Marco Silva’s Everton have made some big money moves this transfer window. They have added Fabian Delph to their squad, while also tying up Andre Gomes to a permanent deal this summer.
And it is now reported that the Toffees are close to the signing of one of the most exciting youngsters in European football at the moment in Moise Kean.
The 19-year-old will cost the club £29m + bonuses and will certainly make Everton a force to reckon with next season.
But what is Marco Silva’s strongest side after his new arrivals? Here is how Everton might line up with Gomes, Kean and Delph in their starting XI:
PREDICTED EVERTON LINEUP WITH THEIR NEW SIGNINGS (4-2-3-1)
Defence:
Silva decided to bring Jonas Lossl on a free transfer this summer. But he will only act as a backup to English international Jordan Pickford, who will be the first choice for the manager next season.
With Kurt Zouma, Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams all exiting the club, Everton must stick with Michael Keane and Yerry Mina as the first-choice centre-back partnership. Mason Holgate will act as a backup when needed.
Lucas Digne was one of the most consistent left-backs in the league last season and should keep his place in the first team ahead of Leighton Baines next season. Silva should use Seamus Coleman at right-back while Jonjoe Kenny will act as an understudy for the experienced Irish international.
Midfield:
Everton have lost one of the best defensive midfielders in the league in Idrissa Gueye to PSG and will surely struggle to replace him with a similar player. They are linked with the likes of Mario Lemina for this role but currently, they have Morgan Schneiderlin and Tom Davies as the only options for that role.
This is what makes the signing of Delph a masterstroke from Silva. Young Davies has done a decent job when called upon last season but the former Manchester City man could well break into the starting XI alongside Andre Gomes in a two-man midfield, that has worked effectively for Silva.
Attack:
Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin failed to impress last season in terms of productivity, which saw Silva use Richarlison in the striker’s role at times. But Moise Kean has shown enough promise to displace the duo and take up this role in the first team next season.
This will push Richarlison onto his preferred left-wing with Theo Walcott adding some pace to the attack on the right flank. Gylfi Sigurdsson was the creative presence in the midfield for Everton last season and the Iceland international is expected to keep his place in the side in a no.10 role, completing what is an aggressive side for Silva.
Here is how they might line up:
