Chris Beesley

David Moyes says Everton will need to rebuild gradually rather than compete through hundreds of millions in spending, contrasting the club's approximately £62.5 million summer outlay with Tottenham Hotspur's investment of more than £300 million. The Friedkin Group has indicated that progress will take time, and Moyes wants to recruit value-for-money players while drawing on experience, desire and internal development. He believes Everton's previous season was broadly successful despite falling short of their objectives, and identifies improved game control and, above all, more goals from wide and forward players as the team's main priorities.

Roger Bennett, the Liverpool-born founder and CEO of Men in Blazers, describes his lifelong emotional connection with Everton, beginning with his first visit to Goodison Park in 1978 and continuing through generations of family support. He praises the club’s loyal fans, local identity and ability to find joy during difficult periods, while expressing hope that the new Hill Dickinson Stadium will usher in a successful era without sacrificing Everton’s traditions. Bennett also discusses the wider uncertainty surrounding Premier League recruitment ahead of the new season, financial constraints affecting clubs and his enduring wish to see Everton win a trophy again.

Tony Cottee says Everton supporters are frustrated by the club's 31-year wait for a major trophy and the collapse that saw them finish 13th last season, but believes they will give David Moyes time provided the new campaign does not begin disastrously. Cottee argues that Moyes must strengthen key positions, turn Hill Dickinson Stadium into a fortress and deliver European qualification or a cup run to satisfy fans.

Everton Under-21s lost 6-3 to Stockport County in their opening EFL Trophy match after falling 3-0 behind at half-time. They fought back to level the game, with Braiden Graham scoring twice and assisting Joel Catesby, but late errors allowed Stockport to regain control. Head of academy player development David Hughes praised the players’ character while stressing the need to improve their start, defensive compactness and ability to compete physically against experienced lower-league opposition.

Stockport County defeated Everton Under-21s 6–3 at Edgeley Park in the EFL Trophy after Everton came back from 3–0 down to briefly level the match. Malik Mothersille scored a hat-trick for Stockport, while Braiden Graham produced a goal, an assist and a penalty before adding a curling equalizer, earning a 9/10 rating. Joel Catesby and Melvin Matos also played key roles in Everton's revival, but Stockport responded with three late goals to secure a comfortable victory.

Everton midfielder Christian Norgaard says he has a small injury but expects to make his debut soon after joining from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee understood to be £7 million. Speaking at a Men in Blazers event, he praised Everton's supporters, culture and manager, and explained that he joined to return to regular football. Norgaard also believes his experience with Brentford can improve Everton's set pieces, arguing that the squad's height and physical size could make the club one of the league's best in that area.

Michael Ball argues that Everton must be prepared for a late transfer bid for Iliman Ndiaye, whose technical ability, movement and defensive contribution would be extremely difficult to replace. Ndiaye has returned from pre-season in strong form but needs to improve his goals and assists. Everton’s unresolved need for a right-back remains a major concern, while new arrivals Hayden Hackney and Christian Norgaard are praised for addressing weaknesses in midfield and defensive protection. The club is also urged to avoid repeating past recruitment failures after selling key players such as Romelu Lukaku without securing adequate replacements.

Former Chelsea and Everton player Pat Nevin has backed Liam Delap to join Everton, arguing that the striker’s work rate, physicality and need to be a focal point make him a strong fit for David Moyes. Delap, who scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich in 2024/25, joined Chelsea instead but could now leave as the club reshapes its squad, with a reported £40 million asking price or a possible loan. Nevin also discussed Everton’s need for a right-back, suggesting injured Celtic defender Alistair Johnston could be a good option while praising Seamus Coleman and questioning Nathan Patterson’s lack of opportunities.

Everton’s expected lineup for their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace is complicated by the club’s failure to sign a right-back and Christian Norgaard’s continued absence. Merlin Rohl is the leading right-back candidate, although Jake O’Brien could fill the position if he cannot displace James Tarkowski or Jarrad Branthwaite at centre-back. Jordan Pickford is set to return in goal, while injuries to James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam create an opportunity for Harrison Armstrong and Hayden Hackney in midfield. Iliman Ndiaye is favored on the wing, and Thierno Barry is likely to start ahead of Beto after a stronger pre-season.

Christopher Beesley argues that Iliman Ndiaye’s influential performances in Everton’s final pre-season friendlies have vindicated the club’s decision to resist transfer interest. Ndiaye has returned to form after a difficult end to last season, while Everton’s other wide options—including Tyrique George, Tyler Dibling and new signing Brennan Johnson—have also impressed. The improved depth could persuade Everton to direct funds toward an essential new right-back rather than pursue Jack Grealish. The article also notes Ndiaye’s reported interest in Champions League football, previous speculation about Al Hilal, and Everton’s greater financial confidence under The Friedkin Group.

