Everton’s Executive on January Transfer Plans

Kinnear Discusses January Market

Angus Kinnear, the Chief Executive of Everton, has shared insights regarding the team’s approach to the upcoming January transfer window in his Christmas message.

Positive Season Performance

In his Friday comments, Kinnear expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance this season, highlighting key decisions made by the board, such as the contract extensions for Michael Keane and Idrissa Gana Gueye, whom he humorously referred to as “football’s own Benjamin Button.” He noted that these choices were guided by a combination of data analytics and coaching assessments, ensuring retention of valuable players who might have otherwise been ignored.

Young Talent Development

Kinnear also mentioned young players including Thierno Barry, Merlin Rohl, Tyler Dibling, Charly Alcaraz, and Adam Aznou. Despite having limited playtime so far, their dedication at Finch Farm indicates they possess the potential to make significant contributions at the highest level.

“When evaluating what leads to successful transfers among our peers in the league, we see that clubs fostering gradual player development tend to excel beyond the average,” Kinnear remarked, emphasizing the challenges new players face when joining the Premier League. He noted that approximately two-thirds of transfers do not succeed, but with adequate time, the likelihood of success can significantly increase.

Support for Young Players

He highlighted the waves of support for Thierno Barry following his first goal, demonstrating the collective effort from teammates and fans to nurture young talent.

Revitalizing the Academy

Kinnear acknowledged that the Academy has faced years of underfunding. Although enhancements may take time to reflect in the first team, there are ambitions to restore the Academy’s standing as one of the Premier League’s finest. He also mentioned that Harrison Armstrong is receiving positive accolades during his loan at Preston and might soon join the ranks of Academy graduates transitioning to regular first-team appearances.

January Transfer Window Strategy

As the January transfer window approaches, marked by the incessant countdown on Sky Sports, Kinnear recognized the difficulty of securing high-quality players during this period. He affirmed their commitment to identifying and seizing long-term opportunities that will strengthen the club.

“However, any potential acquisitions must be outstanding,” he cautioned, stating that the club would steer clear of temporary solutions that could hinder their long-term rebuilding efforts slated for next summer.