Everton was always going to have a busy summer. Regardless of the club’s financial status, these vital months provide an essential opportunity for director of football Kevin Thelwell to add depth to a thin team. With the departure of more players on huge agreements agreed upon prior to his arrival, he will have more room to reorganize this squad. It is also difficult to manage the guys who are still available to him. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is extremely vital to Everton, but if he refuses to sign a new contract, the club will have to decide whether to risk losing a key player for free in 12 months or to accept the money and try to find a replacement immediately.

Then there’s the job of dealing with Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana’s interest, which we’ve already seen, as well as juggling all of this while adhering to the Profit and Sustainability Regulations. Everton has already made significant progress on many crucial deals. Tim Iroegbunam’s signing from Aston Villa surprised many, as did Villa’s interest in Lewis Dobbin. Deals have been concluded in both directions. For Everton, Iroegbunam is an important acquisition. Sean Dyche like to play with three in the center but has limited depth in that position, especially with Andre Gomes not being granted a new contract and academy talent Lewis Warrington also set to depart without an opportunity.