Everton face a pivotal summer as new owners, The Friedkin Group, strengthen the club’s finances and set the stage for a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season.
Moreover, recent managerial changes have sent shockwaves through Goodison Park. Sean Dyche has been replaced by David Moyes, who has secured three wins in his first four games and eased relegation fears. Additionally, the club made just one signing in January, leaving the fate of 12 players under intense scrutiny.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin stands out as the highest-profile free agent on the horizon. The 27-year-old striker, who joined Everton from Sheffield United in 2016, remains the club’s third-highest Premier League scorer behind only Duncan Ferguson and Romelu Lukaku. Furthermore, he scored three Premier League goals in 22 appearances this season before a hamstring injury sidelined him until March. Everton tried to extend his contract last summer, but Calvert-Lewin preferred to weigh his options. Meanwhile, interest has come from Newcastle, Bournemouth, and Italian clubs, although his high weekly wage of £100,000 and demanding renewal figures complicate matters.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has also played a vital role for the Toffees. The 32-year-old midfielder scored a crucial goal against Bournemouth in 2022/23 that helped stave off relegation. Moreover, he netted his first goal under Moyes in a 4-0 win over Leicester City last weekend. However, Doucoure now earns £130,000 per week, making a contract renewal unlikely. Consequently, Everton may choose to let him go in order to create space for a new creative force in the number 10 role.
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Idrissa Gana Gueye, at 35, remains the most consistent midfielder in Everton’s lineup. He has featured in all but two of Everton’s Premier League matches this season, proving his importance to the squad. Furthermore, Moyes has already opened talks with Gueye over a one-year contract extension. This move should secure the veteran’s future and provide stability as the club transitions to their new stadium.
Michael Keane, aged 32, has experienced mixed fortunes at Everton. He has had spells as a key player but now finds himself behind Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski in the pecking order. Consequently, his minutes are limited, and a move may benefit both the player and the club. In contrast, Seamus Coleman, now 36, embodies Everton’s spirit; he made 426 appearances, scoring 28 goals and providing 28 assists. However, Coleman has featured in only three Premier League games this season, and injuries have taken their toll. Additionally, 39-year-old Ashley Young has seen his minutes dwindle since Moyes’ return, and his contract expires in June.
Goalkeepers
Turning to the goalkeeping department, Joao Virginia, the 25-year-old backup, has only played in the FA Cup and League Cup this season. With his contract expiring in the summer and his position behind Jordan Pickford, Virginia may have to depart to advance his career. Meanwhile, Asmir Begovic, at 37, serves as a reliable third-choice keeper. He enjoys considerable popularity and experience at Everton, and if he agrees to continue as a backup, the club might offer him a one-year extension.
Jesper Lindstrom, 24, joined Everton on loan from Napoli last summer. Initially, he struggled to adapt, but he now plays a hybrid role as a wing-back and right-winger. Although he has yet to register a goal, Moyes admires his work ethic and has tried to secure him permanently.
In addition, Orel Mangala, who joined from Lyon last summer, played in almost every Premier League game until an ACL injury against Brighton sidelined him. This setback could rule him out for the rest of the season and possibly into next term. Furthermore, Chelsea loanee Armando Broja, 23, made six appearances but also suffered an injury. Everton have an option to buy him permanently for £30m, yet his injury record poses a significant risk.
Jack Harrison, 28, has been on loan at Everton since 2023 after re-signing from Leeds United when they missed promotion. He has delivered some positive performances and works hard off the ball. However, he has not registered any goal contributions this season. Moreover, Moyes now prefers Jesper Lindstrom in the right-wing role. As a result, Harrison may need to leave once his loan ends, since Everton do not have an option to buy him and other Premier League clubs are reportedly interested.
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