Everton

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Everton wrapped up their pre-season friendlies with a 1-1 draw against Italian giants Roma at Goodison Park.

Italy midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini put the Serie A side in front but Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalised for the Blues in the second half.

Were you at the game, Everton fans?

How are Sean Dyche's side shaping up for the new season?

Let us know your thoughts here, external - and return here on Monday to read the submissions

The Premier League season is fast approaching and clubs are continuing their pre-season preparations.

Here's a look at some of the teams in action on a busy Saturday.

All times BST

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Right now, brinkmanship is the name of the game. There have been times when some clubs sorted their transfer business early in the window and everyone wondered why so few others followed their lead. Put simply, it isn't in the selling clubs' financial interest, and it usually isn't in the moving player's financial interest either, to go early.

A selling club wants a bidding war to up the price and they don't mind a bit of panic buying when the window is creaking ever nearer the sill. If you still haven't signed that star player who you think, hope or maybe even actually believe, will make all the difference, clubs can get twitchy and make rash costly decisions.

I have watched it happen from within. Good intentions and a willingness to stick to a pre-arranged budget, suddenly evaporates when clubs are bounced into making these calls. There is also a bit of pride in there too. "We aren't losing out on our first choice to that lot!" is a common refrain, especially when it's to one of your close rivals.

As for the moving player, or more specifically his agent, last-minute brinkmanship is the dream scenario. Playing two or three suitors off against each other (and you don't even have to tell the truth of what you are being offered elsewhere) means you can exaggerate as much as you like to up the ante.

So that is why the deals go to the wire, and why they are so lucrative. It is also why I never have too much sympathy for a player, when a huge deal falls through at the last moment. Greed can push it too far in the end and it can all come crashing down, which is why they call it brinkmanship! If you dance on the edge of a volcano you might just fall in.

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Everton FC

Everton have secured a partnership with a world leading food service provider for their new stadium, a deal which has been described as "one of the biggest commercial deals" in the club's history.

Aramark UK will take their first steps into English football to deliver food, drink and experiences on matchdays and non-matchday events across Everton's state-of-the-art development at Bramley-Moore Dock.

The company, which will become a founding partner of the stadium, already has a portfolio spanning clubs in La Liga, Bundesliga and NFL, and the move is set to create 1,200 new jobs.

“Aramark's mission to set the standard for excellence and their alignment with our vision to create exceptional experiences for Evertonians really resonated with us," said Toffees chief commercial and communications officer Richard Kenyon.

Image source, Reuters

Summer signing Jake O'Brien was again among the goalscorers as Everton thrashed Motherwell 6-0 in a training game at Goodison Park on Tuesday.

Beto and Neal Maupay both scored twice, with young midfielder Harrison Armstrong also finding the net in a comfortable victory.

We asked for your thoughts after Everton's friendly win over Preston North End.

Here are some of your comments:

Carl: Decent workout. Jake O'Brien looks a beast but we could move the ball quicker. Jesper Lindstrom wasn't bad given it was his first start. All in all it was a decent display and better than the previous games which shows the fitness is coming along.

Jameson: Great goals from the two new lads. I hope they add many more in the Premier League!

Greg: I was at the game and it was much improved from the Coventry defeat. Nice to see some youngsters given a go and the new signings seem to be an upgrade on last season. Forward wise we still look short. Beto is just not up to it and needs to be sold to raise some cash.

Chris: Good workout and nice to see the "newbies" and Calvert-Lewin on the score sheet. Four players carrying injuries when the season's not started is worrying with a small squad like ours. Need a game against some stronger opposition now to see if there is any real progress.

Richard: We looked OK. The new boys have settled in quick, but you can’t get too carried away with a pre-season. The same with the bad results previously, you can’t read too much into it.

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Summer signing Jesper Lindstrom wants to "show the world that I still have my level" as he aims to get his career "back on track" at Everton.

Lindstrom, 24, joined the Toffees on a season-long loan deal from Napoli after a "difficult" year in Italy.

The Denmark international signed for the Serie A side for £25m in 2023 after impressing at Eintracht Frankfurt - where he won the Europa League - but struggled to showcase his ability, failing to score or provide an assist in 29 games.

Asked by BBC Sport what his personal expectations are this season, Lindstrom said: "Just to get back on track.

