Everton do not need to sell this summer, but manager David Moyes is working under the belief that any money generated from player sales will help strengthen his squad for next season. The Blues will enter the transfer window after operating with a small squad last year, relying heavily on a trusted core. As a result, the club may be open to offers for players who struggled for minutes, aiming to improve the first XI and raise overall quality.
Nathan Patterson
One player likely to leave is Nathan Patterson. The full-back performed solidly in wins against Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa earlier this year but has not started since mid-January, despite right-back being a problem area. Signed from Rangers in January 2022 as a hot prospect and successor to Seamus Coleman, Patterson's Everton career has been plagued by injuries. Both Sean Dyche and Moyes have used out-of-position players at right-back even when Patterson was fit. Moyes has openly sought a new right-back this summer.
The 24-year-old came close to loan moves to Sevilla and Genoa and hopes a good World Cup with Scotland will boost his chances of regular football. Reports link him with Sheffield United, and the ECHO understands interest has been registered by top-flight clubs in several leagues.
Dwight McNeil
Dwight McNeil's future is also uncertain. Integral under Dyche, he was barely used by Moyes for 13 months, leading to a deadline-day loan move to Crystal Palace in January with an obligation to buy for around £20m. The deal collapsed late, drawing criticism from McNeil's partner. Afterwards, McNeil returned to the side, coinciding with an upturn in form including wins over Newcastle, Burnley, and Chelsea. He lost his spot as the season ended disappointingly, and with the club willing to listen to offers in January, a move may be his best chance for minutes.
Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz was a bit-part player for most of the campaign despite proving a match-winner during his loan spell against Palace, Fulham, and Newcastle. His permanent transfer had peculiar contract terms (two years with a club option of a third), and his chances diminished when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall arrived. After a year of limited opportunity, his role is in doubt.
Tim Iroegbunam
Tim Iroegbunam had a positive campaign, becoming Moyes' go-to player as Idrissa Gueye missed the final games. He struggled early against Newcastle but finished strong, earning man-of-the-match against Manchester City. However, Everton are well-stocked in central midfield, and with the club pursuing Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney, questions remain over Iroegbunam's future. The Blues rejected Lazio's interest in January, but growing attention could spark a conversation. Premier League new boys Ipswich Town have monitored his situation for weeks.
Iliman Ndiaye
Iliman Ndiaye could be the biggest story of the summer. The winger excelled in the first half of last season and at the Africa Cup of Nations, and is set for a key role with Senegal at the World Cup. Moyes does not want to sell, and with a contract until 2029, Everton are under no obligation. However, Manchester United are reportedly interested, and a serious bid could yield a huge profit on the £15m paid to Marseille. That would boost Moyes' transfer funds, though the club is reluctant to let him go.
