Everton’s mighty £171.5m potential XI that could take Toffees to the next level in 2023/24

Everton will already be preparing for the new season after a campaign to forget.

The Toffees managed to secure their Premier League status for another season on the final day of the campaign, holding their nerve after a relative resurgence under Sean Dyche. This summer will be Dyche’s first in charge of the club, and it will be interesting to see where he decides to strengthen, and indeed who he decides to bring in.

With that in mind, we have put together an ideal XI for Everton next season, taking into account some of the recent transfer links, and added in their estimated market value too.

GK - Jordan Pickford - £21.5m

Everton won’t have any doubts over Pickford being their starter, but they will face a big challenge when it comes to keeping him this summer. There is already talk of Tottenham making a move for the England international, and the Toffees will be sitting nervously over their number one’s situation this summer.

RB - Nathan Patterson - £12m

Patterson should be Everton’s first choice right-back, but he really needs to stay fit next season after struggling for fitness throughout the campaign just gone. The Toffees need to see the full value of their investment next term.

CB - James Tarkowski - £19m

Tarkowski should be the first centre-back on the team sheet, especially given the level of trust he has from his boss, Dyche. The former Burnley man is a physical centre-back with ability to play with the ball at his feet.

CB - Ben Godfrey - £13m

This one is wide open, and Everton may well invest at the position, but they have been linked with very few so far. For that reason, we’re slotting Ben Godfrey in, but he is another one who needs to prove his fitness. If he doesn’t, Godfrey or Mason Holgate could be moved on and another centre-back may well be brought in.

LB - Luca Pellegrini - £7.7m

Speaking of incomings, it’s pretty likely the Toffees will bring in a left-back this summer, and Juventus star Luca Pellegrini has been linked. The 24-year-old has been regularly loaned out by Juve in recent years and the Italian giants are reportedly shopping him around this summer. Everton could take advantage to add a quality player at full-back.

CM - Abdoulaye Doucoure - £10.3m

Doucoure’s one-year extension option was triggered recently, and he should get chance to start next season, given his leadership and physical ability. Dyche likes this sort of player, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Everton boss lean on Doucoure again next term.

CM - Emiliano Martinez - £3m

Dyche may well mix up his midfield a little next season, and you wonder whether Idriss Gueye may pay the price until he proves himself again following a patchy season. Uruguayan star Emiliano Martinez has been linked after an impressive campaign with Midtjylland. The 23-year-old could add attitude to this midfield, and it’s something the Toffees have lacked.

CM - Amadou Onana - £36.1m

Onana is another quality player who may be snapped up before the start of the season. If that does happen, Everton will need to find a replacement, but if he stays, the midfielder will have a starting spot for the new season.

RW - Alex Iwobi - £21.5m

Iwobi has played all over the show for Everton, but it will be hoped that Dyche can bring in enough depth to give the forward licence to play in a more attacking role more consistently next season. Demarai Gray will be another option here.

CF - Wout Weghorst - £12m

Weghorst has been linked along with the likes of Brennan Johnson and Viktor Gyokeres. Weghorst has returned to Burnley after his loan spell with Manchester United, when he scored a couple of cup goals. The Toffees may get more of a goalscorer, but Weghorst is Dyche’s type of player, and he may be the most realistic striker signing at this point.

LW - Dwight McNeil - £15.4m

McNeil scored seven and assisted three last season. He slotted in at wing-back at times, but it would be good to see him playing exclusively as an attacking winger. The 23-year-old will look to take another step forward, and he will likely be a starter as he looks to do just that.