"I had some good seasons in Frankfurt and like you said, a difficult one in Italy.

"I have some minutes in my legs, I want to show the world that I still have my level and I can perform."

Lindstrom made his first Toffees appearance in Saturday's 3-0 friendly victory at Preston, marking his debut with a stunning free-kick from the edge of the box. His fine strike has given him confidence in taking on set pieces in future.

“I spoke with the guys and I said: ‘It's mine from now on,'" he added.

"I will do what I can, it's what I get my salary for, to make goals and help the team."

Lindstrom joins Everton following a difficult season in which the club suffered two points deductions totalling eight points, a battle against relegation and the uncertainty of a takeover. Despite such issues, Lindstrom said he had "no problem at all" in signing for the club.

"I had known about Everton's interest for a long time - not only this year," said Lindstrom. "There had been some talks and as soon as they said they wanted me, I said: ‘Let's go.’

"I wanted to try something new and I wanted to go to the Premier League and Everton is a big team with a big history.

"As soon as I heard of it, it was an easy choice because like I said, it was natural to be here. I heard the guys were amazing."

Everton could be forced to sell England defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 22, below their asking price to avoid any cashflow issues. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Everton manager Sean Dyche is hoping Jarrad Branthwaite will be fit for the start of the new season, with the defender an injury doubt going into the new campaign.

The Toffees boss said after last Saturday's friendly defeat at Salford that the centre-half had undergone a "minor operation", but did not reveal details about the procedure.

The 22-year-old, who has been the subject of two rejected bids from Manchester United, has not featured in any of the pre-season games so far.

Asked by BBC Sport if Branthwaite will be fit for the opener against Brighton on 17 August, Dyche replied: "We will see.

"He is making good progress all of a sudden, he had a slow spell but is beginning to move forward.

"Hopefully he will certainly be in and around it, I am not saying he will definitely be fit but he will certainly be in and around it, we hope."

Everton have been busy in the transfer market this summer, signing five players for an outlay of around £42m, while recouping approximately £70m by selling the likes of Amadou Onana, Lewis Dobbin and Ben Godfrey.

The acquisitions include midfielder Tim Ireogbunam, who is 21-years-old, defender Jake O'Brien (23) and forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom, both 24.

"People have got to remember they are young players who mostly haven't experience the Premier League," said Dyche after his side's 3-0 friendly win at Preston on Saturday.

"There is a demand of them to hit the ground running somewhat but the bigger model of the club, getting good money for Onana and trying to spread that money through certain deals and one we can effect such as loans.

"We look at that and we go: 'OK, there are good signs' but it's still only signs. These are players who haven't played in the Premier League - trust me, it's a whole different demand when the real stuff starts.

"But we believe they have all got that in their locker to understand what it is and learn quickly."

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter at Deepdale

Image source, Getty Images

Everton sold midfielder Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for £50m this summer, but have Unai Emery's side provided the Toffees with the Belgium international's replacement?

England youth international Tim Iroegbunam arrived from Villa Park for £10m and is already showcasing his potential in a Blues shirt with an impressive outing in the 3-0 victory at Preston on Saturday.

Fellow summer signings Jake O'Brien and Jesper Lindstrom netted for Everton but 21-year-old Ireoegbunam displayed an all-action midfield performance, always available to take the ball and showing some silky touches when in possession.

He made a couple of perfectly-timed challenges to halt attacks from the home side and could have been on the scoresheet but screwed wide from the edge of the box with his weaker left foot.

A late challenge on Will Keane drew a few gasps and jeers from the home supporters, but Toffees supporters will have been pleased by the commitment shown by Iroegbunam.

The Goodison Park faithful did not fully take to Onana during his time at the club but if their new man can take his pre-season form into the cut and thrust of the Premier League campaign, they may have a new favourite to chant about.

Image source, Getty Images

Sean Dyche confirmed Everton striker Youssef Chermiti has suffered a foot injury that will see him side lined for the opening games of the 2024-25 Premier League season.

The Toffees boss did not give an exact timescale to the 20-year-old's recovery.

"That one is a bit of a blow," Dyche said. "He's done great in pre-season and looked sharp. We'll have to wait and see but it's certainly not going to be a couple of weeks, it will be longer than that."

