After the transfer deadline, Everton may still be able to sign eight free agents – gallery

After the transfer deadline, Everton may still be able to sign eight free agents – gallery

Everton faced a notably subdued January transfer window due to financial constraints, preventing them from securing any new deals.

Despite a desire from manager Sean Dyche to strengthen the squad, the club’s current financial state made it unrealistic.

The primary success during the window was retaining key players such as Amadou Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite, both of whom attracted interest from larger clubs.

Exploring the loan market, which had proven successful with players like Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma, seemed a potential avenue.

However, no additional players were willing to join, leaving Everton to consider the free agent market as their potential source for reinforcements.

As Everton evaluates options among out-of-contract players, LiverpoolWorld has identified several potential candidates:

1. Xeka:
   • The 29-year-old midfielder, formerly with Stade Rennais in Ligue 1, has been without a contract since the summer. With vast experience, having played over 140 games for Lille, Xeka could provide valuable depth in Everton’s midfield, especially considering recent injuries.
2. Jamiro Monteiro:
   • A Cape Verde international, Monteiro has extensive experience in the MLS and Eredivisie. While not consistently performing at the top level, his versatility as a midfielder could make him a valuable addition.
3. Anwar El Ghazi:
   • At 28, El Ghazi previously had a loan stint with Everton, although it was deemed unsuccessful. Despite this, he remains one of the few free agents with decent Premier League experience, offering a threat on both wings.
4. Helder Costa:
   • Costa, with Premier League and Championship experience, spent three seasons with Wolves before joining Leeds in 2019. His ability to play on either wing could provide Everton with a useful attacking option.
5. Konstantinos Manolas:
   • The Greek defender, who started for Napoli in 2022, has since experienced a decline with moves to Olympiakos and Sharjah FC. Despite this, his significant experience could offer added depth in the center-back position.
6. Yann M’Vila:
   • A defensive midfielder and former France international, M’Vila played at clubs like Inter Milan, Rubin Kazan, and Saint-Etienne. His Premier League experience with Sunderland could bring both depth and expertise to Everton’s squad.
7. Nico Schulz:
   • An experienced left-back, Schulz’s last club was Borussia Dortmund. Considering the absence of a natural alternative to Vitalyi Mykolenko, he could offer an attacking threat from the left-back position.
8. Jose Campana:
   • Once associated with Crystal Palace, Campana has also played in Italy, Germany, and Spain. With experience in central midfield, he could provide Everton with additional options in that position.