Managing Everton as Jack Grealish transfer decision made and David Moyes hijacks £40m deal

As Everton gear up for the 2025/26 Premier League season, the return of David Moyes as manager in January has brought a sense of stability. But the Toffees remain in a precarious position after years of flirting with relegation.

Several key players have left, while a series of failed transfers have compounded a frustrating summer window for Moyes, who has publicly admitted the squad is "not ready" for their campaign opener against Leeds on August 18.

Supporters are eager for a fresh chapter with the launch of the Hill Dickinson Stadium era, but with glaring gaps in attack, midfield, and defence, Everton are scrambling to plug holes in the squad and inject genuine quality before the window closes - all while working within strict financial constraints. Here, Mirror Football examines the priorities Moyes must address to build depth, momentum, and a side capable of competing for a European football spot for the first time in over a decade.

READ MORE: Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium to be ‘a little scary’ to some fans, admits ground’s architect

READ MORE: Premier League XI with players still looking to complete transfers this summer

Get Grealish done

Everton's attacking options look threadbare after a summer of exits, with new striker Thierno Barry unproven at Premier League level and reliance on Iliman Ndiaye for creativity. Moyes, known for his pragmatic style, sees a high-profile addition like Jack Grealish as a way to inject quality and experience, especially after the winger's limited minutes at Manchester City last season.

A decision has now been made to pursue a loan deal, with talks advancing as City appear open to subsidising part of his £300,000-a-week wages to ease Everton's financial burden. Affordability remains the key hurdle, as Grealish's salary could disrupt the club's wage structure, but Moyes believes the 29-year-old's versatility makes him worth the effort.

Positionally, Grealish could not only slot straight in at left wing, but also as a central No. 10 to link midfield and attack, providing the guile Everton have lacked in pre-season friendlies. If structured as a season-long loan with an option to buy, it could also represent smart business without breaching PSR limits.

With the transfer window closing in under four weeks, Everton must act swiftly to finalise terms, as competition from other mid-table sides could emerge if Grealish seeks regular football ahead of England's World Cup qualifiers. Success here would not only boost squad morale but also signal ambition to fans disillusioned by recent struggles, potentially transforming the Toffees' outlook for the season.

Add quality on the right

The right flank has been a glaring weakness for Everton, exposed during their US pre-season tour where they managed just one win (a narrow 2-1 victory over League One club Port Vale) in six games. With failed bids for targets like Francisco Conceicao and Takefusa Kubo, Moyes is desperate for a dynamic wide player to balance the attack and support Barry up top.

Southampton sensation Tyler Dibling is a primary target, but with the Saints standing firm on their £50m valuation, Everton may have to pivot to other options. Lyon's Malick Fofana is one of them, though the 20-year-old Belgian is understood to be holding out for a club offering Champions League football.

Manchester City's James McAtee is another name on the radar, with his technical ability and goal threat from midfield making him a versatile option for the right or central roles. City are open to a loan or a permanent deal in the region of £40m, but with Tottenham and Nottingham Forest also circling, Everton may need to pull off a late-window coup to secure his signature.

McAtee could offer both competition and depth in midfield and attacking areas, and - as Cole Palmer proved at Chelsea - regular first-team football could see him rapidly evolve into a Premier League superstar.

Bulk up the midfield

Everton's midfield has been hit hard by the departure of Abdoulaye Doucoure, who was asked to take a cut to his £5m a year deal but declined. The Mali international's exit has left a void in energy and steel that new signings Carlos Alcaraz and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall won't necessarily fill - leaving Everton looking to bring in another midfielder.

Juventus' Douglas Luiz is in their crosshairs, though his £40m price tag tests the budget after a mixed season in Italy. Tomas Soucek, who played under Moyes at West Ham, is also being considered, but interest in the Czech international has cooled since last month.

Everton have tested the waters for Aston Villa captain John McGinn, but their approach was swiftly rejected, with the Villains unwilling to entertain a sale. Elsewhere, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Merlin Rohl, and Dion Lopy have all been linked as potential additions.

Securing at least one of those names would inject fresh energy into Everton's engine room and bring greater balance to Moyes' tactical setup. With Idrissa Gueye turning 36 next season, adding youthful legs and a touch more dynamism could prove vital in stabilising the midfield and sustaining intensity across the campaign.

Find defensive cover

Defence was a relative strength last term, with Everton conceding the fourth-fewest goals in the Premier League, but injuries to Jarrad Branthwaite and the lack of depth have Moyes seeking reinforcements. Full back cover is essential, as pre-season exposed frailties on the flanks without reliable backups for Jake O'Brien and Vitaliy Mykolenko.

Leicester's James Justin has been strongly linked, with Everton eyeing a £6m deal for the versatile 27-year-old who can play both sides. Justin's appeal lies in his proven Premier League quality, offering competition and rotation options and Moyes, who values defensive solidity, sees him as a low-risk addition to plug gaps.

Beyond Justin, Everton have scouted for centre back depth, but budget priorities lie elsewhere unless a bargain emerges. Maintland-Niles, a centre midfield target, can also provide cover at right back, making him an attractive option.

Elsewhere, Juanlu Sanchez and Vladimir Coufal - another who played under Moyes at West Ham - are also being considered. Ultimately, this area is about prudence rather than splashy spending, ensuring Everton aren't caught short by suspensions or injuries.

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.