On Abdoulaye Doucoure, who missed Saturday's pre-season win over Preston North End, Dyche added: "Doucs got a bit of a knock so we're being careful. He has a bit of a tight hamstring.

"Seamus [Coleman] got a bit of a knock so we're being careful with him too. His knee was grumbling a bit so we just had to be careful and we are monitoring the lads coming back."

Dyche also confirmed James Garner missed the trip to Deepdale with a calf issue.

"His is hopefully going to settle down quite quickly. It's a calf, so we're not exactly sure how the body will respond yet, but I don't think it will be too long."

Image source, Getty Images

Everton recorded their first pre-season win against Preston North End at Deepdale Stadium.

What did you learn from that performance, Toffees fans?

Let us know your thoughts on the match here, external

The Premier League season is fast approaching and clubs are continuing their pre-season preparations.

Here's a look at where teams are in action on a busy Saturday.

Image source, Getty Images

Tributes have been pouring in from those who worked with former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare, who has died at the age of 60.

Shakespeare also worked for West Brom, Hull, Everton, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich and had a spell as England assistant boss in 2016.

Manchester City's Jack Grealish posted a message, external he received from Shakespeare when he was left out of England's Euro 2024 squad alongside a tribute: "One of the greatest people I’ve ever met not only in football but in life. Last month was texting me when I didn’t make the Euros squad while he was ill. It shows the type of man he was! An absolute heart of gold! Everyone really will miss you Shakey."

Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire wrote, external: "The man who signed me for Leicester, the man who gave me so much belief, the man I learnt so much from. I will be forever grateful. Football will miss you, life will miss you. An incredible man."

Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, external: "I don’t have the words right now. Just gutted. RIP Shakey."

Former Leicester captain Kasper Schmeichel posted, external: "Devastated beyond words. An absolutely fantastic coach, one of the best I have ever seen, but more importantly, an incredible human being. He taught me so much, and I am just thankful to have worked with and known him."

Fellow former Foxes skipper Andy King tweeted, external: "Devastated to hear the passing of Shakey. Not only a brilliant coach but more importantly an amazing person. There through it all on the LCFC journey, none of which could have happened without him. RIP Shakes, thanks for everything."

Image source, Getty Images

New Everton signing Jake O'Brien has the potential to be a future Everton captain, says Irish Fan TV's Paul Nealon.

O'Brien, 23, joined for £17m from Lyon earlier this week after a successful single season in Ligue 1.

He joins first-choice central defensive partnership Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski but Branthwaite has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer.

"He's quite a combative figure - big, physical, strong," Nealon told Total Sport Merseyside's Paul Salt. "But, he can also play out from the back as well so he has striking resemblances to the two of them [Branthwaite and Tarkowski].

"I know Everton fans are worried about whether he will be the replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite but I actually think he could probably be the partner to him if anything happens to James Tarkowski this season.

"He brings a lot of qualities because he scores goals - he scored five goals last season in 27 games, and he brings leadership as well.

"In my opinion if he hits the ground running there is no reason why he couldn't be a future Everton and Ireland captain down the line. He's that type of leader.

"He's very similar to Seamus Coleman in terms of the way he's a quiet guy off the field but leaves no stone unturned on the pitch.

"He is just a player where every time he is doubted he seems to come to show the resilience and proves everybody wrong every time."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Everton are interested in Paraguay forward Ramon Sosa, 24, but face competition from Nottingham Forest in their bid to sign him from CA Talleres. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on the signing of centre-back Jake O'Brien, who has joined Everton from French club Lyon.

Here are some of your comments:

Graham: Good player, expensive for us. Would assume Jarrad Branthwaite will definitely leave now, but hope he stays and then Mason Holgate goes and Michael Keane. Looking forward to seeing how Jake progresses with us.

Keith: Best signing so far for me. His performance levels last season for Lyon were hugely improved and he really looks like a player cut from the same cloth as other great Everton centre-backs such as Alan Stubbs, Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka. Very happy about this one.

Jeremy: To survive in the Premier League, teams need a strong defence and midfield core, but to be competitive, teams need to score goals. We buy bargain unproven strikers and retain DCL, so where will the goals come from?

