Everton are going to have to work extremely hard in the transfer market to uncover some hidden gems to improve this squad, without breaking the bank.
After all, their dire financial position has been well-documented, and ironically well-exploited by the Premier League.
Two points deductions in just one campaign saw the Toffees make unwanted history, and has put them in a truly perilous position for the future. They cannot risk enduring another campaign like that, as in another, more competitive year, it might have proved fatal.
Sean Dyche has worked miracles thus far, but now he will rely on Kevin Thelwell to magic up some transfers to help him progress the squad.
Fortunately, they already seem to be closing in on their first shrewd acquisition of the summer.
Everton eyeing former Arsenal striker
The latest comes courtesy of the Gooner Fanzine, a print and online publication run by sports journalist Layth Yousif, who states that the Toffees are already closing in on a player who has already announced that he will be leaving Arsenal.
Omari Benjamin’s future has been up in the air for some time now, with his contract expiring this summer.
There was great speculation over where he might end up, but a trial with Everton suggested that they were the new favourites to secure his signature.
Well, with this latest update, the Toffees are certainly in pole position, given they are reportedly in talks for the 18-year-old forward.
It reads: ‘The Toffees had expressed interest in securing Benjamin on a long-term contract, and the Gooner understands that the player’s representatives and the Goodison Park outfit are already working on a long-term deal.’
Who is Omari Benjamin?
Having spent the bulk of his youth career with Arsenal, to finally depart marks a bold step for the teenage sensation.
However, this is the exact kind of player that Everton will need, coming to Goodison Park hungry and with a point to prove.
No longer can they afford or rely on older, more experienced players entering the twilight of their careers. The likes of Theo Walcott and Fabian Delph, whilst not awful acquisitions, are the reason why the club is in the financial position that it is.
Benjamin, on the other hand, poses no real downsides, set to join for a pittance where the only way is up.
Having played predominantly for the U18s, making a handful of appearances for the U21s as he rose through Arsenal’s academy, this prolific sensation often got lost in the sea of talent that the Gunners boasted.
But a move to Everton could allow him to thrive as the main man in their academy, ready to push on towards the first team too.
It is indicative of his talent that he scored for Everton’s U21s in his trial appearance back in March.
The future remains bright for Benjamin even if things did not work out for him at Arsenal, and hopefully he does move to Merseyside ready to prove everyone wrong and shine for the Toffees.