David Moyes didn’t mince words after the home collapse against Sunderland, admitting Everton “messed up big time” as European dreams slipped through their fingers. But while the disappointment is still raw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, there’s purpose behind the scenes. The club are reportedly mapping out a two-window strategy – methodical, considered, and aimed squarely at building a squad capable of competing in the top half for years to come.
Here are ten players who could fit the profile.
Liam Delap – Chelsea | Striker
It’s a name that has lingered around since last summer, when Delap chose Stamford Bridge over Everton and Manchester United – only to find himself peripheral at Chelsea. Moyes needs goals, and Delap needs a stage. There’s a deal to be made here if the numbers work.
John Stones — Manchester City | Defender
A decade on from leaving Everton for City, Stones finds himself at a career crossroads. Reports link the 31-year-old with a sentimental return to the club where he made his name – and there’s undeniable appeal to the idea. He brings Premier League pedigree and composure in abundance, but his injury record and likely wage demands are real considerations. A romance signing with a few asterisks attached.
Ben White — Arsenal | Defender
The most complicated entry on the list. White suffered a significant medial knee ligament injury against West Ham, ruling him out for the rest of the season – including the Champions League final. Surgery has apparently been avoided, and Arsenal believe he can be fit for pre-season. His ability to play right-back or centre-back at a high level makes him exactly the kind of versatile operator Moyes prizes. Tick, tick.
Hayden Hackney — Middlesbrough | Midfielder
The Championship’s Player of the Season, and a name Blues fans should know well. The 23-year-old Redcar native has been sensational for Boro – but Middlesbrough’s play-off exit has likely opened the door to a Premier League switch.*
*Written before the world went mad. Southampton have since been thrown out of the play-offs and Boro reinstated – so Hackney could yet be playing Premier League football next season. Football, eh.
Whether that changes his availability remains to be seen. Boro are holding out for around £20 million, and competition is fierce: Leeds, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are all circling.
Harry Wilson — Fulham | Winger
Possibly the most straightforward piece of business Everton could do this summer. Out of contract at Craven Cottage, Wilson has had the best season of his Premier League career – 16 goal involvements, growing maturity, and available on a free. His Merseyside connections (he came through Liverpool’s academy) could be a quiet pull. Villa have reportedly moved to the front of the queue, and United are watching closely. A wages battle looks inevitable.
Ivan Toney — Al-Ahli | Striker
The most eye-catching name on this list — and one that suddenly feels very real. Toney was photographed at Liverpool Lime Street earlier this month, with reports strongly suggesting a meeting with Moyes. A return to English football clearly appeals to him, and Everton could offer exactly the platform and spotlight he’s been missing. If the club can make it work financially, this would be a statement signing.
Tomas Soucek — West Ham | Midfielder
Moyes knows Soucek inside out from his time at West Ham, and Football Insider report that the Everton boss is personally driving interest in the Czech midfielder. With West Ham facing likely relegation, the Hammers will need to raise funds fast – and Soucek is understood to be among those available, potentially at a knockdown price. His reliability, physicality and Premier League experience make him a tempting option for a club that needs proven reinforcements in the engine room. The caveat? At 31, there’s little to no sell-on value – and in the modern game, that matters.
Jarrod Bowen — West Ham | Winger/Forward
Perhaps the most ambitious name on the list – and one with a genuinely compelling back-story. Bowen is the player Moyes arguably knows best, having worked with him extensively during his time at West Ham, and TEAMtalk sources have confirmed that Everton’s interest in the 29-year-old is real. Bowen’s England international quality and positional versatility make him a dream signing, though prying him away from the Hammers is unlikely to come cheap – estimates of £40–50 million have been floated. If West Ham are relegated, however, the equation could change dramatically. Same issue as with Soucek with regards to re-sale value, though.
Maxime Esteve — Burnley | Defender
With Burnley relegated from the Premier League and Scott Parker having departed, Esteve’s future at Turf Moor looks increasingly uncertain. Burnley will demand in the region of £20 million for his signature, and Everton face competition from Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and clubs on the continent.
Abdul Fatawu – Leicester | Winger/Forward
Rounding out the list is Leicester’s dynamic winger. Fatawu’s explosive pace and directness on the flank offer the exact type of chaos-factor Everton’s attacking line has lacked at times this season.
With Leicester relegated to League One, Fatawu will be on the move and Everton hold an interest.