Everton drew 1-1 with Lille in their final pre-season friendly after Iliman Ndiaye converted a first-half penalty. Everton created the better chances and received strong performances from Ndiaye, Tyler Dibling, Hayden Hackney and Merlin Rohl, while Brennan Johnson impressed after coming on. Harrison Armstrong missed a clear opportunity to extend the lead, and Hakon Haraldsson equalised for Lille with virtually the final kick. Despite the disappointing result, Everton ended pre-season with encouraging signs ahead of their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.

Everton drew 1-1 with Lille in their final pre-season friendly at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Iliman Ndiaye opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was fouled, while Everton missed several chances to extend their lead, including a clear opportunity for Harrison Armstrong and multiple openings for Brennan Johnson. Lille equalised through Hakon Haraldsson in stoppage time after Everton made seven second-half substitutions. Ndiaye was the standout performer, while Tyler Dibling, Jarrad Branthwaite and several other players also received positive assessments.

Everton will introduce a range of improvements at Hill Dickinson Stadium for the 2026/27 season following operational reviews and supporter feedback. Changes include reducing pre-match road closures, trialling £4.50 beers with donations to the 1878s, upgrading Club View, expanding food and drink options, improving signage and extending post-match opening. The Grade II-listed Hydraulic Tower is also planned to become a premium matchday and events venue, subject to approval. Accessibility measures include more Blue Badge parking, improved ticketing, low-level shelving, cup holders, accessibility tags, an Access Passport and safer routes for disabled supporters. Further Everton-themed branding and stadium improvements are planned throughout the season.

Everton reporters Joe Thomas and Christopher Beesley answer reader questions about Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Grealish, David Moyes and Daniel Muñoz. Ndiaye currently appears likely to stay at Everton despite interest from Al-Hilal, Arsenal and potentially Manchester United, although unresolved contract discussions could leave the door open to a major bid. Grealish is considered an obvious quality upgrade if he can regain fitness, but his return could restrict the development of younger players. Moyes’s lack of communication throughout pre-season is described as unusual and has deprived supporters of the club’s perspective. Muñoz is strongly endorsed as an experienced right-back who could immediately address Everton’s longstanding weakness, while responsibility for failing to recruit in that position would be shared by Moyes and the club’s recruitment structure. If no signing is made, Adam Aznou should receive a genuine chance to challenge Vitalii Mykolenko.

Everton's 3-1 pre-season win over Newcastle United strengthened the case for Thierno Barry to start against Crystal Palace after he scored his third goal of the summer. Tyrique George also impressed with a composed finish, while Harrison Armstrong provided two assists. Iliman Ndiaye has returned from his extended post-World Cup break and is reportedly not pursuing interest from Al-Hilal, although Everton face a major dilemma because he has previously expressed ambitions to play Champions League football. Mark Travers has performed well while Jordan Pickford remains unavailable, but Pickford is expected to reclaim his place as soon as he returns.

Everton defeated Newcastle United 3-1 in a pre-season friendly at Murrayfield. Thierno Barry opened the scoring after a strong run, Iliman Ndiaye converted a penalty, and Tyrique George added a spectacular third after two assists from Harrison Armstrong. Harvey Barnes scored a late consolation for Newcastle, while Armstrong, George and Barry each received a 9/10 rating for their performances.

Everton are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona right-back Hector Fort, with Fulham also pursuing a permanent deal and Liverpool and Inter Milan monitoring him. The need for a specialist right-back has been highlighted after Jake O’Brien was forced into the position during Everton’s defeat to Stuttgart. Fort, who spent last season on loan at Elche, has made 30 senior appearances for Barcelona and recorded strong attacking and long-passing numbers in statistical comparisons, but weaker defensive, physical and passing-volume figures. The article concludes that Everton should consider a loan or trial before committing to a permanent transfer, given the mixed record of previous Barcelona recruits such as Deulofeu, Digne, Mina and Gomes.

Everton and Crystal Palace are progressing talks over a possible straight swap involving Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson. Comparisonator data from last season gives McNeil the higher overall performance score, with advantages in offensive output, defensive actions and duels, while Johnson leads in passing, crossing and speed. McNeil has 12 months remaining on his Everton contract, whereas Johnson has struggled since joining Palace, failing to score in 26 appearances. The deal could benefit Everton if no additional fee is required, but both players' recent form and contractual situations make it a calculated gamble.

