Everton's summer transfer window is set to be pivotal, with decisions required on numerous outfield players. The club returns to pre-season training in early July, ahead of a friendly at Dundee on July 11, but currently has no new signings. Negotiations continue with Middlesbrough for Championship Player of the Season Hayden Hackney. The Premier League season starts August 22 against Crystal Palace, and the transfer window closes September 3.
Goalkeepers
The goalkeeping department is stable. Jordan Pickford remains undisputed No.1, with Mark Travers as backup and Tom King third-choice. Both Travers and King should be retained unless they seek first-team football elsewhere. Pickford committed his future with a new long-term contract in October.
Defenders
Centre-back appears settled after James Tarkowski and Michael Keane signed new deals. Jarrad Branthwaite is a key starter when fit, but injuries have limited his appearances. He is expected to return for pre-season. Jake O’Brien has performed well at right-back since David Moyes' return in January 2025, but the club needs a specialist right-back. Seamus Coleman has retired, and selling Nathan Patterson, who played every World Cup match for Scotland, is likely. Another left-back may be required; Vitalii Mykolenko signed a new contract, but Adam Aznou should go on loan for development.
Midfielders
James Garner (Player of the Season) and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are definite keeps. Merlin Rohl's permanent move from an £18m clause has been triggered. Idrissa Gueye's contract expires this week; no progress is expected until Senegal's World Cup exit. Pursuit of Hackney and links to Pape Gueye and Mandela Keita suggest change. Tim Iroegbunam impressed late season, particularly in a 3-3 draw with Manchester City, and could be sold for £20m amid interest from Hull City and Ipswich Town. Carlos Alcaraz, with one year left, may be sold to raise funds. Harrison Armstrong, 19, could benefit from a loan at a top Championship club or abroad.
Wingers
Current wide options are Tyler Dibling and Dwight McNeil, as Jack Grealish and Tyrique George returned to parent clubs, and Iliman Ndiaye is at the World Cup. Strengthening wide positions is a priority alongside right-back. Everton should keep Grealish if a new deal with Manchester City is possible, but George's £25m purchase option was not triggered. McNeil, with one year left, was set for a loan-to-buy £20m move to Crystal Palace in January that collapsed; selling him makes sense but may be necessary due to lack of depth. Ndiaye, with three years left, has reportedly turned down a new deal and aims for Champions League football; a huge offer could force a decision.
Strikers
Beto scored nine Premier League goals and Thierno Barry eight last season, but neither secured the centre-forward role. Beto has one year left and could be sold. Barry is attracting interest from RB Leipzig; the club's football leadership group will decide on any bid. Moyes wants two striker options, so if one is sold, a new signing is needed.
