Everton Football Club faces a complex set of challenges in the 2025/26 Premier League season, driven by expiring contracts, recruitment difficulties, and the transition to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium. With up to 15 first-team players’ contracts expiring this summer—worsened by persistent financial limitations—the club must navigate tough choices regarding renewals for veterans like Séamus Coleman and Ashley Young while seeking new talent without breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which previously led to points deductions. David Moyes’ return as manager in January 2025, replacing Sean Dyche after a near-relegation battle, complicates matters further. His pragmatic approach requires a stable squad, but a £760 million stadium investment has strained the budget, resulting in a difficult transfer window with 12 player departures and several unsuccessful signings.
Despite a promising start—sixth place with six points from three matches (two wins, one loss)—Everton struggles with defensive weaknesses at right-back and a lack of creativity on the wings, having leaned on now-expired loans like Jesper Lindstrøm and Jack Harrison. Moyes has highlighted challenges in attracting top players due to Everton’s recent relegation scares and lack of European football, unlike nine competitors. Stadium-related issues, such as ticketing system glitches and transport challenges, have also frustrated fans, though the club is mitigating this with gestures like additional credits for season-ticket holders.
To address these issues, Everton, under Moyes and new ownership, is focusing on a practical squad rebuild. The club is targeting cost-effective signings like West Ham’s Tomáš Souček for midfield strength and Villarreal’s Thierno Barry for attacking options, while promoting academy talents like Harrison Armstrong and Youssef Chermiti to fill gaps economically. Releasing injury-prone youth players has freed up resources for strategic signings, such as Bayern Munich’s left-back Adam Aznou. Moyes is also exploring late transfer window deals, including loans or free agents, to strengthen the right flank and midfield, while considering roles for leaders like Coleman to ensure continuity. Long-term, the club aims to leverage the stadium’s tourism potential, like dockland tours, and community projects to increase revenue and ensure financial stability. Success could secure a mid-table finish, but missteps could drag Everton back into a relegation battle.