Everton lost 3-1 to Stuttgart in their toughest pre-season test in Germany. Stuttgart led through Nartey and Hendriks, while Everton created several first-half chances but failed to convert them. Thierno Barry pulled one back from the penalty spot after being fouled by goalkeeper Bredlow, but Badredine Bouanani added a late third after an Everton error. The coverage identified Everton's vulnerability defending set pieces, problems at full-back and missed opportunities in attack, while goalkeeper Mark Travers made several important saves.

Preston North End defeated Huddersfield Town 4–3 on penalties in a dramatic Carabao Cup first-round match at Goodison Park, marking the return of senior men’s football to Everton’s former home. Preston played most of the match with 10 men after former Everton defender Lewis Gibson was sent off in the 21st minute, and Huddersfield led until Jusef Erabi equalised in the 93rd minute. The match also highlighted Goodison Park’s long history of hosting major football fixtures beyond Everton games.

Former Premier League manager Tony Pulis says Christian Norgaard should prove a valuable addition for David Moyes at Everton. Pulis argues that supporters must be patient because Everton face financial constraints and cannot immediately match the spending of clubs such as Liverpool and Chelsea. Moyes previously guided Everton to safety and several top-eight finishes, but the team’s recent failure to win its final seven league matches resulted in another 13th-place finish and no European qualification.

Everton remain determined not to sell Iliman Ndiaye despite reported interest from Saudi club Al Hilal and speculation following his reluctance to sign a new contract. Former Everton FA Cup winner Anders Limpar says offers of £60–70 million would not be sufficient because Ndiaye could help Everton qualify for Europe and win domestic trophies, while replacing him would be costly. Ndiaye’s father says the player does not want to prioritize money or risk a decline in level by moving to Saudi Arabia, and Limpar argues that players should consider such a move only later in their careers.

Everton are reportedly interested in Chelsea striker Liam Delap, but Chelsea would demand around £40 million, which would make him the club's most expensive striker. Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has suggested AZ Alkmaar forward Troy Parrott as a cheaper or more suitable alternative, highlighting the Republic of Ireland international's 37 goals for club and country last season and his technical style. Given believes Parrott is ready to return to the Premier League and could fit the team David Moyes is developing at Everton.

Iliman Ndiaye has returned to Everton training after Senegal’s World Cup exit amid reported interest from Al Hilal. His father denied that the winger had agreed to move to Saudi Arabia, saying Ndiaye does not intend to leave and values his career development over money. Everton maintain that Ndiaye is not for sale, while manager David Moyes has argued that selling key players makes it increasingly difficult to build competitive teams. Former Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye endorsed the club’s stance by replying “Here to stay” to a post showing Ndiaye back with his teammates.

Iliman Ndiaye has rejoined Everton’s pre-season training camp in Germany after Senegal’s World Cup elimination. Despite reported interest from Al Hilal and claims that he had agreed terms with the Saudi club, Ndiaye’s father says the winger does not intend to leave, while Everton continues to insist he is not for sale. Meanwhile, Christian Norgaard is travelling for a medical ahead of his expected £7 million move from Arsenal.

Everton are reshaping their squad after finishing 13th for a second consecutive season and a late-season collapse. Christopher Beesley rates the departures of Seamus Coleman and Idrissa Gueye, alongside the arrivals of Hayden Hackney, Merlin Röhl and Tyrique George. Hackney receives the highest rating for an £16.5 million move viewed as astute, while George is praised as a cost-effective permanent signing from Chelsea. Everton’s recruitment is broadly assessed positively, though David Moyes still needs additional options to push the club toward the Premier League’s top 10.

Everton have reportedly been linked with a £35 million move for Galatasaray and Turkey winger Baris Alper Yilmaz. The 26-year-old has scored 26 goals across the last two seasons and has earned 38 Turkey caps, including appearances at the World Cup. Statistical analysis portrays him as a fast, dynamic wide attacker who excels in assists, dribbling, crossing, defensive actions and one-on-one duels, with Cody Gakpo identified as his closest Premier League comparison. However, the substantial fee and step up from the Turkish Super Lig could make the transfer risky, while Everton's decision may depend on the futures of Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish.

Everton’s 2-1 pre-season victory over Hamburg offered encouraging signs for Merlin Rohl, who scored and impressed with his energy after benefiting from a full pre-season. New midfielders Hayden Hackney and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also showed promise as Everton adjust to Idrissa Gueye’s departure and James Garner’s injury. Thierno Barry worked harder and assisted Rohl but still faces doubts after an inconsistent campaign. Teenager Braiden Graham made the decisive late impact when his cross led to Jordan Torunarigha’s own goal, strengthening his case for a first-team breakthrough while a loan move remains the more likely route to regular senior football.

