams (CB)
The Welshman was Everton’s best buy of the last summer as he brought in a great level of solidity to their backline. His place in the starting XI is unquestionable.
Ramiro Funes Mori (CB)
And partnering the former Swansea centre-half in the heart of the defence will be Ramiro Funes Mori. The Argentine international missed a large chunk of the previous campaign due to injury but will be reinstated to the team, as veteran Phil Jagielka nears an exit.
Leighton Baines (LB)
The long-serving full-back has been one of Everton’s most consistent performer for years now and is a leader on the pitch. Will keep his place in the left-back spot.
Morgan Schneiderlin (DM)
The former Manchester United and Southampton man arrived in January and has become a key member of the team. Koeman knows Schneiderlin well and trusts his abilities, making him the obvious choice in the defensive midfield position.
Davy Klaassen (CM)
One of the best Dutch players in recent times, Everton have snapped up Davy Klaassen earlier this month for a fee of £23.6 million. Expect him to add a lot of guile and creativity to the Toffees’ midfield and get goals in plenty too. However, that could mean last season’s star youngster Tom Davies could be pushed out of the starting XI.
Idrissa Gueye (CM)
The Senegalese midfielder was an excellent piece of business for the Merseysiders in the last summer. A vital cog in the engine room, he will take the third and final spot in the middle of the park.
Kevin Mirallas (RW)
With Ross Barkley’s future in doldrums, the right-flank will most likely be manned by Kevin Mirallas. The Belgian international has blown hot and cold over the past season and will need to add a level of consistency to his game.
Ademola Lookman (LW)
With winger Yannick Bolasie unlikely to return to action until the end of the year, Koeman will be forced to choose between the young Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ademola Lookman, with the former Nottingham Forest man likely to get the nod, following a highly impressive run in the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the winners England U-20 side.
Moussa Dembele (ST)
With star striker Romelu Lukaku exit bound, Everton are in the market for a new striker and as per a report from Daily Star, they seemed to have narrowed down their search to Celtic’s forward Moussa Dembele. The 20-year old goal machine scored a brilliant 32 goals from 49 games in all competitions last campaign for the Scottish champions and has all the qualities to fill in the vacant boots that Lukaku is set to leave behind.