Everton have significantly improved their financial standing following the recent takeover by the Friedkin Group, allowing them to make strategic acquisitions such as forward Gago. The 25-year-old forward brings a wealth of experience from his time at mid-table European clubs, notably scoring 44 goals in 88 appearances for AS Saint-Étienne. This boost comes at a crucial time as Everton have been working to reshape their squad after the departure of key players like Grace Clinton, who returned to Manchester United, and the losses of Maite Oroz and Kit Graham.
To address these challenges, Everton have turned to the loan market, a strategy they have long excelled at, to strengthen a team plagued by injuries. Among their recent loan signings are Ladd from Manchester United and Knaak from Bayern Munich. Ladd's move is seen as mutually beneficial for both her and her parent club, Barcelona. Meanwhile, Knaak, who has experience in Germany and Sweden but remains uncapped at the national level, adds depth to Everton's lineup.
Across the league, other clubs are also navigating the transfer market with strategic moves. Barcelona, for instance, continue to send their promising youngsters to England and other top leagues to gain valuable experience. This mirrors Everton's approach as they leverage the loan system to bolster their squad.
Liverpool, under manager Matt Beard, have faced their own set of challenges with limited funds. Despite these constraints, Beard has managed to secure some astute signings. Notably, he finally landed Scotland international Sam Kerr after a two-year pursuit. The 25-year-old forward struggled for playing time at Bayern Munich, making only two starts, and now looks forward to revitalizing her career under Beard's guidance.
The transfer market has seen significant activity this season, with FIFA reporting that international transfer spending in the women's game reached $6.8 million from June 1 to September 1, 2024. This surge in spending reflects the growing investment in women's football and the increasing competition among clubs to secure top talent.
Everton's strategic use of the loan market has not only helped them cover immediate gaps due to injuries but also allowed them to bring in players who can make an instant impact. The addition of Gago, with his impressive goal-scoring record, is expected to enhance Everton's attacking options significantly.
Meanwhile, Manchester City encountered an injury crisis towards the end of last year, losing several key players. This situation has put pressure on clubs like Everton and Liverpool to build resilient squads capable of withstanding similar challenges.
Ladd's departure from Manchester United has left her former club somewhat thin in midfield, highlighting the delicate balance teams must maintain during transfer windows. Her move to Everton is expected to provide her with more playing opportunities while also offering Barcelona an avenue for further development.
Knaak's arrival from Bayern Munich adds another layer of experience to Everton's squad. Although she has yet to break into the senior national team, her background in competitive leagues like Germany and Sweden positions her as a valuable asset for Everton's campaign this season.
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