Everton is gearing up for a pivotal summer transfer window as the club prepares for its new chapter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. After securing a mid-table 13th place finish in the 2024-25 Premier League season, the Toffees are focused on strengthening their squad following a significant turnover of players and the return of manager David Moyes in January 2025. Moyes, who helped stabilize the team after Sean Dyche's departure, now faces the challenge of rebuilding a competitive squad ready to improve on last season's performances.
One of the key storylines this summer is the potential return of Leeds United winger Jack Harrison to Everton. Harrison, 28, spent the last two seasons on loan at Everton and is not part of Leeds’ squad returning to training as of early July 2025. Reports from The Telegraph suggest that Harrison could rejoin Everton within the next few weeks, a move that would bolster Everton’s right-wing options. Despite a modest goal return last season—one goal and one assist in 38 appearances across all competitions—Moyes has praised Harrison’s speed and crossing ability, calling him a “threat with his speed and his crossing” in March 2025. Harrison’s work rate is notable; he averaged 3.26 progressive carries per 90 minutes in the 2024-25 season, an improvement from 2.64 the previous year, putting him in the same league as players like Jarrod Bowen, Morgan Rogers, and Cole Palmer. With 170 Premier League appearances over the past five seasons, Harrison brings valuable experience to a squad that desperately needs it. Leeds United may prefer to sell him permanently after his loan spells, with the transfer fee expected to be below £7 million, a bargain compared to the £11 million they paid in 2021.
Everton’s squad overhaul is significant. Several long-serving players have left the club following contract expirations, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Michael Keane, Abdoulaye Doucoure, John Virginia, Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic, Billy Crellin, and Mason Holgate. Additionally, Neal Maupay was sold to Marseille for £3.4 million. Loan players such as Jesper Lindstrom, Orel Mangala, and Armando Broja have also departed. So far, Everton’s only confirmed signing is Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo for £12.6 million, reflecting a cautious start to the transfer window. The club’s total summer spending stands at £12.6 million, with income of £3.4 million, resulting in a net loss of £9.2 million. However, more activity is expected in the coming weeks as Moyes and director Angus Kinnear work to fill the gaps in the squad.
One of the urgent needs for Everton is creativity and depth on the wings, especially after losing Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom. Moyes has been vocal about the necessity of signing a new winger to provide both pace and attacking options. Football Transfers has highlighted Lille attacker Edon Zhegrova as a prime target for Everton. The 26-year-old Kosovo international has attracted interest from several clubs, including Newcastle United, Juventus, and Atalanta. Despite an injury-hit season, Zhegrova managed five goal contributions in just 12 Ligue 1 appearances, earning praise from Lille manager Bruno Genesio, who described him as “brilliant.” Lille’s president Olivier Letang has confirmed that Zhegrova desires a new challenge and is open to leaving the club, stating, “Edon has expressed his wish to leave. It doesn’t seem appropriate to me to keep him with a year left on his contract in the current economic context of French football. We’re anticipating [his exit].” This openness could facilitate Everton’s pursuit of the winger, who could provide the much-needed spark alongside new signing Thierno Barry, who is close to joining the club to boost attacking options.
Everton’s interest in Jack Grealish has also been reported, but the Manchester City winger is believed to be leaning towards clubs offering Champions League football, making a move to Merseyside less likely. This uncertainty means Kinnear and Moyes must explore alternative options to ensure the squad is competitive and balanced for the challenges ahead.
The transition to Hill Dickinson Stadium marks a new era for Everton, and the club’s leadership is keen to avoid another relegation battle. Moyes’ return in January provided stability, but the squad overhaul means the 2025-26 campaign will be a test of recruitment and integration. The blend of experienced players like Jack Harrison and promising new signings such as Carlos Alcaraz and Thierno Barry could be the foundation for a more consistent and exciting Everton side.
As the transfer window unfolds, Everton supporters will be watching closely to see how the club addresses its needs, particularly on the wings and in attack. The combination of returning loanees, targeted signings, and strategic departures reflects a club determined to build a squad capable of competing comfortably in the Premier League and beyond. With Moyes at the helm and Kinnear managing recruitment, Everton’s summer activity promises to be a defining moment for their future success.
