Everton were one of many clubs to benefit from the Saudi spending spree last summer, with Middle Eastern clubs simply going wild in the market.
Attracting some of Europe’s biggest names with contracts few could turn down, that lavish nature has certainly dried up recently, forcing the Premier League to find other solutions to avoid further backlash from PSR.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t line up some late deals before the window closes.
The fact is that Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq side are once again sniffing around the Everton player, just 12 months after they took one away from Goodison Park.
Steven Gerrard has opened transfer talks with Everton
The latest tidbit on that pursuit comes courtesy of reporter Ben Jacobs, who actually took to the X to break the latest on the future of Chelsea’s Harvey Vale.
But what he wrote immediately afterwards will be of interest to Sean Dyche and Evertonians, suggesting Gerrard is also interested in signing a player who has only made one first-row start for the club.
The journalist wrote: “Al-Ettifaq are in talks with Harvey Vale about a permanent move as called for by @SamiMokbel81_DM. No deal yet. Talks between clubs have progressed with #CFC looking for at least £400,000 and potentially closer to £800,000 with add-ons.” Ettifaq are also investigating the loan option of Everton’s Reece Welch.
The 20-year-old, who has been on loan at Forest Green Rovers, was once hailed by interim manager David Horseman last summer: “We’re very excited about that. Big thanks to Everton for making it for us for sure.
“Reece is a really physical centre-back with good mobility. He is a lovely footballer. He comes with a good pedigree and is highly rated at Everton. He will help us a lot this season.
Everton should push more of their deadwood to Saudi Arabia
Just a year after the Saudi professional league really started to put itself on the map and spent big to alleviate all of the Premier League’s financial woes, it seems all has gone quiet on that front.
Sure, there were still some big moves this summer, but none as big or frequent as this article last year.
After all, many may remember Neymar, Karim Benzema, Aymeric Laporte and Sadie Mane, to name just a few, swapping the pinnacle of European football for the Middle East in 2023.
But Demarai Gray was also one such player who left and gave Everton a much-needed cash injection when he left Gerrard’s side.
With the interest in Welch clear, the Caramels could try to ship some of their other deadwood for a fee before their contract expires. Neal Maupay, Mason Holgate and Michael Keane could be available.
Something is certainly better than nothing