Yakubu’s Take on Everton’s Outlook and Transfer Targets

Assessing Everton’s Season and the Path Forward

Yakubu Ayegbeni described his recent season as “so far, so good,” crediting David Moyes for steering the club away from relegation after three years of struggle. He believes Everton finished in a mid‑table spot rather than battling to stay up, but still thinks the squad needs reinforcement. According to Yakubu, the board must back Moyes with funds to bring in quality players and avoid the constant threat of a Championship battle each year.

The former forward highlighted the club’s history of relying on a target‑man style striker, a preference Moyes continues to share. He suggested that adding a few key players could set up Everton to aim for European football in the next campaign. The underlying message is that the current squad, while not disastrous, lacks the depth required to challenge for higher honours.

Striker Outlook: Who Might Stay or Arrive?

Yakubu gave a nuanced look at the two centre‑forwards on Everton’s books, Beto and Thierno Barry. He praised Beto’s physical attributes but noted that the player sometimes gives the ball away too easily, which frustrates both staff and fans. In contrast, Barry is seen as a young talent who needs more time to adapt to the Premier League’s pace and the pressure of scoring regularly.

Both players could be on the move this summer, according to transfer talk mentioned in the interview. Yakubu identified Liam Delap as a potential target, citing his goal‑scoring record at Ipswich and subsequent move to Chelsea as a sign of upside. He also mentioned Troy Parrott as another name linked to the club, suggesting that signing a striker who can deliver “week in, week out” is essential for Everton’s ambitions.

He also noted that there is a shortage of genuine goal‑scorers at the top of the market, making any available striker an attractive option for a team looking to break into Europe.

Right‑Back Need and World Cup Talent

While discussing full‑back options, Yakubu singled out Ivory Coast defender Wilfried Singo, who impressed during the World Cup and currently plays for Galatasaray. He described Singo as a solid, energetic right‑back who can give 120% on the pitch, a profile that matches Moyes’s preferences for players who fight for every ball.

Unfortunately for Everton fans, Singo’s recent injury kept him sidelined, but Yakubu believes his performance suggests he would be a solid addition. He added that signing a reliable right‑back is vital, as the club has been struggling in that area, especially after James Coleman’s retirement.

Youth Talent and Advice for Newcomers

Hayden Hackney, a former Boro teammate of Yakubu, is already adapting to the new squad, according to the veteran’s assessment. He praised Hackney’s playing style and believed Moyes would be pleased with how he fits into the team’s structure. Yakubu’s advice to newcomers is simple: “Just play well. When you play well, the fans will love you.”

He recalled that when he first moved from Middlesbrough to Everton, the adaptation required not only on‑field performance but also understanding the intensity of fan expectations. Yakubu emphasized that hard work and good play quickly win over supporters, no matter where a player comes from.

Keeping Key Talents and Learning from Past Injuries

When asked about Iliman, the player who has expressed a desire to play in the Champions League, Yakubu urged the club to tie him down rather than risk his departure. He stressed that Iliman’s skill with the ball and vision make him a crucial asset for Everton’s future plans.

He also reflected on his own injury‑ plagued season in 2008‑09, noting that both his and Mikel Arteta’s injuries cost Everton the chance to win the FA Cup and potentially qualify for Europe. Yakubu’s recovery from a lengthy Achilles tear, which required a move to Leicester and later Blackburn to regain match fitness, highlighted the risk of rushing back too soon and the loss of sharpness that can follow such injuries.

He admitted that the injury may have led him to leave Everton sooner than he would have liked, as he sought more playing time elsewhere. Nevertheless, the experience taught him the value of patience and the importance of a solid medical support system.

David Moyes: The Manager Everton Relies On

Yakubu remains a staunch supporter of David Moyes, arguing that without him Everton would likely be in the Championship. He praised Moyes’s intimate knowledge of the club and his ability to keep the team afloat during tough periods. According to Yakubu, the manager’s next step is to secure three or four quality signings that could propel Everton toward European qualification.

He also celebrated Goodison Park’s readiness for European nights, noting its modern amenities and atmosphere. Yakubu’s enthusiasm for Europe suggests that a successful transfer window could place Everton firmly back in the continental mix.

Readers are invited to submit questions for Yakubu’s upcoming interview, as ToffeeWeb continues its Once a Blue series and looks to provide more insights into Everton’s present and future.