Ex-Everton scout swipes at two summer signings for being nowhere near the level of their 'best player'

Former Everton scout Bryan King criticises the club's summer recruitment, arguing signings Tyrique George and Brennan Johnson cannot replace Iliman Ndiaye, who was sold to Manchester City for £65m.

Former senior Everton scout Bryan King has criticised the club's summer transfer strategy, claiming their failure to properly replace Iliman Ndiaye has contributed to their recent struggles. Ndiaye was sold to Manchester City for £65m on deadline day, with Jack Grealish arriving in a swap deal. King told Football Insider that neither Grealish nor Chelsea loanee Tyrique George can replicate what Ndiaye offered, and that Everton's attacking problems — they have scored just eight goals in eight Premier League games — stem directly from losing their best player without adequate replacement.

King drew a comparison to Arsenal, suggesting the Gunners would struggle significantly if they sold Martin Odegaard. He predicted Everton will finish between 8th and 14th place this season. Manager David Moyes acknowledged Arsenal's squad strength after Saturday's 2-0 defeat but noted his side played better in a similar fixture last season.