Everton’s squad is looking relatively thin at the moment, despite the transfer window being open for the past month.
Despite the late contract renewals of Michael Keane and Idrissa Gana Gueye, a number of areas of David Moyes’ squad have been left in need of reinforcements amid a raft of summer departures.
The signing of Thierno Barry from Villarreal was a welcome addition for the Toffees following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s decision to leave at the end of his contract, whilst Mark Travers has joined to provide competition to Jordan Pickford in goal.
Despite the need for incomings, however, some further outgoings would benefit the club too. For certain members of Moyes’ squad, a decision has to be made with the future in mind.
The likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Anthony Gordon and Seamus Coleman have all grown into key first-team contributors at Everton after spending time away on loan, and Moyes is known as an expert in player development.
That all being said, here are three current members of the squad Everton should be sending out this summer – and the kind of level they would be suitable for.
Harrison Armstrong
Highly rated by those at the club from a young age, Harrison Armstrong’s career is gaining serious momentum.
After breaking into the Blues’ under-21 side shortly after turning 17, Armstrong was included in the first-team set-up by Sean Dyche, who quickly became a huge fan.
After impressing in his second senior start against Peterborough at Goodison Park in January, the teenager was sent on loan to Championship side Derby County, where he made 15 Championship appearances – the majority of which were starts.
A well-rounded midfielder already at an impressive physical level, Armstrong will now be keen to continue playing regular first-team football having gained an invaluable six months of experience in the second tier.
Given his impressive showings at Pride Park, a return to the Championship would be most appropriate, be that at Derby or otherwise.
Youssef Chermiti
Since making his eight-figure move from Sporting Lisbon, Youssef Chermiti’s first-team appearances – especially starts – have been extremely limited.
Wrestling with the likes of Calvert-Lewin, Beto and Armando Broja for a place in the side, the Portuguese youth international has also struggled with injury, denying him any real rhythm.
Despite being two years into his time on Merseyside, however, Chermiti is still only 21. With Barry and Beto likely to be Moyes’ main two strikers this campaign, his first-team opportunities are likely to lie elsewhere.
Standing at six feet and five inches tall, the striker was likely identified by his physical profile, but he has looked to lack confidence when appearing for Everton so far.
For this reason, a move to a less competitive European league would perhaps be most suitable for Chermiti to find his goalscoring touch, before ideally returning to England ready to step up to Premier League level.
Harry Tyrer
In Pickford, Travers, and Harry Tyrer, Moyes has three goalkeepers who played meaningful minutes in England’s top three tiers last season.
As Travers is expected to play second fiddle to the English goalkeeper whilst potentially getting opportunities in the cups, 23-year-old Tyrer is in a position to benefit from more first-team experience.
The Crosby-born stopper earned rave reviews on loan at Blackpool last season, but the Toffees are reportedly reluctant to give him a permanent move to Bloomfield Road, instead preferring to sanction another loan.
Given his usefulness to the squad as a homegrown goalkeeper, this position makes sense – but the club would need to convince Tyrer to sign a new contract before sending him away, with his current deal expiring next year.
Should this take place, another step up to the Championship would be ideal, though the biggest priority should be guaranteed minutes, which could most likely be at Blackpool.