Everton’s summer transfer window is showing no signs of slowing down as the Toffees aggressively reshape their squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Under the leadership of manager David Moyes, who returned to the club last January, Everton have set their sights on bolstering their attacking options in a bid to put the struggles of past seasons firmly behind them. The club’s recruitment drive has already seen a flurry of new faces arrive at the newly inaugurated Hill Dickinson Stadium, but the latest developments suggest that more firepower could soon be on its way from Spain.
The latest name to emerge on Everton’s radar is Villarreal’s promising 21-year-old centre-forward, Etta Eyong. According to reports from El Chiringuito TV and corroborated by multiple English outlets, Everton made formal contact with Villarreal on August 23, 2025, to discuss a potential deal for the Cameroonian striker. Eyong, who broke into Villarreal’s first team late last season, has quickly built a reputation as a clinical finisher and a rising star in La Liga. His four appearances last campaign included a memorable match-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Girona, a performance that caught the attention of scouts across Europe.
Eyong’s trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. The 2023/24 season saw him light up the reserve league with 19 goals in 30 appearances for Villarreal B, earning him a rapid promotion to the senior squad. He wasted little time making an impact at the top level, scoring on the opening day of the current La Liga season as Villarreal dispatched Real Oviedo 2-0. Data from Sofascore highlighted his all-around contribution, with Eyong winning three duels and completing 80% of his passes in that match. In total, his first-team record now stands at two goals in five appearances—a return that has only intensified Everton’s interest.
Everton’s pursuit of Eyong comes hot on the heels of their successful move for another Villarreal talent, Thierno Barry. The French Under-21 international joined the Toffees last month in a big-money deal worth around £27 million, following a season in which he netted 11 goals in 35 La Liga matches. Barry made his debut off the bench during Everton’s 1-0 defeat to Leeds United in their Premier League opener, and he is expected to play a more prominent role as the season progresses. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin departing for Leeds United earlier this summer, the need for fresh attacking options at Everton has become all the more pressing.
Manager David Moyes has been open about his ambitious plans for the transfer window, telling reporters that he aims to bring in “9-10 new players” before the window slams shut on September 1. The club’s business so far reflects that intent: alongside Barry, Everton have welcomed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Adam Aznou, Mark Travers, Carlos Alcaraz, Tom King, and the high-profile loan signing of Jack Grealish from Manchester City. The imminent arrival of Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, for whom Everton have reportedly agreed a £42 million deal including a sell-on clause, would mark their eighth signing of an already frenetic summer.
Dibling, a versatile 19-year-old winger, made 38 appearances for Southampton last season, scoring four goals and providing three assists. After lengthy negotiations and several rejected bids, Everton finally met Southampton’s valuation, with Dibling set to undergo a medical and sign a long-term contract. His addition is seen as a major coup, further underlining the club’s commitment to building a dynamic, youthful frontline.
But it’s Eyong who could be the missing piece in Moyes’ attacking puzzle. Despite his desire to stay and develop at Villarreal, sources indicate that Eyong would consider a move to the Premier League if his playing time is not guaranteed. Villarreal manager Marcelino has expressed his intention to keep Eyong as a first-team player, and with the striker under contract until 2027, the Spanish club is under no immediate pressure to sell. However, reports suggest that a bid in the region of €5 million could open the door to negotiations, though one English outlet has quoted Villarreal’s valuation as high as €25 million (£21 million).
Eyong’s physical profile and natural goalscoring instincts have drawn comparisons to Barry, and there’s growing optimism among Everton fans that a partnership between the two could transform the club’s fortunes in front of goal. Former Everton forward James Beattie weighed in on the club’s transfer activity, telling Betway, “Knowing David, he would want maybe three or four strikers. I think they’ll probably make a move for somebody else as well, having lost Calvert-Lewin this summer.” Beattie also offered advice to Barry, emphasizing the importance of effort and adaptation to the demands of the Everton faithful: “Barry will get to know pretty quickly what the Everton fans demand, and that will translate into the noise they make. But he’s shown glimpses of what he can do at Villarreal. He’s big, he’s quick, he’s strong, and his movement is very good. He makes sacrificial runs to create space for others—which is impressive.”
The sense of anticipation is building as Everton prepare for their first home game at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, where they will host Brighton & Hove Albion on August 24. The move marks a significant chapter in the club’s history, and Beattie, reflecting on his own experience moving stadiums with Southampton, noted, “It’s a change of environment. I think there’ll be training sessions on the new pitch, and there’ll be pre-season games. But it’ll be about how quickly the players can adapt to it being full. If the Everton fans, which I’m sure they will do, translate the atmosphere that they created at Goodison, then it’s going to be some noise.”
With the transfer window entering its final week, all eyes are on Everton’s next move. Will they be able to tempt Villarreal into parting with Eyong, or will the Spanish club hold firm in their desire to keep one of La Liga’s most exciting young talents? For now, the only certainty is that Everton’s ambition is matched by their willingness to invest, and the club’s supporters can look forward to a new era—one built on hope, fresh faces, and the promise of goals.
As the Toffees gear up for a historic home debut at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the transfer drama continues to unfold. Everton fans, accustomed to twists and turns in the market, will be watching closely to see if Eyong’s name is added to the growing list of arrivals. One thing’s for sure: the blue half of Merseyside is buzzing with cautious optimism and a renewed sense of belief.
