Everton have confirmed that their January priority is to get players out the door and don’t expect any incoming business.
Two of those players to depart are Muhamed Bešić and Yannick Bolasie.
Vital Rangers previously discussed the merits of targetting either player to bolster the squad for the tile run in, as can be seen in the links above.
It is widely anticipated that there will not be much money spent in this months transfer window, with the Covid factor being largely responsible.
Instead, many loans are likely. Clubs will wheel and deal to make other arrangements to bring in new faces as well as getting rid of those surplus to requirements.
Everton’s director of football Marcel Brands recently outlined the strategy for this current transfer window at the club’s AGM and that he does not expect January arrivals at Goodison Park.
“We are still working to offload some players for new challenges in their careers,” Brands said.
“We don’t expect to sign new players in this window. In previous years we only signed youngster Jarrad Branthwaite, from Carlisle, in the January window.”
Brands has made no secret of his belief that the January window is not a good time to sign players.”
This was reported by the Liverpool Echo who also stated,
“It is believed that Bernard, Cenk Tosun and Jonjoe Kenny are among the players who are available for transfer this month.”
“Everton are still hoping to find new clubs for Yannick Bolasie and Mo Besic while Jarrad Branthwaite is on the verge of joining Blackburn Rovers on loan until the end of the season.”
Lack of game time
Both players should be hungry for action given that they have been frozen out this season under Carlo Ancelotti, following previous loan spells elsewhere.
That will also weigh on the minds of potential suitors as they will need a few weeks to get up to the pace of first team football.
In the case of Bešić, it is arguable that he would not provide anything more than Bongani Zungu, other than perhaps a more aggressive, combative streak.
With Bolasie however, surely there is a case that could add another dynamic option to Rangers attack and to provide more competition for the like of Ryan Kent.
Wage demands shouldn’t be an issue for either player, they are in the last six months of their respective deals and know that the next one is crucial. Everton are looking to offload the players so they will hardly be difficult to deal with either.
A six-month deal with the option of a further year for the club seems an attractive proposition for Steven Gerrard in regard to Bolasie, the 43 times capped DR Congo international.