Frank Lampard lifts lid on Everton transfer strategy; hails importance of star man staying

Everton boss Frank Lampard insists he is happy with his squad and feels keeping hold of Anthony Gordon proves the club’s ambition and determination.

The transfer window is now closed until January and clubs can start to plan for the next four months of action. The Toffees bought five players outright, with Amadou Onana, Dwight McNeil, Neal Maupay, James Garner and Idrissa Gueye arriving. They cost the Merseysiders a combined £76m while James Tarkowski arrived on a free transfer.

Conor Coady and Ruben Vinagre were signed on loan in what appeared a successful window for the Goodison Park outfit. However, it was keeping hold of England Under-21 star Gordon that may have been their best business.

Chelsea were heavily linked and reports claim Everton knocked back a £45m bid from the west Londoners.

Lampard was delighted with the decision. And he believes the fact that it was a non-starter shows just where the player and club are at present.

“It never got close to happening,” he said. “That is great because it has shown where we are coming from and it shows where Anthony is mentally as a player and we move on. We are happy.”

Lampard content with Everton squad

Everton managed to cling on to their Premier League status last term, rallying in May to stave off relegation. They have struggled early in 2022-2023 and have yet to win a game from five attempts.

Three draws sees them sitting in 17th spot and they face the prospect of a Merseyside derby on Saturday. And, with the stress of the transfer window now in the rear-view mirror, an upbeat Lampard is relishing the challenge.

“I’m pleased the window is shut and it has probably complicated it slightly being so far into the season,” he added. “I think we were strategic with how we have approached it, from owner to chair to board.

“Hopefully that reflects in what we get now. When I look at the squad I’m happy, now it’s time to get our heads down and work.”

Lampard spoke to reporters about his new additions on Friday. And he hopes a couple of players at different stages of their career can make an impact.

“Idrissa Gueye is a player for the now. The club know him very well and he knows the club,” he continued. “In terms of the quality as a deeper lying midfielder he gives me a different profile of player.

“With James Garner, he is a young player with lots of energy and quality and he will improve us. I think it’s a sensible move for us. We have good competition in there as well and that is important over the course of the season.”

The former Chelsea chief now has more options at his disposal. And it remains to be seen if his new stars get a run-out this weekend.

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