It’s been a slow start to the summer for Everton on the incomings front, but the feeling is that everything is now about to change.
We are now in a new accounting period, and in theory Everton will be able to spend more freely.
The word is that Thierno Barry’s move to Everton is very close, and we could see him holding a blue shirt aloft this coming week.
Hopefully, Barry’s move will be the catalyst for Everton’s summer.
There was also great news earlier this week when Jarrad Branthwaite penned a new deal with Everton.
Branthwaite had a superb season in 2024/25, and was a big part of why Everton were able to stay up comfortably in the end.
But his centre-back partner, James Tarkowski, was also a colossus at times – and there has been an update on the 32-year-old.
James Tarkowski seen running on pitches at Finch Farm after hamstring injury
James Tarkowski playing for Everton.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
In April, Tarkowski suffered a hamstring injury against Manchester City, which resulted in him needing surgery
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He missed the remainder of the campaign for Everton, although he was not missed too much, with the Toffees taking 10 points from their final five games in the Premier League.
There had been fears that Tarkowski would miss Everton’s pre-season, or at least some of it.
Tarkowski gave an injury update at the Goodison Park farewell, stating that he was doing well with his recovery. But he also stressed that it would take time.
But in what the Liverpool Echo describe as a ‘significant sight’ at Finch Farm, Tarkowski has in recent days been seen running around on the training pitches.
The Echo say the images ‘do not mean he is ahead of schedule but were a promising sign’.
Branthwaite and Tim Iroegbunam – who also finished last season with injuries – were seen doing running drills as well.
Tarkowski remains a huge player for Everton
It may be that Everton look to sign a new centre-back this summer, because Tarkowski may not have too many years left at the top of his game.
At the age of 32, Tarkowski is potentially set for a decline.
But he remains a vital player for Everton, and is a leader in that dressing room.
Everton manager David Moyes looks on.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
It remains to be seen how he responds after his serious hamstring injury – hopefully, it won’t have been too detrimental for him.
But it’s hard to imagine such a consistent and professional player allowing his standards to slip. He’ll surely continue to play a big part for Everton and Moyes.