The definition of a successful transfer window

With the January transfer window slamming shut recently, I have heard of a number of blues that Everton's business during the window was 'disappointing' or even 'disastrous'.

These thoughts are understandable when, Everton's business is viewed with a glass half empty mentality. Due to Everton's lack of transfer activity and particularly with the collapse of the Leroy Fer transfer.

I may be the first to say this but well done Everton! I say this due to a number of reasons. Firstly, only a small amount of business was done but the capture of John Stones cannot be under estimated signing a player with championship and youth international experience might not excite everyone. But the Yorkshireman comes very highly rated by players and fans a like, and with right back not being Everton's strongest position and with recent lack of cover resulting in Phil Jagielka playing there, 3 million pounds could turn out to be a snip!

Secondly, a couple of high profile deals had been mooted for the blues, a Robert Elstone mentioned in an interview Everton need to be sure on the players they are signing. If Everton continued ahead and signed a player prone to injury then the fans wouldn't be happy. It was bold and sensible for Everton to try and go back and re negotiate the deal with FC Twente, it was a choice that ultimately led to the collapse of the deal. Most fans were disappointed with the collapse with no replacement being brought in but with funds tight for Everton and with it being well known that prices of all players are often inflated in January it might turn out to be a wise move to wait.

Thirdly, Everton's success in fending off interest in their star players such as Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini. In recent years Everton's failure to keep hold of our star players has led to much frustration.

Finally, the only piece of out going business was the loan deal of Magaye Gueye on loan to French side Brest. The clearest example of Everton using the loan system to their advantage is Seamus Coleman, after a successful loan spell at Blackpool the Irish international came on leaps and bounds during his time at Bloomfield Road. Now, I'm not saying that Mayage Gueye will return a world beater or even perhaps that he will return at all. But he's got more of a chance of improving in France than playing reserve team football at Everton. With Everton's next big prospect Ross Barkley also currently getting first team football at Leeds. And previously Sheffield Wednesday he has gained valuable first team experience. Hopefully this will benefit the individuals and the club in the long term.


Follow me @born2bblue for more Everton tweets.

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