Everton Transfer Dossier: Toffees' Success Hinges on Lukaku and Barry Future
Everton manager Roberto Martinez enjoyed a successful summer transfer window last season, replacing £27.5m Maourane Fellaini with James McCarthy and securing the loans of Gareth Barry, Romelu Lukaku and Gerard Deulofeu.
But after Deulofeu confirmed his return to Barcelona and with Lukaku and Barry's future uncertain, Martinez will have to reproduce more miracles to help bolster a squad with designs on the top four next season – after guiding Everton to fifth in his debut campaign.
The club will be playing in Europe next season so Martinez's biggest challenge is not only to get some new good additions but keep the likes of Ross Barkley, Leighton Baines, Seamus Coleman or John Stones in the squad to cope with the extra matches they will be playing.
Business so far
Greek striker Apostolos Vellios is the highest profile of three players released by the club, while loan trio Deulofeu, Lukaku and Barry have all return to their parent club. Barry, the England midfielder, has been released.
What they need
Martinez has already stated that he would like to keep both Lukaku and Barry but should Everton fail to secure their services they would surely need a forward to lead the line and a holding midfielder to compliment McCarthy.
Martinez also admitted that with challenge of the Europa League, will need to have a bigger squad and hopes to keep Monaco striker Lacina Traore on loan for one more season.
Who could join
Everton have been linked with Tom Ince and Tom Cleverly while Martinez may also take advantage of his knowledge in the Spanish football to bring a new Deulofeu – with Valencia forward Carles Gil and Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez on his radar.
Who could leave
Barry has been linked with a number of clubs after coming to the end of his contract with Manchester City while Lukaku is awaiting Jose Mourinho's decision over his future at Chelsea.
Leon Osman may move away looking for more playing time while Ross Barkley may be tempted with a move to Stamford Bridge.
What the manager has said
"When you're playing in Europe you need to have another six or seven and that's the reality and we will do that - it's not an issue," Martinez said. "I never worry about losing players. It's the opposite - I get excited about bringing new players in. You need fresh blood. We need fresh talent. Fresh additions help the team."
"I do feel we have to be really clear in what we need, who we bring in, and it is going to take until the last day of the window to finalise the squad. It is a World Cup year and things will get delayed and certain situations will be worth us waiting until the last second to see if they happen or not and that is something we are well in control of."
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