Everton’s transfer strategy has been one that has changed like the wind over the last decade.
Operating with a scattergun approach in the early Farhad Moshiri days, it is through years of risky misconduct in the market that they are currently so hamstrung today.
Kevin Thelwell has tried his best to heal their wounds, but still the Premier League remains relentless in their efforts to punish them as they see fit.
That is, despite a concerted and clear effort having been made in recent years towards sustainability.
However, despite deductions still being threatened, it is not deterring the Toffees from their new transfer plan.
Everton eyeing Championship teenager this summer
Alan Nixon is a well-informed man when it comes to the Championship and the wider EFL, so to see him suggest that Everton are perusing that market is a promising sign.
Writing on his Patreon, the journalist would state: ‘Everton are keeping an eye on Sunderland’s promising teenage left back Oli Bainbridge.
‘Goodison spies are checking on the powerful young defender who is tipped to get into the Black Cats side before the end of the season.
‘Bainbridge signed a deal with Sunderland last summer but could yet be snatched away for a sensible fee.’
Kevin Thelwell continues his revolution
Having already secured the signing of Kingsford Boakye for the U21s in January, who had previously been on the books at AC Milan, as well as having struck a deal for teenage sensation Braiden Graham too, it is clear the direction that Thelwell is seeking to take the club.
After all, it was recently admitted that there were not many names within the youth setup ready to take that step up into the first team, and with funds at an all-time low, they can hardly attract the best talent either.
So, looking elsewhere outside of their catchment area marks an intelligent change of strategy which could pay dividends in the next few years.
Especially with Graham, who has already made the step up into senior football for Linfield back in his native Northern Ireland.
He will reportedly move to Everton this summer, and could be joined by a whole host of new faces that Thelwell is assembling within the Toffees’ youth squad.
With little money available to spend big on Sean Dyche’s first team, this change of strategy could prove pivotal in securing the long-term success of the club, whether it be through developing these players into stars of the future, or one day selling them on for huge profits.
Either way, they detail relatively risk-free endeavours.