It’s been an up-and-down season for Everton, who have enjoyed moments of jubilation but plenty of disappointments too. Having been touted as an outsider European qualification following their summer transfer business, the Toffees have spent most of the season looking over their shoulder, instead of up towards the European positions.

It feels like the foundations for Everton to kick on have been laid, but it’s going to take a couple of key decisions to actually get them there. Express Sport have pinpointed the moves that the Everton hierarchy could take to help them get to that next level.

Jack Grealish replacement signed as transfer plans cancelled

It looks as if Jack Grealish’s initial loan at Everton is all but over, given his latest injury could keep him out for the remainder of the season. There had been talk that Everton were considering a permanent move for the Manchester City ace in the summer, but is it really a wise move? Now into his thirties, injuries have plagued Grealish in recent years and it’s hard to imagine that getting much better as the years go on. Perhaps somebody like Jacob Ramsey, whose minutes since joining Newcastle have been limited to say the least, would be a smarter use of those funds.

Cash in on Jarrad Brainthwaite while they can

It’s still early days, but it feels like Jarrad Brainthwaite might be going down as a ‘what could’ve been’ player, such is the defender’s constant injury problems. Having been spoken about as a potential £80million signing for Manchester United just a couple of seasons ago, Brainthwaite’s fitness has proved an issue, with the Englishman having had to wait until January for his first Premier League start of the season. Given his talent, Everton could still command a hefty fee for the 23-year-old, and there’s a genuine case for cashing in, given his value could continue to decrease if the injuries don’t stop.

David Moyes moved on as Everton usher in new gaffer

And finally, it’s time to bid a farewell for good to legendary gaffer David Moyes. He embodies the football club and will be remembered fondly on Merseyside forever, but now is the time for Everton to move on. Moyes came back and steadied the ship, however, things have plateaued at the Hill-Dickinson Stadium and it’s difficult to see how Everton threaten the European positions unless they bring in a new manager.