James Tarkowski sends passionate message after Brazilian’s surprise arrival at Everton’s US base
Everton’s pre-season preparations are firmly underway as David Moyes’ side get ready for their move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Moyes has already made three additions to his new-look Everton squad this summer, with Thierno Barry and Mark Travers arriving after Carlos Alcaraz’s initial loan move from Flamengo was made permanent.
Alcaraz became the first Everton first-team player to score at their new home on 22 July, netting the Toffees’ equaliser in a behind-closed-doors, 2-1 friendly win over Port Vale at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Further additions are in the pipeline as Everton battle with West Ham to seal the signing of Douglas Luiz from Juventus, as James Tarkowski prepares to lead them in three more pre-season friendlies Stateside.
Tarkowski squares off with UFC fighter ahead of Everton clash
Everton‘s three Premier League Summer Series matches in the US will see them take on Bournemouth, West Ham and Manchester United respectively in East Rutherford, Chicago and Atlanta across nine days.
Moyes’ side will then face off against Dan Freidkin-owned Roma on 9 August in their first match in front of a full house at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, before their Premier League battles begin against Leeds.
Tarkowski took time out of Everton’s Thursday training session in New York to pose with UFC Light-heavyweight fighter Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira, who like the Toffees is sponsored by betting firm Stake.
Tarkowski posted on his Instagram story (24 July) alongside the Brazilian mixed martial artist, calling him “Chama” – meaning “flame” in Portuguese.
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Football Insider Verdict
Tarkowski served as Everton’s captain for most of last season in the continued absences of Seamus Coleman, who made just six appearances in all competitions across a campaign hampered by injuries.
Coleman was expected to hang up his boots after Everton’s last match at Goodison Park, but the Toffees captain instead signed a new contract to continue a member of Moyes’ first-team squad next season.
Other players weren’t so lucky with five loanees, Ashley Young, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Mason Holgate and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all departing, and it’s therefore no surprise to see Everton casting their net far and wide in the transfer market.