Everton’s failure to qualify for European competition remains painful after a late-season collapse, but supporters will have the consolation of two pre-season trips to Germany. Christopher Beesley recalls memorable Everton away days, highlights the club’s welcoming global fan community and argues that the long-suffering fanbase deserves competitive European football soon. The column also pays tribute to Franco Baresi, praising the AC Milan and Italy legend’s defensive intelligence, loyalty and achievements, and promotes discounted junior tours of Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Former Everton striker Victor Anichebe is reportedly leading advanced discussions to buy League One newcomers Bromley. The south London club, which won the League Two title after two promotions in three seasons, is seeking new owners and investors as its value and profile rise. Anichebe’s Premier League experience, business background through the Lumira Group and apparent involvement in Bromley’s recruitment have strengthened his position as a prospective owner, although the takeover has not yet been completed.

Everton would reportedly need to pay around £40 million to sign Liam Delap permanently from Chelsea, a fee that would make him the club’s most expensive centre-forward. Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United are also leading the pursuit, while Leeds United are monitoring the situation despite financial constraints. Chelsea are reluctant to sell Delap after only one season, even though he scored once in 28 Premier League appearances and twice in all competitions last season. Delap previously scored 12 Premier League goals for relegated Ipswich Town and chose Chelsea over Everton in 2025, partly because of the prospect of Champions League football and working with Enzo Maresca.

Tyler Dibling has a limited pre-season window to demonstrate why Everton paid £35 million for him after an underwhelming first season and only one minute of league action after the winter window. With Iliman Ndiaye absent, Dibling has started against Dundee and Stoke, producing one strong performance and one poor showing. His situation is compared with Per Kroldrup, a £5 million David Moyes signing whose lack of physical adaptation led to just 147 minutes for Everton before his return to Italy. Leon Osman argues that Kroldrup might have adapted better in the modern Premier League, while contrasting his failure with Moyes’s successful acquisitions of Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka.

Eddie Howe left Newcastle United after admitting that he no longer controlled the club’s transfer decisions, following a 4–1 pre-season defeat by Bristol City. His departure has heightened interest at Everton, where David Moyes has repeatedly insisted that he has the final say on player recruitment, while accepting budget limits and collaboration with the club’s football department. Everton abandoned its director of football model last summer, and Moyes argues that anyone involved in signing players must share responsibility for the outcomes.

Andre Gomes, who turns 33, is remembered for his four-year Everton career, during which he made 114 appearances and scored four goals after joining from Barcelona for £22 million. Although his form was affected by a serious ankle injury suffered in 2019, Gomes earned lasting affection from supporters through his conduct on and off the pitch, including community work. His emotional farewell in June 2024 thanked Evertonians for their support of him and his family, describing the club and its fans as family and promising that Everton would always remain in his heart. Gomes now plays for Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer.

Everton's £16.5 million signing Hayden Hackney made his debut in a 1-0 pre-season defeat to Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium. The former Middlesbrough midfielder said he is targeting double figures for combined goals and assists in his first Premier League season and believes he can establish himself immediately. Hackney credited David Moyes's record of developing Championship players, praised Everton's supporters and teammates, and said his 45-minute appearance was a planned precaution after limited match action since March.

Jordan Pickford’s former PE teacher recounts the goalkeeper’s schoolboy days as a talented but fiery midfielder and describes his development into a mature, record‑breaking England international poised for a World Cup semi‑final. The story highlights key moments in his growth, his strong ties to Sunderland, and the stability he has found at Everton.

Everton are monitoring Jacob Murphy but have not progressed toward a deal as Newcastle United continue to offload members of their 2025 Carabao Cup–winning squad to address financial constraints. Murphy, entering the final year of his contract, is being considered for sale after nine years at the club. Everton admire the winger but currently have no active negotiations, with right‑sided options already including Tyler Dibling and Iliman Ndiaye, whose contract talks have stalled. Newcastle’s broader shift includes selling several key players amid interest from Arsenal in captain Bruno Guimaraes.

Everton are exploring a deal to bring Jack Grealish back after his successful loan spell was cut short by a stress fracture. Despite Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca potentially offering him a fresh chance, City are prepared to sell while Everton prefer another loan. Richard Dunne believes Grealish remains a unique and influential player whose impact before injury showed his value, noting the strong connection he formed with the club and supporters.

