Everton's Summer Transfer Signing Graded So Far

After a tough summer window, but an impressive start to the season, undefeated start in fact, I thought it was only fair to grade the players Everton got over the line and have contributed to the best start since the 2020/21 season.

Hayden Hackney

Hackney is a good player, first and foremost. He is always looking up, breaks up play and has a great footballing brain to go with it. Coming up from the Championship is always a tough ask for any player; Hackney was, in fact, the Championship player of the season.

Hackney does, however, need more game time and with the squad being so threadbare, I think he does deserve a run of minutes as he has always delivered when called upon.

GRADE- B

Tyrique George

The first of two players who had their loan moves made permanent over the summer. I really like George, and I think he could (and probably should) be a starter pretty much every week.

He is quick and direct and is not afraid to take a man on. His goal vs Manchester United was a lovely finish, and with Thierno Barry being the club's only striker, scoring goals will do George no harm in gaining minutes, which he desperately needs.

GRADE- B

Merlin Rohl

The second of the two who gained a permanent move. Merlin Rohl is a versatile, hardworking and raw player; again, I like Rohl. His stint at right back was seen as a bit of a disaster, and for that, fans may not have seen the best.

Rohl is a midfielder, but like Hayden Hackney will probably have to benefit from a midfield injury before getting a run of games in my eyes. He definitely has the talent and will be a big player for us later in the season.

GRADE- C

Christian Norgaard

The easiest grade to give. Norgaard has been injured since he signed for the club. Good price but can’t really grade someone who has not been on the pitch yet.

GRADE- N/A

Brennan Johnson

I have been Brennan Johnson’s biggest critic. Is there a player there? Yes. Have his performances been pretty subpar? Also, yes. For me, Brennan Johnson is an impact player, last 20 minutes to run at tired legs, maybe as the striker for Barry. I will reserve more judgement for a later date.

GRADE- D

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Everton signing a right-back who once famously claimed ‘I am not a right back’. On the contrary, Maitland-Niles has been more than adequate in his right-back duties. Big and strong and not afraid to go forward. The screamer vs Man United was worth the £4m alone. A couple of good outings and if he keeps it up, could be a shrewd signing.

GRADE- B-

Jack Grealish

Last but certainly not least, Jack Grealish joined on loan from Manchester City for the second year.

Hard to grade someone who has only had the odd minute and one start. Jack does what he does, draws the players in, wins fouls, takes players on. We know what Jack can do, and how important he would be for us to push for Europe. Hoping to see more goals this year from Jack, though.

GRADE-C