According to a recent update from journalist James Olley, Everton’s summer spending is ended after the transfer window closed on Friday night, but they considered adding a Premier League player.
Have Everton had a successful summer?
The Blues were relegated for the second year in a row last season, surviving by the skin of their teeth thanks to a 1-0 win at home against Bournemouth on the penultimate day.
While there was joy and relief among the fans at remaining in the top division, there was also a sense that this could not continue, especially with a relocation to a new stadium due next summer.
During the summer transfer window, it was evident that reinforcements were required to provide Sean Dyche with the appropriate quality in his team, and a number of new faces have come.
Arnaut Danjuma and Beto have joined on loan from Villarreal, with the former scoring on his debut against Doncaster Rovers in midweek.
However, it has been revealed that Everton attempted – and failed – to sign Arsenal defender Cedric Soares late in the transfer window.
Everton attempted to sign Cedric Soares.
Olley alleged on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday morning that Everton explored a deadline-day deal for Arsenal right-back Cedric Soares, with Olympiacos also a potential suitor:
“This week, Everton and Olympiacos expressed interest in Arsenal defender Cedric Soares.” Didn’t happen yesterday, but Olympiacos still have time if they want to pursue him – the Greek transfer deadline is September 11.”
Cedric would have been a surprise signing for Everton this summer, and missing out on him doesn’t feel like a major loss.
Indeed, he hasn’t exactly set the world on fire since moving from Southampton to Arsenal, where he has made 59 appearances since making his debut in 2020.
The defender was loaned out to Fulham midway through last season and only made two Premier League starts as he failed to establish himself at Craven Cottage.
Cedric’s greatest days are likely behind him at 32 years old, thus he would have merely been a squad option for Everton, so it shouldn’t be considered as one that got away.
Having said that, the right-back still has some great qualities, not least a wealth of top-flight experience, having won 34 caps for Portugal and appearing in 164 Premier League games.
Journalist Jacob Steinberg reportedly described him as “magnificent” during his time at Southampton, and he is someone with potential in the future.
Everton should be alright at right-back even without Cedric, with Nathan Patterson a competent and young first-choice option at the moment, and Ben Godfrey arguably a man who can step in there when needed.
The Blues need to be in a situation where they are recruiting players at the pinnacle of their abilities or young players with high ceilings, and none of those things apply to Cedric, so not signing him could prove to be a wise choice on the club’s part.
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