Sean Dyche navigated troubled waters to lead Everton to safety last season. Uncertainty might remain off the pitch but there’s a united front on it.
Premier League Season Preview 2024/25 – Everton
Last season: 15th
Title odds: 750/1
TFF prediction: 13th
Transfers
In: Tim Iroebugnam, Omari Benjamin, Iliman Ndiaye, Jake O’Brien, Jack Harrison (loan), Jesper Lindstrom (loan).
Out: Lewis Dobbin, Amadou Onana, Ben Godfrey.
Everton adopted a siege-mentality last season in the wake of their Premier League sanctions for breaching PSR, with Sean Dyche’s side determined in their battle to beat the drop.
The Toffees comfortably steered clear of trouble despite their eight-point penalty, boasting the best defensive record in the Premier League outside of the top three.
Despite the financial uncertainty surrounding the Merseysiders after two collapsed takeovers, Everton have added to their squad with some eye-catching additions over the pre-season.
A first taste of action in front of the Goodison faithful for our new Blues. 👊 pic.twitter.com/IRFs2OmamT
— Everton (@Everton) August 11, 2024
Jake O’Brien is the most expensive signing after completing his £16.4m move from Lyon, while ex-Sheffield United midfielder Iliman Ndiaye could add real spark to the side. The Senegal international joins from Marseille and will hope to showcase the form that made him one of the Championship’s top talents at Bramall Lane.
Jack Harrison has returned for a second loan spell from Leeds, while Jesper Lindstrom has been loaned in from Napoli. The latter was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Season in 2021/22 after helping former club Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League success.
Last season’s lack of goals remains an issue to address, with Beto unconvincing amid limited action and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s unreliable fitness record. However, the latter scored four times in his final seven appearances of last season to raise hopes of a return to his best level.
Key player: Jarrad Branthwaite
Everton fought off interest from Manchester United in Jarrad Branthwaite to hold onto their defensive foundation with the 21-year-old earning an England debut in June after a standout season.
Branthwaite was named Everton’s Players’ Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season in 2023-24, after forming an excellent understanding with the uncompromising James Tarkowski.
🏴 Jarrad Branthwaite vs Top 5 League U21 centrebacks in 2023/24
🥇 Defensive actions — 1st
🥇 Aerial duels — 1st
🥇 Tackles — 1st
🥇 Tackles (PAdj) — 1st
🥇 Interceptions — 1st
🥇 Blocked shots — 1st
🥇 Goals — 1st
🥇 Expected goals — 1st
🥇 Expected assists — 1st
🥉 Defensive… pic.twitter.com/JVcn2ccNbC— DataMB (@DataMB_) August 11, 2024
The 6ft 6in O’Brien has also been added to the defensive options as Dyche’s side improve their aerial threat, having ranked behind only Arsenal for set-piece goals scored last season.
One to watch: Tim Iroegbunam
Part of the bonkers PSR-led transfer exchanges between Premier League clubs in June, Iroegbunam moved to Everton as Lewis Dobbin headed in the opposite direction to Aston Villa. From the outside, the deals seem primarily financially motivated but Iroegbunam will want to prove he is far more than just a PSR pawn.
The 21-year-old was part of the England u-19 side that won the European Championship in 2022 and has featured regularly for the Three Lions at youth level. With Amadou Onana having left Goodison Park, he’ll hope for a chance to impress this season.
