Ronald Koeman arrived at Everton in the summer with big expectations. The Dutch boss arrived from Southampton with the promise of a big wage packet and big transfer budget.
However, the former Barcelona legend also has a big job on his hands transitioning the current ageing team to one that will be challenging at the top of the table.
The likes of Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Gareth Barry, Ashley Williams and Maarten Stekelenburg are all well into their thirties. Koeman has to find capable replacements for these experienced campaigners.
That means the Dutchman will have to dip into the transfer market over the next few windows. The Toffees are likely to be busy in the transfer market in January. A number of players have been heavily linked with moves to Everton, including Charlton youngster Ademola Lookman and Manchester United duo Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin.
Koeman may be able to secure a few signings in the January transfer window, but the Dutchman is unlikely to get the squad anywhere near where he wants it for a couple more transfer windows.
The Dutch boss is attempting to change everything within the club. He has to change things slowly and surely, as he is not able to make quick changes, despite seven new arrivals in the summer. Very few of those players have made a positive impact on the team.
The Toffees are currently seventh in the table, so the Merseysider’s are not in a poor state. Most Evertonian’s understand that the team are in a transitional period.
However, everybody connected with the club will be looking for Koeman’s side to improve in the second half of the campaign. There have been both negatives and positives to take from the season so far, but the Toffees fans will be hoping for a brighter future under their highly rated Dutch boss.