Need to know
The January transfer window will soon reach an end, but David Moyes' Everton still have some time if they wish to get a last-minute deal over the line
David Moyes celebrates Everton's victory at the end of the Premier League football match at Aston Villa
David Moyes could yet welcome some new faces at Everton this January(Image: Getty)
All you need to know as we ask AI to take control of Everton's late January transfer window moves
We asked AI to pretend it was in charge of making signings and sales for Everton, with the January transfer window reaching an end. It had a few recommendations for what the Toffees should do before February 2nd.
The first recommendation was to finalise the signing of Youssef En-Nesyri, noting that the Fenerbahce striker would provide the physical presence required for David Moyes' attacking transitions. Should negotiations stall, AC Milan's Santiago Giménez was identified as a theoretical alternative.
Finding a replacement for the sidelined Jack Grealish was another task prioritised by AI. It singled out Lyon's Malick Fofana, who was the subject of a reported £30million Everton bid this window, as an ideal candidate who can replicate Grealish's creativity and flair.
Offloading Michael Keane before his contract expires in June 2026 is a move that it also suggested. This would theoretically recoup a transfer fee and reduce the current wage bill, avoiding the potential loss of a key defensive player for free in the summer.
Another recommendation is to firmly reject reported late interest from Lazio for Tim Iroegbunam. It claims this would ensure the midfield maintains its high-energy defensive screening for the remaining fixtures this season.
Finding a solution at right-back is another task AI has addressed, given the lack of consistent defensive cover currently available in the senior squad. It states Lyon's Ainsley Maitland-Niles offers an immediate, versatile solution to the problem, while Genoa's Brooke Norton-Cuffy serves as the theoretical developmental option for the future.
Following the return of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from injury, it suggests adding a high-stamina box-to-box player to complete the squad's tactical requirements. Hayden Hackney remains the domestic ideal according to AI.
A final move that AI suggests the Toffees make before the January window closes is to secure a long-term successor to Jordan Pickford. Despite it being rather ambitious, they singled out Sunderland's Robin Roefs as a shot-stopper who would fit the bill.
READ MORE ABOUT EVERTON'S TRANSFER ACTIVITY: Everton could green-light late January transfer – but only if one condition is met