A key man under Sean Dyche at the beginning of the year, an unfortunately timed ACL tear cut his season and possibly his Everton career short back in January. Likely not fit until 2026, according to Transfermarkt, it is unlikely that the Lyon loanees’ move to Merseyside will be made permanent. His partnership with Idrissa Gueye was one of the few positives of the first half of the season however, so it may be one to reassess in the future, if he can prove his fitness back in France.
Decision : Return to Lyon at the culmination of his loan.
Jack Harrison has been the subject of consistent criticism amongst Everton fans, however he has been a useful acquisition for Everton during his two season-long loan spells. An industrious wide midfielder, with a willingness to attack and defend in equal measure, it is no surprise the former Leeds man was fancied by Dyche and that the club wanted him back for a second spell.
That being said Harrison's ever-presence is symptomatic of the situation Everton have found themselves in. Limited funds and options have led the former New York City FC man to play 68 times for the Toffees, directly contributing to only 9 goals over this period, with just 2 of these coming I the 2024/2025 season. With the imminent move to Bramley Moore Dock, Everton will likely be assorting a more upwardly mobile squad. If The Toffees do indeed want to be looking up the table rather than over their shoulders next season, Harrison returning back to Leeds, the championship, or where he first made his mark back in the US, at the conclusion of his second loan spell would suit all parties.
Decision : Depart at the end of loan deal
Similarly to Mangala, the danish wide-man may have played his last game for the toffees. David Moyes has alluded to his recent hernia operation potentially cutting his season short, after his best period in an Everton shirt.
Offering energy and endeavour down the right hand side, he’s provided good balance since coming into the side under the Scot. Lindstrom’s width occupies the entirety of the right hand side, allowing Jake O’Brien, traditionally a central defender, to tuck in from full back during build play. That being said, the Danish international’s output has not been good been good enough, with no goals and just one assist from over 1200 premier league minutes.
Lindstrom has not done enough to have his £15 million buy option triggered, though it is no secret he’s improved exponentially having finally been given a run of games under Moyes and Everton do look a better side with him in it. If cash is as strapped as reports suggest this summer, a second loan move, alongside a purchase of another winger with Harrison likely on the way out should be the plan of action.
Decision : Negotiate a loan extension.
Carlos Alcaraz's permanent move
Alcaraz has been very impressive since joining from Flamengo in January and making his move permanent appears to be a no-brainer. A slightly confusing deal with an undisclosed amount of appearances set to trigger an obligation to buy, but Everton should not be concerned about triggering this.
Still only 22, the reported £15 million fee is a good price for a player with pedigree, quality and infectious energy. He has played off both wings and as a number 10 in his short stint with the club, working up a good relationship with Beto, who looks a better player with Alcaraz in the side.
Playing his best football behind the striker, the Argentine’s vision, decision making and weight of pass during counter-attacks have been the most impressive things about his game, contrasting the oftentimes frustratingly wasteful Abdoulaye Doucoure when in similar situations. It is important Everton don’t place all the creative burden on Alcaraz next season, but he will certainly be a useful acquisition with plenty of potential for improvement.
Decision : Trigger buy option
Armando Broja's injury record
The Albanian international is without doubt Everton’s most technically gifted striker. With great ability to link attacks with the midfield, as well as smart movement to stretch teams, Broja is an extremely talented footballer. Since his ACL tear in December 2022, however, he has missed 75 games through injury, perennially struggling for availability during his time at Chelsea, Fulham and most recently with Everton.
The Toffees are certainly not in the position to be triggering the £30 million buy option for a striker with two starts all season. Moyes’ recent use of Broja, stating he 'wanted to have a look' at the forward, this far into a loan spell, hints at a potential future with the club. If the wages are sensible and the loan fee is minimal, then the Toffees could do worse than gambling on Broja’s fitness, perhaps alongside another more reliable option.
Decision : Attempt to re-negotiate a loan deal with a minimal loan fee and a cheaper buy option.
