‘GOOD SIGNING’: ALAN STUBBS NOW REACTS TO EVERTON DEAL FOR JACK HARRISON

Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs has now posted his reaction to the deal for Leeds United’s Jack Harrison.

The Toffees today secured the signature of 26-year-old Jack Harrison on a season-long loan and Stubbs insists that it is a ‘good signing’ for the club.

Taking to social media, the ex-Everton defender tweeted: “Think this is a good signing for the blues.”

Harrison becomes Everton’s fourth signing of the summer so far, joining free agent veteran Ashley Young, loan signing Arnaut Danjuma and forward Youseff Chermiti, who joined from Sporting CP.

The Blues have been linked with Harrison throughout the summer and looked to be finalising a deal for the midfielder over the weekend, before Aston Villa expressed late interest in the Leeds United star.

Indeed, it seemed that Everton could lose out on Harrison at the eleventh hour, until Unai Emery’s side pulled out of the deal, paving the way for Everton to secure Harrison’s signature.

Currently out injured with a hip injury, Harrison will be unavailable for this weekend’s visit to Villa Park, though he will undoubtedly add creativity to Sean Dyche’s goal-shy squad once fit.

Everton bringing in quality like Harrison a reassuring sign, but there is still work to do this window

Everton endured a frustrating afternoon last Saturday, falling to a 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Goodison Park, despite registering 19 shots on goal.

Abdoulaye Doucoure, Neal Maupay and Nathan Patterson all squandered opportunities for Everton as the desperate need to recruit a forward was once again startingly apparent.

While the Toffees must still bring in a centre-forward before the window closes, the addition of Harrison could be a shrewd signing from Sean Dyche.

Jack Harrison: Everton hopeful of signing Leeds winger despite late move by Aston Villa - BBC Sport

The 26-year-old scored five goals and contributed seven assists for Leeds United last season, providing a creative outlet that overshadowed all of Everton’s squad, with Dwight McNeil’s 10 goal involvements (seven goals, three assists) the nearest.

Indeed, he may be sidelined for the time being, but Jack Harrison could well be a ‘good signing’ for Dyche this summer.

Sean Dyche casts doubt over new Everton signing for Aston Villa clash

Everton signed Youssef Chermiti from Sporting CP but did not feature against Fulham.

Sean Dyche has cast doubt over Youssef Chermiti’s involvement for Everton’s clash against Aston Villa next week.

The striker’s arrival from Sporting CP for an initial £12 million fee was confirmed on Friday. However, Chermiti was left out od the squad for the Toffees’ 1-0 loss to Fulham on the opening day of the 2023-24 season – and instead watched from the Goodison Park stands.

Everton’s lack of cutting edge – that almost saw them relegated from the Premier League last term – again haunted them. Neal Maupay led the line and spurned three good chances, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin not being risked as his fitness was managed cautiously over the summer.

Chermiti bagged three times in 21 appearances during his breakthrough season last term. Speaking after the Fulham loss, Dyche admitted that the 19-year-old is not yet fit enough to feature in the Premier League – and patience is required.

The Everton boss said: “He is a young player, he needs to get fit – as in, properly fit, as in Premier League fit. He is a young player, he is a young talent – we have got to develop him. Youssef Chermiti Everton transfer confirmed, shirt number revealed - Royal Blue Mersey

If he surprises us and he is ready straight away then that is great, but he is here to continue learning his game in the Premier League.

“First of all, we’re only at the testing phase to see where his body and fitness is. We’ll find a mixture of games getting him involved and seeing where he’d at. He’s a young talent and if he turns out to be instant then fantastic but we’ve got to remind ourselves he’s bought for the future.

“The way the club is trying to grow and adapt – of course you need experience in the Premier League – but that next level of player who is beginning to come through and grow. Finding that balance is not easy, of course, and the deals have to work for the club and the opposite club. It’s not an easy situation.”