Everton struck gold on “constant threat” who’s worth more than Longstaff

Everton had a busy summer in 2024. The Toffees brought in seven new players, looking to strengthen right across the board to help keep them in the Premier League. Well, whilst that has been all but achieved this season for the Toffees, it was at the expense of their former manager, Sean Dyche.

One could certainly argue that this summer is even more important. Everton are in their new era under David Moyes and are about to move to Bramley Moore Dock, their new stadium. Getting this summer right is imperative to starting life strong at the new ground.

Already, they have been linked with one new addition for the summer, Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff.

The latest on Everton’s move for Longstaff

It would be an ambitious move to bring Longstaff in from high-flying Newcastle. He has been an important player under Eddie Howe throughout the duration of his tenure and played a role in the club’s Carabao Cup campaign, a competition in which they tasted success last month.

According to a report from Joe Thomas, a journalist for the Liverpool Echo, a move for Longstaff ‘was explored by Everton in January’ and it seems like he could ‘come under consideration again in the summer’, with the Toffees considering a move.

With the Newcastle-born midfielder’s contract up in just over 12 months’ time, a transfer this summer is a possibility. Howe explained in a recent press conference that his “long-term future is slightly more unclear”, suggesting a move is on the cards.

A price for the 27-year-old is unclear at this stage. However, he is valued at £18.7m by Transfermarkt, so it is safe to assume that he could cost anywhere in that region if the Toffees wanted to do a deal.

Interestingly, Everton actually have a player who is actually worth more than Longstaff who could be equally important as they enter their new era next season.

The Everton player worth more than Longstaff

Although signing Longstaff might not be the most glamorous of deals on the face of things, there is no doubt about his quality and work ethic that he will bring to this Everton side. Well, perhaps the same could have been said about Dwight McNeil when he first joined the club.

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The 25-year-old, who was born in Rochdale, made the move from Burnley to Everton back in 2022. He cost them £20m at the time, but that value has since risen up to £21.2m, even more than Longstaff is worth.

It has been a good campaign for the former England under-21 international. Despite being sidelined with an injury, McNeil has been exceptional. He has four goals and five assists so far in just 16 games across all competitions.

That includes three different instances this season in which he has scored or assisted multiple times in the same game. He grabbed two assists against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park earlier in the campaign in a brilliant 4-0 win.

Indeed, Everton’s number seven, who has shown excellent versatility so far in a Toffees shirt, has put up some impressive Premier League numbers. In 85 top-flight appearances for the club, he has 13 goals and 14 assists.

Football statistician Statman Dave once described McNeil as a “constant threat”. His contributions in an Everton shirt so far have been impressive, and the money they invested in him has certainly been worth it.

His short spike in value has highlighted his importance to this Everton side, and they will surely be hoping this can only increase over the next few seasons.

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