Everton, whose form deteriorated towards the end of the 2025-26 Premier League season and lost their qualification to play in Europe, set out to strengthen their squad this summer.
The first to arrive was Hayden Hackney, a central midfielder who joined from Middlesbrough after his boyhood club lost to Hull City in the Championship play-off final.
Since then, the Toffees have also been successful in signing Tyrik George, with the winger appearing to have impressed David Moyes during his loan spell at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last season.
David Moyes’ side have been very active in the early stages of the summer transfer window and, despite securing Hackney’s signature, are keen to add another midfielder to their squad.
Negotiations are underway over the contract of Parma star Mandela Keita, while the Merseyside club are also currently in the race to sign former Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, who will join Juventus in 2024.
Everton announce the transfer of Douglas Luiz
According to a report in Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), Everton have been in contact for Luiz after loaning the midfielder to Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa last season, and Juventus are open to a sale.
The Brazilian is “ready to prove himself” at Juventus, but the Italian side have indicated they are open to offers, suggesting a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium is a real possibility.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
|---|---|
reliability | Everton need to sign a new midfielder as Idrissa Gueye’s contract is set to expire. Even if the Senegalese international ends up extending his stay on Merseyside, he is currently 36 years old, meaning he will need a replacement sooner or later. |
finances | Back in March, Juventus were said to be demanding 25 million euros (approximately 2.2 billion yen) for the former Aston Villa player. However, given that he was briefly released to Forest and Villa last season, a loan deal could also be a possibility. |
insight | Importantly, the 28-year-old has a wealth of experience, having played 196 times in the Premier League. During that time, he scored 21 goals and 18 assists. |
impact | Like Gueye, the Brazilian international, who has 18 caps, is comfortable playing deep in midfield. He could therefore be the ideal long-term successor to the Senegalese star. |
Why Everton need to sign Douglas Luiz
Everton have already strengthened their midfield with the signing of Hackney from Middlesbrough this summer, but the Englishman is yet to test himself at the top level and could take time to adapt.
Meanwhile, Luiz spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, averaging 1.5 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League, more than any other player on the team, while ranking second with an average of 57.3 accurate passes per 90.
Manager Unai Emery also praised the 2023-24 season maestro, saying: “Douglas is playing very well and his commitment is great.”
Villa’s central midfielder’s performances show he still has a lot left in the Premier League and Everton will no doubt be looking to sign him if he becomes available.
