Everton have come agonizingly close to losing their all-time Premier League status over the past few years, needing a few last-minute wins to maintain their record for another year.
However, in 2023/24, Sean Dyche's side managed to finish 14 points clear of the relegation zone, despite having eight points deducted for breaching the Premier League's PSR rules last financial year.
It was a fantastic achievement from Dyche's side and one that was well deserved as the Toffees boasted the best defensive record of any team in the division – barring the top three of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Despite the success given the circumstances, this summer remains crucial for the club if they are to build on a successful campaign, with new players needed to take Dyche's side to the next level.
The club have already announced who will be leaving Goodison Park this summer – namely Andre Gomes – and the Merseysiders have reportedly identified one player to replace one of the departing players.
Everton are interested in the German Bundesliga star
According to Sky Sports Germany reporter, Florian Plettenberg, Everton is one of five clubs who want to inquire about the availability of Heidenheim winger Jan-Niklas Beste before the opening of the summer window.
The 25-year-old, who is also interested in Villarreal, Fiorentina, Genoa and Galatasaray, enjoyed an excellent campaign in the Bundesliga in 2023/24, scoring eight and providing 11 assists for his club – the second most. -high in the league that season.
It was Heidenheim's first appearance in Germany's top flight since their switch in 2007, with Beste one of the star players in their top eight.
Although Plettenberg says the midfielder would prefer to stay in the Bundesliga, Dyche's side must try to persuade him to move to England, with the club receiving £8.5m and signing one player to improve.
Why Beste would be better than Jack Harrison
Striker Jack Harrison joined Everton on loan last season following Leeds United's relegation from the Championship, with the 27-year-old having three goals and three assists in 29 Premier League appearances.
At the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign, the Toffees announced he would return to his parent club, but due to Daniel Farke's side losing in the play-off final, it was reported that they would consider another loan move. who played for England U21 at one time.
However, with the emergence of the Beste link, the club should avoid another temporary move for Harrison, where the German is clearly improving on the 27-year-old loanee.
Beste has played 2.8 consecutive games in the Bundesliga this season, and has posted an average of 0.4 assists in 90 games – four times as many as the Leeds United striker.
|
Harrison vs Beste in 2023/24 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
Harrison |
Best |
|
Continuous carriers |
2.6 |
2.8 |
|
It helps |
0.1 |
0.4 |
|
Shots |
1.4 |
1.7 |
|
Fighting |
1.5 |
2.7 |
|
Blocks |
1 |
1.7 |
|
Statistics with FBref |
||
It's clear that in the table above, Beste dominates in attacking areas, but, 25 years old and has done well defensively, he averages 2.7 shots per 90 – figures that put him in the top 1% of all strikers in the Bundesliga. in 2023/24.
The “world-class” talent, as described by UEFA B license coach Invert The Wing, has proven his worth in the Bundesliga in recent months and is well-deserving of a chance to play in England's top flight.
Although they may face tough competition for his signature, the Toffees must push hard to win the race for his signature if they are to build on his achievements this season.
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