Everton return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon when they face Hull City at the MKM Stadium. David Moyes's side have not played competitively since beating Ipswich Town at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, September 19.
The Blues put their unbeaten run on the line against Sergej Jakirovic's newly promoted team. Although Everton have not played in the Premier League for nearly a month, plenty has been happening off the pitch.
Jake Doughty completes Aston Villa move
Jake Doughty has completed his move from Everton to Aston Villa, after it emerged in August that the Premier League rivals were closing in on the 16-year-old's signature. Because Doughty has not signed a professional contract, Everton will only receive youth development compensation rather than a transfer fee.
Doughty will link up with Villa's Under-18s squad. Villa academy manager Mark Harrison said: "We are delighted that Jake has joined us from Everton. He is a wide attacking player with excellent technical qualities and an ability to create and score goals. Jake played a number of times for Everton U18s and represented England at U16 level. We look forward to seeing how Jake develops over the next few years."
Hayden Hackney's emotional return
Everton players not on international duty were given time off during the recent break. Hayden Hackney used the break to make an emotional return to the Riverside for Middlesbrough's Legacy Game.
The midfielder departed his boyhood club for Everton during the summer. He received a huge ovation when introduced among other non-playing former stars at half-time of the event celebrating 150 years of Boro's history on Sunday. Boro fans chanted 'T-T-Teessider' at Hackney before, with tears in his eyes, he told Teesside Live: "It was unreal. It makes me feel a bit emotional, to be honest. It's a full house, I'm here watching the legends who I grew up watching from the stands myself. It means everything to be back. Obviously last season didn't end up the way we wanted it to, so to be able to come back today means everything."
He added: "I know, looking back, to be able to play at the Riverside every weekend, it's something that makes me feel really proud. It's special. This club's meant everything to me since I was a young boy." On his time at Everton so far, the 24-year-old said: "It's going really well. I'm really enjoying it and I've settled in well, I think. Hopefully I can gradually get myself into the team and yeah, I'm just really enjoying it."
Academy staff moves confirmed
Everton's academy underwent an overhaul during the summer, with several staff arriving and leaving. Keith Southern, who had served as U18s manager from January 2025 until his departure, has now been appointed U21 lead coach at Fleetwood Town, with a focus on developing players and supporting their transition towards first-team football.
Also joining the League Two club is former Blues academy coach Alan Moogan, who takes up the role of head of coach development. Former Everton youth teamer Spencer Myers has moved into the role of youth development phase lead, having previously led the club's foundation phase. Another long-standing Blues academy coach, James Olsen, has moved to Bolton Wanderers to work with their teams between U13 and U15 level.
Injury blow for Everton Women
Ruby Mace netted twice as Everton Women beat winless Birmingham City 2-1 at Goodison Park in the Women's Super League on Sunday. But the victory has come at a cost for Scott Phelan's side, as it has been confirmed that Zara Kramzar sustained an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury during the win.
The Slovenia international was forced off in the 31st minute of the game and a scan confirmed the extent of her injury. Everton have confirmed that the 20-year-old will now undergo rehabilitation under the care of the club's medical team.
