Everton's players will begin the return to the club's training ground today, with the first senior players expected at Finch Farm to undergo testing following their summer break. This marks the start of the countdown to Everton's season opener on Saturday, August 22, when they play Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Almost seven weeks after the defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of last season, work begins to build towards a new campaign in which the Blues will seek to make progress. A disappointing end saw the 2025-26 season conclude with six winless games, a run that cost the club a place in Europe and cast a shadow over the start of the summer.
Three Signings Secured for David Moyes
Work to improve has been ongoing even while the players have been away, with three signings secured for manager David Moyes. Two of them are familiar faces. No farewells were needed for Merlin Rohl after the Blues' survival ensured his loan move from Freiburg was made permanent. He has now joined on a three-year deal.
Tyrique George was a stunning Antonin Kinsky save away from an equaliser at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and his loan move from Chelsea has been followed up with a permanent transfer that was signed off this week. Hayden Hackney has also arrived from Middlesbrough to bolster Moyes' midfield.
More Transfers Expected
More signings are expected, with a new right-back the highest priority, while outgoings are also likely. Everton's players will start their pre-season with a friendly at Dundee FC on July 18. Their schedule will then take them to Bolton Wanderers, Stoke City, Hamburg, and VfB Stuttgart before a game against Newcastle United at Murrayfield in Edinburgh and a home clash with Lille.
