Everton Finally Land January Target Danjuma

The Danjuma Dance: Everton’s Latest Acquisition

An unexpected twist in the tale of Arnaut Danjuma’s career has unfolded, resulting in the Dutch winger donning an Everton jersey for the forthcoming season. Previously spotted in Premier League fixtures representing both Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur, Danjuma’s game prowess and football intelligence is no stranger to England’s top flight.

The Plot Twist in Tottenham

In an intriguing January window, Everton found themselves entwined in a courtship with Danjuma, only to be outbid by Tottenham’s late entry. Though having shared the field with the Spurs for a modest nine-game run, the 26-year-old was drawn back to the Spanish sun with Villarreal at the end of the season.

“I think it makes it even more beautiful for me to join now,” he expressed, returning to the prospect of being Everton-bound. “I had interest from other clubs but there was a pull towards Everton because of the fans, the manager and the history of the club. It is second time lucky for me.”

The Dyche Effect

The delay in Everton’s acquisition of Danjuma was compounded by turmoil in the managerial office. The unforeseen dismissal of Frank Lampard on the 23rd of January left a gaping question mark over the Toffee’s direction. Enter Sean Dyche, swiftly appointed seven days later, his arrival stirred fresh optimism, and reinvigorated the club’s transfer ambitions.

Dyche, now settled in the managerial hot seat, welcomed Danjuma as his second signing for Everton, after full-back Ashley Young. The Blues’ fans are yearning for a break from the tense flirtation with relegation, and these recent additions to the squad certainly offer renewed hope.

The Netherlands and Beyond

No stranger to international recognition, Danjuma boasts six caps for the Netherlands. His experience is broad and varied, having been a pivotal player for Villarreal as they battled against Liverpool in the heart-wrenching 2021-22 Champions League semi-finals.

The upcoming season will mark his third stint in the English top flight, a journey which began with Bournemouth in 2019 before heading off to La Liga in 2021.

Premier League Kickoff: The Toffees vs The Cottagers

Everton are set to showcase their new arsenal of talent in their first Premier League match of the season, a home game against Fulham on Saturday, 12 August. This impending encounter presents a prime opportunity for Danjuma to debut his skills in Everton colours, and demonstrate why his arrival could be the catalyst for a season of reinvention at Goodison Park.

A new era has begun on Merseyside, with the Dyche and Danjuma duo ready to make their mark in Everton’s storied history. The Toffees are certainly ones to watch this season.

Assistant manager Ian Woan has outlined Everton’s plans for their third week of pre-season as the squad step up their preparations for the 2023/24 campaign.

With Blues boss Sean Dyche watching an Everton XI consisting of mostly under-21 players draw 1-1 at Tranmere Rovers on Saturday, his number two Woan – alongside first team coach Steve Stone – took charge of the senior side for their 1-0 victory over Wigan Athletic. After first reporting back to Finch Farm on Thursday, July 6, Everton had a week at an Alpine training camp by the shores of Lake Geneva which culminated with a 2-1 win over newly-promoted Swiss second tier side Stade Nyonnais on Friday, July 14.

They then returned to their Halewood base for a week of hard work that included the Dyche pre-season ritual of ‘Gaffer’s Day’ – a gruelling test of fitness, stamina and team spirit involving no ball work – last Tuesday before their second friendly at the DW Stadium. With two more games (at Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday and Stoke City on Saturday) now on the horizon over the next seven days, Woan explained how things will shape up.

He told evertontv: “The players got a day off on Sunday then it will be back to work on the Monday. We’ll do a little roll call and see how they feel because that was their first 90 minutes, so I’m sure they’re going to be a little bit stiff but we’ll have a look on Monday and get going again.”

Not only will Everton’s squad be bolstered by Arnaut Danjuma, whose loan move from Villarreal was confirmed on Sunday, but the return of James Garner and Jarrad Branthwaite (England Under-21s) plus Demarai Gray (Jamaica) from international duty. Woan said: “It boosts the squad a little bit. I think every senior team player that was available to us was on the pitch with us at Wigan, apart from Mason Holgate, who was with the Under-21s as he comes back from injury.

“We wanted to get him some playing time and he offered up, so fair play to him as that’ll be good for him. We are a little bit shy on numbers but we get the three internationals back next week and then hopefully a couple of the injured boys who are closing in on a return towards the end of the week as well.”

One player who has already made an instant impact is debutant Ashley Young, who netted the only goal of the game at the DW Stadium on Saturday. Woan was understandably impressed by the new boy and said: “He brings so much character around the dressing room.

“To bring someone in of his calibre and experience is invaluable to us. He’s a really solid campaigner.”

JUST IN;Everton Finally signs a 26 year old January Target for the forthcoming season