Everton manager Sean Dyche has now said that he knew how challenging the job would be when he arrived at Goodison Park.
Indeed, the Toffees’ boss has stated he was ‘under no illusions’ that money would be limited, and players would be sold.
Dyche was appointed as Everton manager last January following the £45m sale of Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United as the Blues sought to recruit a centre-forward.
However, despite the influx of cash from the Gordon sale, Everton didn’t spend during the winter transfer window and instead recalled striker Ellis Simms from his loan deal at Sunderland.
Speaking after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Sporting CP and reported via the Liverpool Echo, Dyche was asked whether he was frustrated that more signings had not yet been made, replying: “No, I took over the reality, the reality of a club that needs reality.”
He continued: “That is just part of the job, part of the understanding of me coming in. I was under no illusions; I knew we would have to lose players because I knew the market would be tougher than it has been previously because of money, but, equally, the club has to have a proper footing and a real base to work from, and a reality of where it is.”
Sean Dyche understanding current Everton situation is crucial ahead of new season
The Toffees look set to complete the signing of 19-year-old Sporting CP forward Youseff Chermiti, with a medical scheduled according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Portuguese teenager will be Sean Dyche’s first cash signing as Everton boss, following free agent Ashley Young and loan star Arnaut Danjuma.
However, as if to exemplify the need to recruit this summer, when asked if Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be fit to face Fulham on Saturday, Sean Dyche said: “I doubt it.”