The centre back, who ended the season with a serious hamstring injury, was pictured on the training pitches as the Everton players returned to Finch Farm
Everton returned to Finch Farm on Friday for the start of pre-season. The first team were back at the training ground, six weeks on from the final day win at Newcastle United, for a day of testing and assessment. Work took place in the gym and on the outdoor training pitches under the gaze of David Moyes.
Later in the day, the club sent representatives to Anfield to lay tributes to Liverpool star and Portugal international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Details of that poignant support are among this overview of the players’ return.
Carlos Alcaraz’s first day as a permanent Everton player
When the final whistle blew at St James’ Park, the future of Carlos Alcaraz was unclear. The 22-year-old had finished the season in fine form. He was integral in the comeback win at Fulham then provided the winner in the north east with his glancing header from a Vitalii Mykolenko cross.
Moyes’ position in relation to the Flamengo loanee had been in question, with the attacking midfielder initially impressing before dropping out of the starting line-up as he neared the appearance clause that would have forced Everton to make his move permanent.
Had there been any questions over his potential value, they were removed in those final games and, with a big rebuild ahead, securing him for £12.6m became a straightforward call. The Argentine was among the first batch of players to arrive for pre-season.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman arrive after new deals
Securing Alcaraz was not the only business concluded before the start of pre-season. This week saw Jarrad Branthwaite sign a new five year deal with the club, a major boost for the plans for the future.
Everton hope this season, the club’s first at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, will be the start of a new era. Moyes hoped to place Branthwaite at the centre of it. Having agreed fresh terms, the 23-year-old has committed to that project - one that, in the early stages, will require the guidance and inspiration of club captain Seamus Coleman, who also signed an extension in the close season. Both were there for the first day.
Michael Keane’s presence a giveaway over what would happen next
Also present was Michael Keane, whose contract expired earlier this week - threatening to end his time at the club after eight years. Talks continued beyond June 30, however, and a deal was confirmed on Friday night that will see the 32-year-old remain for an additional 12 months.
The contract had not been announced when the players began to arrive but his presence would have left his teammates in little doubt about where his future lay. Idrissa Gueye was not pictured in a gallery released by the club but he is understood to be close to agreeing a new deal as well.
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James Tarkowski put through his paces amid injury comeback
A significant sight from day one was that of James Tarkowski out running on the Finch Farm pitches. The centre back ended the campaign with a hamstring injury feared to be so severe it could disrupt his pre-season.
The images do not mean he is ahead of schedule but were a promising sign with Moyes viewing the dynamic between Tarkowski, Branthwaite and Jordan Pickford as crucial.
Branthwaite and Tim Iroegbunam also finished last season injured, though their setbacks were considered far less serious. Both were also pictured undertaking running drills.
Beto and Youssef Chermiti show Everton support for Liverpool in time of tragedy
The day was dominated by sadness over the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva and, in the afternoon, Beto and Youssef Chermiti led an Everton delegation to Anfield to lay tributes in their memory.
It was agreed the forwards, both born in Portugal, would be the most fitting representatives and the pair travelled to the ground with club ambassador and former player Ian Snodin.
There, they laid wreaths among the sea of tributes, each bearing a message written in both English and Portuguese. Beto’s note read: “With heartfelt condolences.” Chermiti’s message was: “With sadness and respect.”