Everton transfer news sees the Merseyside club conclude the permanent signing of Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in a deal worth £25 million plus add-ons, even as their ambitious chase for Southampton winger Tyler Dibling remains ongoing ahead of the move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Dewsbury-Hall Signs Five-Year Deal
The Merseyside club has completed the permanent signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea for an initial fee of £25 million, with add-ons potentially taking the total package to around £29 million. The 26-year-old midfielder has penned a five-year contract at Goodison Park, marking David Moyes’ most significant signing since returning to the club.
Dewsbury-Hall’s arrival addresses a crucial need in Everton’s midfield, with the England international bringing valuable Premier League experience after making 36 appearances for Chelsea last season. Despite starting just two Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge, the former Leicester City star was instrumental in Chelsea’s Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs.
Speaking after his signing, Dewsbury-Hall expressed his enthusiasm for the move, stating: “Everton is one of the biggest clubs in the country, and I believe that the upcoming years will be promising”. The midfielder highlighted the impressive nature of the new stadium as a key factor in his decision to join the club.
Dibling Saga Intensifies Amid Counter-Offers
Everton’s pursuit of Tyler Dibling has encountered significant resistance from Southampton, who have rejected multiple bids for the 19-year-old winger. The Saints have responded to Everton’s latest offer of approximately £40 million with a counter-proposal of £45 million plus £5 million in easily achievable bonuses and a 25 percent sell-on clause.
Southampton manager Will Still has confirmed that Dibling will not feature in the club’s opening fixture against Wrexham, with the player having been withdrawn from full-contact training amid ongoing transfer discussions. This development suggests that while negotiations continue, the significant valuation gap between the two clubs remains a major obstacle.
The teenager has been training separately from the main group this week, with reports indicating he has personally requested to leave St Mary’s. Southampton’s firm stance reflects their belief that Dibling represents exceptional young English talent crucial to their Premier League return ambitions.
Moyes’ Transfer Urgency Grows
David Moyes has expressed growing concern about Everton’s preparedness for the upcoming Premier League season, admitting the club is “not ready” to compete at the required level. The Scottish manager has highlighted the urgent need for multiple new signings, estimating that the club requires “maybe five or six players” to adequately strengthen the squad.
The manager’s frustration stems from the significant player exodus at Goodison Park, with experienced players including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Ashley Young departing as free agents. This mass departure has left Everton with just 20 senior players in their current squad.
“We’re desperate to get things moving on because we know time’s running out,” Moyes stated during the club’s pre-season tour. The manager’s concerns have been heightened by Everton’s poor pre-season results, including defeats to Bournemouth and West Ham in the Premier League Summer Series.
Additional Transfer Targets on Radar
Beyond the Dibling pursuit, Everton transfer news continues to develop across multiple positions. The club has shown interest in Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, with discussions reportedly taking place regarding a potential loan move. The England international would provide valuable experience and quality to Moyes’ attacking options.
Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi remains another target, despite recent reports suggesting he has completed a move to Turkish side Besiktas for £9 million. The 28-year-old Nigerian international was previously linked with Everton throughout the summer window as they sought defensive midfield reinforcement.
Lyon winger Malick Fofana has also emerged as a potential alternative to Dibling, with The Athletic reporting that Everton are in talks to sign the Belgian international. However, the 20-year-old’s preference for Champions League football may complicate any potential deal.
Financial Backing and Stadium Move
The Friedkin Group’s takeover has provided Everton with renewed financial stability, with reports suggesting a summer transfer budget of around £70 million. This represents a significant improvement from previous windows when PSR restrictions limited the club’s spending power.
The impending move to Hill Dickinson Stadium adds another dimension to Everton transfer news, with the 52,888-capacity venue representing a new chapter for the club. Dewsbury-Hall specifically mentioned the impressive stadium as a factor in his decision to join Everton, highlighting how the new ground can attract quality players.
The stadium transition has created additional urgency around strengthening the squad, with Moyes keen to ensure his team is competitive for their inaugural season at Bramley-Moore Dock. The manager has emphasised that the new ground should help convince players of the club’s ambitions and direction.
Deadline Day Approaches
With the transfer window closing on September 1 at 7pm BST, Everton face a race against time to complete their remaining business. The club’s pre-season performances have underlined the need for quality additions, with defeats highlighting the lack of depth in key positions.
The successful completion of the Dewsbury-Hall deal demonstrates that Everton can compete for established Premier League talent when required. However, the ongoing Dibling situation illustrates the challenges facing mid-table clubs when pursuing highly-rated young prospects.
Moyes’ public comments about the club’s readiness suggest that further signings are essential before the season opener against Leeds United on August 18. With Everton transfer news continuing to develop daily, supporters will be hoping for positive developments in the remaining weeks of the window.
The combination of new ownership, a fresh stadium, and Moyes’ experience provides optimism that Everton can navigate this crucial transfer period successfully. However, the clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting to deliver the reinforcements needed for a successful campaign at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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