Everton have been pining after a few key transfer targets this summer, and whilst they have enjoyed some success in the market, snagging three new faces, there is still so much work to be done.
Kevin Thelwell will know this more than most, which is a comforting thought, but being aware of the situation and having the assets necessary to fix it are two completely different things.
Ever since they enjoyed that flurry of activity early in the window, acquiring the aforementioned trio, there has been a distinct lack of movement, with attention instead turning to outgoings rather than incomings.
It felt like they would only be able to press on with their summer of revolution when they could facilitate a big sale.
Fortunately, it is now right around the corner.
Jesper Lindstrom reaches Everton agreement
Therefore, it is no coincidence that the Toffees have now reached an agreement to sign one player just days after it was reported that Amadou Onana will move to Aston Villa.
The Belgium international was always expected to depart Goodison Park this summer, and the £50m fee he will command should fund the rest of their signings for this window.
That knowledge that they will be handed such a safe financial footing will be music to Thelwell’s ears, and has clearly spurred him to finish off negotiations to acquire Jesper Lindstrom from Napoli, according to one Italian outlet.
The report, via CalcioNapoli24, reads: ‘And also for Lindstrom, the Toffees have already reached an agreement with Everton on the basis of an onerous loan with the right of redemption. The final details are being defined with the Danish outfielder.’
However, there remains one outstanding downside to the £47k-a-week winger which might put a few Evertonians off him at first, until he proves his worth… He is a self-confessed Liverpool fan.
Jesper Lindstrom could revolutionise Everton
Although looking at his most recent campaign might put most fans off, this is exactly where Everton need to be shopping, looking beyond their immediate struggles and instead to what the future holds for the player.
Only that way can they secure bargain deals for high-value players, trusting in them to come good again and either star for the side or move on for a hefty sum.
This is the way that the Toffees need to operate, what with all the financial restrictions imposed upon them, and it is refreshing to have someone like Thelwell notice this.
By acquiring Lindstrom, a man who lit up the Bundesliga before being handed just two Serie A starts last season, this could mark a revolutionary shift in recruitment that sparks a brighter era of sustainability for a club that has gone so long without now.