Dave: Much needed signing. Welcome to Everton! Hope we bring a striker in before the end of the window and a quick winger. I hope I'm not being greedy asking for a left-back and a midfielder too, because they're glaring gaps in the squad. But yes, this is hopefully a very good bit of recruitment.

Pete: I can't see O'Brien going straight into the team and playing every week but hopefully while still only 23 he will learn a lot from the likes of Seamus Coleman and James Tarkowski. Also - I'm sure as a central defender himself, Sean Dyche has seen some good qualities in him.

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Jake O'Brien has taken an unorthodox route to the Premier League.

Everton's new £17m signing has had a crack at the top flight before with Crystal Palace. O'Brien joined the Eagles from hometown club Cork City as a 17-year-old in 2021 but did not make a first team appearance and had loan spells at League Two Swindon and Belgian second tier side RWD. Molenbeek.

Then came his big opportunity.

After playing a pivotal role in helping Molenbeek win the second division title, French giants Lyon secured his services in August 2023 for around £1m.

One season later and he has returned to the Premier League for nearly 20 times that fee.

Initially, Lyon boss Laurent Blanc was unsure about O'Brien, saying: "Jake? He’s under evaluation" shortly after the Irishman's arrival.

It turns out so was Blanc.

After a 4-1 defeat at home to Paris St-Germain in September, O'Brien was among the players given a dressing down by the club's notorious ultras group Bad Gones, even though he was a substitute and yet to make his debut.

"The fans had the right to tell us what they were thinking," was his mature assessment of an incident that could have intimidated a young, inexperienced player.

Blanc was soon dismissed and O'Brien given his chance by new manager Fabio Grosso with Lyon bottom of Ligue 1.

Soon after, they were on to their third manager of the season in Pierre Sage.

Cue the revival.

O'Brien started all but one Ligue 1 match after his debut - he was suspended for accruing too many yellow cards - and under Sage, Lyon ended up finishing sixth.

At 6ft 6in, he imposed himself physically and quickly earned the affectionate nickname 'big Jake' among fans and teammates . He possesses the pace to cover runners in behind and the ability to step out from defence and play line-breaking passes.

Remarkably, the four goals he scored placed him second behind Alexandre Lacazette in Lyon's top scorers for the season. A rival target to James Tarkowski from Sean Dyche's set pieces perhaps?

"Is it one of the great comeback stories? Definitely," O’Brien said after Lyon secured unlikely European qualification on the final day of the Ligue 1 season. "It’s been a crazy, very emotional season."

The scrutiny will only increase as he returns to England, particularly at the powder keg that is Everton.

We asked for your views on Everton's 3-0 defeat against Coventry City, as the Toffees' search for their first pre-season win continues. Their loss on Tuesday followed a draw with Sligo Rovers and defeat against Salford City.

Here are some of your comments:

Adam: We were very poor and a few players were not looking match fit. It is a good job that the season doesn't start this weekend. Hopefully, when more of the first-team are back, we will show improvement or it looks like it could be another season of struggle.

Gary: It looks like another very hard season ahead. With some of our key players unavailable, we have looked very ordinary in the friendlies played so far. Hopefully things will change, but it is not long until 17th August and Brighton at home.

Richard: Pre-season games are more about fitness, getting game time, and having a look at players and systems. The results don't matter so much. It would be good if we could get some confidence in front of goal and score a few more goals.

Mac: After this result, I fear for us this season unless there is a dramatic change in form. The team need confidence going into the new season and this comes with wins!!

Philip: You have all of this youth on the bench and the manager will still not use them in a friendly. What is the point in taking them? If all you are doing is pushing your senior players in a pre-season game, they will all be burnt out or injured before the season starts.

Keith: It is a pre-season game! The result doesn't matter! Increasing fitness and sharpness is the aim of these games.

Eddy: I know these are only pre-season games, but it doesn't do the players or the fans any good to take a beating like that. They say winning becomes a habit but, as we have seen over the last few years, losing also becomes a habit. Assuming the off-field affairs are kept away, we need to have in mind that it's imperative we stay up.

Everton are considering a bid for 26-year-old Roma and England striker Tammy Abraham. (Sportitalia), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Everton are still searching for their first pre-season victory after falling to a 3-0 defeat against Coventry City at CBS Arena last night.

What did you learn from this game, Everton fans?

Let us know your thoughts on the match here, external