Everton are now looking to get their summer business truly underway with the new PSR window open.
The Friedkin Group are able to put their hands in their pockets for the first time since they received the keys to the club last December.
It has been a steady start to Everton’s summer, with the transfer plans being put on hold slightly by the contract sagas to have recently played out.
David Moyes has been sitting patiently, awaiting new signings to land at Finch Farm, and it finally looks as if that is going to happen.
Everton are now close to signing Thierno Barry as the first new face to land after Carlos Alcaraz’s loan was made permanent.
But former Premier League manager Alan Pardew thinks the Toffees have already made one major mistake in the window.
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Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Alan Pardew thinks Everton have made major mistake this summer
Everton saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin depart as a free agent at the end of June following contract talks being held on Merseyside.
The former England international will now look to test the free agent market, with Manchester United showing interest in Calvert-Lewin.
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Speaking on TalkSPORT, Pardew has now suggested Everton have made a mistake in allowing Calvert-Lewin to depart.
“On their day [Calvert-Lewin and Viktor Gyokeres], there’s not much between them,” said Pardew.
“When he’s on his game, he’s as good as any striker in the Premier League. If you’re a Man United fan and you’re thinking Gyokeres is going to come through the door and work with Amorim as he did at Sporting CP… that looks like it’s gone.
@talksport Calvert-Lewis is AS GOOD as Gyokeres when fully fit, claims Pardew! 👀 #everton #arsenal #manchesterunited #footballtiktok ♬ original sound – talkSPORT
“If Calvert-Lewin has a day and Gyokeres has his day, they’re very similar. Of course, the consistency level of Calvert-Lewin is the big, big problem with him.”
Arsenal have been urged to make a move for Calvert-Lewin, but they appear to be the club moving for Gyokeres.
Considering the money expected to be spent on Gyokeres, it will be interesting to see how he compares with Calvert-Lewin if they both play Premier League football this season.
Everton did attempt to sign Viktor Gyokeres
This summer, Everton have prioritised a striker signing, with the 2024/25 campaign showing a clear lack of attacking quality.
Barry will not arrive on Merseyside as an established striker, but the youngster is showing a lot of potential for the future.
Recently, Sean Dyche admitted Everton targeted Gyokeres as a potential option when he was playing in the Championship.
“The boy Gyokeres, I’ve got to be honest, I think he’s a real player. I saw him in the Championship and a couple of pals like Al Chamberlain – who scouts players – said: ‘I’m telling you, he’s a player’,” he said.
With Gyokeres set for a Premier League move, Pardew could end up eating his words come this time next year.