Ever since we got promoted back to the big time, I am sure I’m not the only one to have seen us being linked (as per) with every man and the whippets he’s breeding.
I am for one intrigued about this transfer window – probably because of our sterling recruitment campaign last summer and the type of names we brought in last time we went up.
However, there are a few issues I think that need addressing internally – certainly with players who have been out on loan, in particular – our most high profile name.
Now, Jack Harrison did perform well for us while we were in the Premier League, though some of you will no doubt have a split opinion about his decision to ‘jump ship’ when the going got tough.
On balance, you probably can’t blame him, though at the same time, I think we’d have run away with the league last season if he was in the squad – even could have slotted in nicely as a number 10 in the Championship.
Now we’re back, there is no trigger in his contract that requires him to go out on loan again, though I’m not sure what we should do with him. He hasn’t really sparkled at Everton over the last couple of seasons and I doubt David Moyes fancies him.
If we were to sell him, I doubt we would get any more than £15 million, maximum for him – you’re probably talking nearer the £10 million mark. Someone like Burnley would probably be interested – though, would we want to sell to a club (at present) who we will be fighting for survival alongside?
His experience in the top flight could help us – I’m not saying he starts every game, but with reports of Brenden Aaronson seemingly surplus to requirements, having failed to cut it in the Premier League last time out, he could be an upgrade. And, we could probably get at least £15 million for the American – he would probably do well in La Liga at somewhere like Real Betis, who will need to replace Anthony, with the Brazilian who has been on loan there from ‘that lot’ being linked to higher profile clubs.
Could He Cut It For Us?
I think a lot will depend on what the board wants to do – and maybe Daniel Farke (or whoever is in charge) will want to have a look at him. Also – where would he play? I know we’re looking at bringing in Manor Solomon in on a permanent basis – that seems to be the general consensus anyway (despite cmopetition) and Daniel James looks to be a cert to stay.
Question marks surround the future of Willy Gnonto (due to the price we could get for him) and I guess the jury is out on Largie Ramazani about whether the board thinks he can handle the top flight.
In theory, if the above scenarios happen, that would leave us with two wingers short (if we pull the plug on Solomon, then three) and I have read that we want at least one wide man, as well as a number 10 and a striker.
Keeping Harrison, could be cost-effective though (minus his wages), he would need to perform and have the support of the fans. Right now, I’m really not sure but it is a situation that will probably inspire a lot of intrigue over the next three months or so.
