Everton boss David Moyes is a man with a lot on his plate.
However, he’s proven his aptitude as a high-level manager across many years at various outfits – including two stints with the Toffees.
It’s been a long old journey for Everton and their legion of supporters, but having emerged from troubled waters with a vision and a plan to reach that horizon, it’s a journey which may open up new possibilities.
Just consider the micro successes. Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new contract; Thierno Barry, billed a superstar in the making, has signed for £27.5m and will replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Such transactions will come together to present a clear vision at the macro scale. Everton have a new kind of attention to detail and structure, which Moyes is directing.
And he plans on making one or two more exciting signings ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
Everton planning more signings
The arrival of the 6 foot 5 Barry feels a very apt signing. He is a powerful and potent striker, raising the goalscoring bar as Everton step into a new home at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
But he could still do with some more support. As per i News, Everton have established contacts with Manchester City for playmaker James McAtee; the competition for his signature, however, is thick.
Everton would be wise to demonstrate their diligence by proving they have alternative picks on the radar, so too not be left adrift if McAtee’s signature is drawn by another.
Well, Omari Hutchinson is anticipated to be on the move this summer following Ipswich Town’s relegation from the Premier League, and Everton have been reported by journalist Graeme Bailey to be gearing up for a move now that Barry is a Blue, alongside West Brom’s Tom Fellows:
“In terms of what’s next, Everton want wingers — I think Tom Fellows and Omari Hutchinson are very interesting, I think they’re under the radar as well.
“I think you could see both come in because they are very different wingers, one is inverted and one’s not, I think Moyes would love them both.”
The English attacking midfielder has a £35m release clause in his contract, but it’s clear to see this could prove a bargain if he reaches his full potential.
Why Everton want Omari Hutchinson
After completing a successful loan spell in the Championship with Ipswich, Hutchinson joined Kieran McKenna’s outfit from Chelsea last summer for a £20m fee.
Considered by analyst Ben Mattinson to be among a “ridiculous” crop of rising talent at Chelsea before his permanent switch, Hutchinson proved himself capable in the Premier League last year and could start to catch a few eyes in a more stable system on Merseyside.
He only registered five goal involvements in the Premier League last season, but Hutchinson managed to demonstrate enough of his quality to impress, with The Football Terrace’s Dean Jones even calling him “similar to Cole Palmer”.
Matches (starts)
28 (27)
Goals
3
Assists
2
Shots (on target)*
1.3 (0.6)
Big chances missed
1
Pass completion
84%
Big chances created
5
Key passes*
0.9
Dribbles*
1.6
Tackles + interceptions*
1.5
Duels won*
4.3
As you can see from the round-up of Hutchinson’s statistics above, his crisp and creative passing, clinical finishing (only missing one big chance while converting three more) and natural defensive application all suggest he’s got what it takes to become a complete attacking midfielder of a similar mould to Chelsea’s superstar, who has scored 41 goals and supplied 28 assists across 96 matches since leaving Manchester City.
Palmer is defined by his skilful style, emerging onto the scene with a rare confidence, unburdened by so-called inexperience and leaving the likes of Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher marvelling that he’s “the best player in the Premier League”.
Does Hutchinson have the same high-rise roof? Perhaps not, but then we have yet to see the 21-year-old realise his full potential, performing in a team looking to challenge in the higher levels of the Premier League. Thus, the gap could be limited, but by how far is uncertain.
In any case, Hutchinson’s silkiness and dynamism suggest he would be a fantastic fit in an Everton team now preparing for life with a robust and reliable striker, and indeed developing further Moyes’ system, more ranged and layered than before.
Everton would only improve with a player of Hutchinson’s ilk added to Moyes’ squad. Hailed a “special talent” by scouting consultant Felix Johnston, he has the playmaking ability and winged footwork to become Everton’s own version of Palmer, maybe not reaching the same giddy heights but filling a similar gap.
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