This summer is a crucial period for Everton and manager David Moyes if they are to be a successful side throughout the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
The Toffees have constantly fallen below the lofty expectations of the supporters, with last season’s 13th-place finish seen as a disappointment after fighting for a European spot.
With just a month left to go in the transfer window, Christian Norgaard and Hayden Hackney remain the only new faces to arrive on Merseyside – but more additions are needed.
The pair are likely to provide needed depth and quality at the heart of the side, which could see them star alongside one key member of the club’s senior ranks.
How Dewsbury-Hall compared to Premier League midfielders
As part of last summer’s recruitment drive, Everton completed the £25m signing of midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from fellow Premier League side Chelsea.
Such a deal has proved to be one of the Toffees’ best in recent memory, with the 27-year-old arguably one of the club’s most important players last term.
The Englishman registered eight goals and four assists in the Premier League last term – with such a tally the highest of any player within Moyes’ senior ranks.
There’s no doubt he’s already showcased he was worth every penny, but how did Dewsbury-Hall rank amongst other players in his position across England’s top-flight?
|
Most PL G+As for Everton (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Tally |
|
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall |
12 |
|
Beto |
10 |
|
Iliman Ndiaye |
9 |
|
James Garner |
9 |
|
Thierno Barry |
8 |
|
Jack Grealish |
8 |
|
James Tarkowski |
5 |
|
Idrissa Gueye |
5 |
The attacking midfielder managed to create an average of 0.4 big chances per 90 last term, with such a tally ranking him above 75% of other players in his position in the Premier League.
He also completed 54% of the dribbles he attempted, which placed him in the top 18% of attackers – often seeing him driving Moyes’ side into dangerous areas.
His absence through injury highlighted the need for added attacking reinforcements this summer, with a player of his calibre needing others around him to step up to help achieve success.
How Everton can land their next Dewsbury-Hall this summer
If Everton are to achieve success this season, the Everton hierarchy desperately need to delve into the transfer market and land added attacking reinforcements.
Chelsea striker Liam Delap has been named as one transfer target, but a fee in the region of £40m will be needed to prise him away from Xabi Alonso’s outfit.
He’s not the only name currently on the Toffees’ transfer shortlist at present, with Moyes keen to tie up a deal for Crystal Palace winger Brennan Johnson.
It’s been reported by Alan Nixon that Everton have been in club-to-club talks with Pierre Sage’s men over the possibility of securing a deal for the Welsh international.
The report also states that Dwight McNeil has been mentioned in talks over a possible swap deal, but it’s unclear if the Eagles remain interested in the Englishman after previously wanting him in January.
Johnson, who signed for Palace for £35m back in January, has failed to impress at Selhurst Park in recent times – subsequently failing to score in his last 26 outings.
Such a record may be a concern to the Toffees faithful, but Dewsbury-Hall suffered a similar fate at Chelsea before his subsequent move to Merseyside 12 months ago.
Both have endured stuttering runs in the Premier League during their careers, with their best spells to date undoubtedly coming in the Championship at Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.
The current Everton star registered 26 goal contributions during the promotion-winning campaign of 2023/24 – even winning the Championship Player of the Season.
As for Johnson, he registered 28 combined goals and assists in the second tier five years ago – also claiming a personal honour with the division’s Young Player of the Season.
The deal for Dewsbury-Hall saw him have the perfect platform to reignite his career at the top-level, with a move for the Welsh star doing exactly that this window.
His struggles will no doubt concern the Toffees’ supporters, but his tally of 11 goals in the Premier League two years ago showcases he’s a player who’s more than capable of providing the goods.
Moyes’ ability to get the best out of players could work well for the 25-year-old this summer, with Everton potentially able to land a solid piece of business by securing his signature.
Should he make a move and get anywhere near the levels of the Englishman, it would be a superb deal and one which could help the Toffees secure success in 2026/27.
