One month after the Premier League season ended in defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, Everton have yet to complete any incoming or outgoing business in the early stages of the transfer window. The ECHO's Everton FC correspondent Joe Thomas answered supporter questions on the summer so far, covering key targets, fan frustration, and the club's direction under the Friedkin Group.
Hayden Hackney pursuit stalls over valuation
Responding to a question from StreetEnder about whether an early signing was needed, Thomas acknowledged that an early signing would have helped shift the conversation after a tough end to the season. The pursuit of Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney gathered pace early, with the player willing to explore a deal, but progress has stalled.
"The issue is over how Middlesbrough value the player," Thomas wrote. "It seems clear the clubs don’t see eye-to-eye on that. Given Middlesbrough entertained a £16m package from Ipswich Town 12 months ago and now Hackney has just one year left on his deal and his side failed to win promotion, Everton’s hope of a deal for around £10m-£12m wasn’t outlandish. Middlesbrough want more and, with other clubs appearing to lurk, seem willing to hold firm - for now at least."
Thomas dismissed the idea that Everton needed to sell Tim Iroegbunam to fund a Hackney deal, noting that interest in Iroegbunam has existed since January but no sale has been set up despite Hackney being tracked for some time.
Financial deadline not a factor in Hackney silence
Addressing a question from Pete81 about the quietness around Hackney and the June 30 financial deadline, Thomas said: "I don’t think so. Everton looked set to be comfortable with their PSR position for this financial year and the guarantees said to have been given by the Premier League - that the Burnley compensation payout will not be factored into these calculations - means that should not have changed. I think this is very much a case of the clubs not being able to agree on the price/structure of a deal."
Tyrique George and Tyler Dibling development
Terry asked whether signing Tyrique George permanently from Chelsea would hinder Tyler Dibling's development. Thomas explained that this summer is big for Dibling, with hopes he can grow into a bigger role after a full pre-season. "He did not have that last season, and while he was underwhelming at times, he was not helped by the club’s struggles up front and at right-back when he was granted opportunities."
Thomas noted that Everton look set for another summer of flux on the wings, with interest in Jack Grealish, Iliman Ndiaye, and uncertainty over Dwight McNeil. George would represent investment in another young wide player who knows the club and squad - "David Moyes liked him." He added that George and Dibling are friends from the England youth setup, and George's signing "would be more of a help than a hindrance."
David Moyes' future and transfer input
Shantaram questioned whether Moyes' input on transfers should be minimal given he is in his final year as manager and "rightly will not be renewed." Thomas pushed back, saying it's too early to talk in definite terms. Moyes did a very good job initially, and while the end to last season was poor, he had Everton in the hunt for sixth with six games to go. "There were multiple reasons for the collapse that followed, with some terrible refereeing decisions, missed chances and injuries also significant factors."
Thomas added: "Discussion over his future is inevitable while he is in the final year of his current deal but for the Friedkins, and probably for most of us at the start of the season, a campaign of stability, some high-profile wins and no danger of a relegation fight would have been the aim." He stressed that Everton need to create a system not wholly dependent on the manager, citing Brighton, Bournemouth, and Brentford as models.
Friedkin Group and fan sentiment
NickH asked whether the Friedkins and CEO Angus Kinnear are aware of fan feeling, particularly regarding Moyes' recent comments to talkSPORT. Thomas said he believes they do understand the sentiment. He noted that Moyes' comments may have been taken out of context, but there is a disconnect in how messaging is pitched and received.
"If we take a step back then - as frustrating as this may be - Bournemouth and Brentford both finished significantly higher than Everton (seventh and ninth) and therefore occupied positions Everton should want to reach (and surpass). At a deeper level, they have got there with clever, strategic transfer planning and by creating clubs that are working towards a greater goal that isn’t set by a manager."
