Football Season Guide

Ronald Koeman's first season in charge of Everton proved to be a successful one as the Toffees comfortably achieved their minimum aim of returning to Europe and had even emerged as late challengers for a top four finish. Everton have not sat back on their success though as they spent a busy summer strengthening their squad. Jordan Pickford was the first major arrival and is expected to take over as the first choice keeper after Koeman rotated Maarten Stekelenburg and Joel Robles last season. Other arrivals include Davy Klaassen and Michael Keane, with the duo expected to kick the season off as the first choice in midfield and defence respectively. Wayne Rooney's arrival was a nod towards the club's past but the striker is only expected to play a supporting role heading into the season. Everton have not yet finished spending though, with the club still in the race to sign Swansea City midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson. They are a bit light up front following Romelu Lukaku's departure and while Koeman has brought in Sandro Ramirez, the striker will need to get acclimatized to the more physical nature of the Premier League. Everton will also be without two of their key players in Yannick Bolasie and Seamus Coleman, with the duo out for long term, while Ross Barkley is also expected to leave the club before the transfer window shuts down. The heavy spending has raised expectations among the fans who will be hoping for another fight for a place in the top four of the Premier League table. Key for Everton's fortunes though will be how soon the new signings settle down and gel together, something which they are still short of with performances during the pre-season not being too impressive. Everton have progressed to the play-off round of the Europa League after being made to work hard by Slovakian side MFK Ruzomberok and Koeman will be aware that there is still a lot of work to do in order to prepare his side for a genuine tilt at a Champions League qualification spot.