Former Everton striker Louis Saha praises the signing of midfielder Hayden Hackney as a strong addition while urging the club to prioritise recruiting an experienced striker who offers more variety than current options Beto and Thierno Barry. The article outlines Hackney’s background and the club’s recent transfer activity while highlighting squad needs identified ahead of the new season.

Everton evaluate Pape Gueye and Mandela Keita as potential replacements for out‑of‑contract midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye, with data analysis highlighting both players’ strong defensive output and differing midfield profiles. Statistical comparisons show Pape Gueye as a versatile box‑to‑box option and Keita as a high‑intensity disruptor with notable speed and ball retention. Both outperform current Premier League leaders in successful defensive actions, supporting their suitability should Everton proceed with a signing.

Jordan Pickford highlighted England’s resilience and Jude Bellingham’s elite mentality after a 2-1 extra‑time win over Norway sent the team to the World Cup semi‑finals. Pickford set national appearance records while Bellingham scored both goals, including the extra‑time winner. A disallowed Norwegian goal and challenging conditions shaped the match, with manager Thomas Tuchel calling the performance sloppy but crediting the team’s mentality for progressing to face Argentina.

Gary Lineker recalled Barcelona approaching him during the 1986 World Cup despite his request to avoid transfer distractions, eventually agreeing only after telling the club to wait until the tournament ended. He also attributed Everton's failure to win the league that season to the disappearance of his preferred boots before a key match, leading to a costly defeat. After they were repaired by Adidas, he used them to win the Golden Boot in Mexico, and the preserved boots now reside in Adidas’s museum.

England assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth praises Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium as the rugby team prepares to face Fiji in a rare match outside Twickenham. Emphasizing the venue’s design and atmosphere, he highlights northern pride within the squad and the opportunity to showcase rugby to a new audience. Wigglesworth also supports community rugby initiatives involving local schoolchildren ahead of the event.

Richard Dunne argues that Jordan Pickford remains unfairly criticised despite consistently strong performances for England and Everton, noting his role in England’s World Cup win over Mexico and his record-tying 17 World Cup appearances. He highlights Pickford’s long-term status as England’s undisputed number one as evidence of his quality and questions why no other English goalkeeper has surpassed him over nearly a decade. Dunne believes Pickford’s display in the Azteca Stadium should earn him greater respect.

Alan Smith praised Jordan Pickford’s commanding performance in England’s World Cup win over Mexico and suggested David Moyes will want similar dominance for Everton next season. Pickford’s strong aerial interventions helped England secure a quarter-final tie with Norway despite being reduced to ten men. Discussion also focused on Everton understudy Mark Travers, who is being linked with Coventry City, with Smith believing the goalkeeper has the quality and experience to secure regular starts.

Richard Dunne urges Everton to move Jake O'Brien into a central defensive role, arguing that his physical qualities and previous strong performances make him suited to the position. He believes pairing O'Brien with Jarrad Branthwaite could form a long-term partnership, especially as current senior centre-backs age. Dunne highlights both players' potential and suggests the shift would benefit Everton’s future defensive stability.

David Moyes insists Everton have no interest in selling Iliman Ndiaye despite major clubs monitoring the forward, whose representatives have rejected several contract offers. Ndiaye’s desire to play Champions League football and strong World Cup performances have increased speculation, though his long-term contract gives Everton leverage. Former Everton defender Richard Dunne believes the club faces a dilemma, noting that retaining Ndiaye may depend on achieving European qualification, while a sizeable transfer fee could also help the team rebuild effectively.

Everton’s recent £52.5m in signings leaves right-back as the club’s top transfer priority, with reporters emphasising the long-standing need for reinforcements following Seamus Coleman’s departure and Nathan Patterson’s uncertain future. Additional improvements at left-back and defensive midfield are noted, but securing a specialist right-back is viewed as essential to shaping the squad for the coming season.

Wayne Rooney condemned FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red‑card ban for a year, arguing it undermines the integrity of the World Cup and benefits host‑nation USA. Rooney and fellow BBC pundits criticised the lack of justification and described the move as a farce, especially amid reports that Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The Royal Belgian Football Association also expressed astonishment as the ruling allows Balogun to face Belgium in the last 16.

Gary Lineker recalled being approached by Barcelona during the 1986 World Cup while scoring six goals to win the Golden Boot, explaining how transfer talks resumed after his scoring surge. He also attributed Everton’s failure to win the 1986 league title to his missing “lucky boots” before a key match, noting that once repaired by Adidas they carried him through the World Cup and are now kept in the Adidas museum.