Everton have got their summer transfer business off to an uncharacteristically prompt start with the signing of Scotland international Steven Naismith on a free transfer; the player having refused to allow his registration to be transferred to Charles Green’s ’Newco’ reincarnation of the now defunct Glasgow Rangers.
Twenty-five year old Naismith stands 5ft 10, is a versatile attacker able to play in the hole, on the flanks or in midfield and it is this versatility, his goalscoring record - 28 goals in 98 appearances for Rangers – and his apparent excellent work-rate and selfless attitude which slot him neatly into the Moyes template. No doubt David Weir, Nikica Jelavic and Walter Smith have provided David Moyes with good references and the player made it clear that, although he received better monetary offers, once he knew Everton were interested his mind was made up. The only concern might be over Naismith’s injury record; he has twice suffered severe cruciate ligament injuries which have each ruled him out for up to eight months.
The capture of Naismith strengthens the first team squad in a crucial area and will provide an alternative to the ageing Tim Cahill and perhaps allow the under-achieving Victor Anichebe to be sold for a fee; thus raising funds which could be applied to the acquisition of Steven Pienaar from Spurs.
Nice summary, hopefully Naismith will be an sucess at the club. Hopefully the squad can be fleshed out some more with the likes of Pienaar and Pjianic, though I’m still concerned Baines will be sold.
Nice to see this class of player being added to the squad for free. He’ll provied competition in a lot of places – Anichibe, Cahill Coleman and to a certain extent Fellaini, are all in places he can play in.