Everton FC - The Club With Ambition

Really loving the series it is a great read man

mikeaust - thanks, that's great to know!

Congrats all those trophies, you are really taking Everton to new heights.

haynesy96 - thank you, always looking to improve

Very nice signings and corngrats on all the trophies!

Jonte-23 - thank you, hopefully they can help us strengthen

Everton have today confirmed they have accepted a massive £47 million bid from Arsenal for their Bosnia & Herzegovina midfielder Muhamed Besic.

Right from the beginning of the summer transfer window, rumours and speculation began over the future of both James McCarthy and Muhamed Besic at Everton. Arsenal publically announced their intentions to sign both of Everton’s central midfielders, which they have appeared to succeed in.

Besic has joined Arsenal have the two clubs reached an agreement, Besic will wear the number 5 shirt at Arsenal. The Gunners however failed in their pursuit of Ireland international James McCarthy. Despite offering £40 million as they were expected to do so, Zidane stood firm and knew made clear from day one, McCarthy was staying.

Zidane had to make a very important decision very quickly, with big money bids coming in for both his midfielders, someone had to go. After closely evaluating both Besic (24) and McCarthy (26), Zidane let Besic go.

We managed to catch up with Zidane and grab a word regarding the deal, this is what he told us.

Besic is heading to Arsenal, he wanted to go and the bid was too good to turn down. He has been great for us and goes with our best wishes. McCarthy is a very important player to me, I want him here and he stays for defiant.

With Everton announcing two long term transfers this week, could we be seeing the start of a new era at Goodison Park? Here at FourFourTwo we report on what the future holds for Everton football club.

A squad that was once labelled as ‘Ageing’ when Zinedine Zidane took over at Everton, there are now 11 players in the first team squad under the age of 25. Compared to just four outfield players over the age of 30.

The signings of Oxlade Chamberlain, Gaya and Ruli over recent weeks have shown signs of what the future could look like at Goodison Park. What could also been seen as casting an end to some great careers at Goodison Park.

Since Zidane took over at Goodison, he has shown no problem with backing the experienced players in his squad and allowing them to contribute to the side. With the likes of Howard, Baines, Osman and Pienaar playing their parts over the years.

However all things must come to an end one day or another. Many have questioned how Everton will manage without the likes of Baines or Howard? Which will one day happen, but not yet. With the recent signings I believe Everton are only showing signs of improvement.

The injection of youth will give a buzz to the team and to the fans at Everton. The Goodison Park faithful will be pleased to see that Brendan Galloway looks set to be a important member of the first team. Since joining from MK Dons, Galloway has been in the youth ranks at Everton. After successful loan spells away from the club he looks set to join up with the 1st team.

After winning the Premier League, the following transfer window can be make or break for clubs. As we have seen over the years, clubs failing to strengthen for the following season, ultimately leading to a decline in success. Clubs such as Manchester City and Manchester United have done so in the past. With the young signings that have been made Zinedine Zidane has provided himself with the platform and stability to take this club to even further heights. After winning the treble last season, many wondered what more Zidane could do at the club. There’s an old saying that goes, “With ambition, you can always do more”.


P.S Massive thanks to Tallery for the graphic, very much appreciated!

Very good update. You have really built a great squad!

A great update and a lot of detail going into this story! Well done and keep it up!

Great update keep it up

Jonte - thank you, it's changed a lot for sure!

tbutcher - thank you, always looking to improve

wellsy - will do

Everton have yet again looked no further than manager Zinedine Zidane’s old club to make their fourth and final signing of this summer’s transfer window.

The Toffee’s have today completed the signing of Spanish right back Hugo Mallo on a season long loan from Real Madrid. The twenty six year old becomes the third Spanish player to join this season, alongside Ruli and Gaya. Mallo is also the third Real Madrid player to join Everton since Zinedine Zidane took over as boss.

Former Real Madrid right back Alvero Arbeola retired over the summer to take up management, Zidane has filled the gap with Hugo Mallo who has fell out of favour at the Galatico’s since his move from Celta Vigo back in 2015. Mallo made over 34 appearances for Madrid in his first season, however the following year, his number of appearances fell by over half.

He will provide cover at the right back spot for Seamus Coleman but could also be pushing for a place in the starting eleven. Zidane was keen to add competition for places over the summer, the signing of Mallo defiantly adds this at the right back spot.

Today I am going to cast an eye through the Everton squad as they prepare for the 2017-2018 Barclays Premier League season. Picking some of the players that fans and managers a like might want to keep an eye on throughout the season.



The youngster joined the club back in 2014. Initially he was involved in the youth set up at Goodison Park. After catching the eye of many, he was attracting interest from various Championship clubs. In 2015 he spent the season on loan at Derby and Cardiff. After some solid performances in the Championship it was clear to everyone, Galloway is a proven talent. He got his chance to shine in the Premier League when Zidane sent the youngster on loan to Burnley throughout the 2016-2017 season. Now at the age of 21, the youngster is back at Everton, part of the first team squad and raring to go. Interest from other Premier League clubs for a loan deal has been strong, but Zidane is keen to get the youngster involved.



The Spanish left back is the future of Everton. After Leighton Baines has been such a magnificent servant to the club. This season marks Baines’ tenth year at the club, which could be one of his last. Zidane has prepared for the eventual departure by bringing in Jose Luis Gaya. Gaya is a like for like replica for Baines. With very similar playing styles Gaya will fit in nicely to the Everton line up, when he wins his starting eleven spot that is.



Chamberlain has been Zidane’s major transfer of the summer. Oxlade Chamberlain is a fantastic, young English talent and joins the likes of Roberts, Barkley and Stones on Everton’s books. Joining from Arsenal, Chamberlain has the experience and ability to take the club to greater heights, despite still only being 24 years of age. During his time at Arsenal, Chamberlain made over 140 appearances, scoring 30 goals in the process, as well as racking up over 40 assists.

Wow, great update! Nice to see you producing some youngsters and promoting them up!