Credit: Imago

Alex Oakhill

Mon 12 May 2025 16:18, UK

Everton are expecting a busy summer transfer window but will look to retain some of their out-of-contract players before focusing on incomings.

The Toffees are set for a mid-table finish in the Premier League this season, currently sitting 13th in the league with two games remaining.

Since David Moyes took over from Sean Dyche in January, the Merseyside club have pulled themselves away from the bottom three and put to bed any fears of relegation.

However, Everton are still expected to make a number of signings in their first summer transfer window since The Friedkin Group (TFG) took control of the club at the end of last year.

Everton to retain out-of-contract players

Everton are said to be in a state of disarray behind the scenes, as they continue adapting to life under their new owners.

There is also a number of players who are nearing the end of their contract at Goodison Park, and will need to be tied down to new deals if they are to remain at the club.

The Athletic (12 May) have reported that a new contract for Idrissa Gueye is expected to be prioritised from the group whose deals are nearly up, and “exploratory conversations” are likely to begin with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure in the near future.

The consensus at Everton is said to be that they cannot overhaul everything that requires attention in a single window, and they plan to retain some of those players on course to be out of contract for continuity.

Talks will be led by the new head of trading Nick Hammond, with incoming CEO Angus Kinnear aware of the situation at hand, with decisions expected to hinge on players’ contract demands and expectations for playing time.

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Football Insider Verdict

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With Gueye, Calvert-Lewin, and Doucoure the priorities, the likes of Michael Keane are still in the dark as to whether they will be rewarded with a new deal.

While it is expected to be a summer of change at Goodison Park, the Toffees must ensure that they don’t lose the fighting spirit of the squad they already have.

Keane is one of those who typifies the body-on-the-line attitude of the current crop, but the centre-back has only played 12 league games this season and could be surplus to requirements, with questions often asked of his ability during some of the most difficult periods of the past few seasons.

Everton haven’t always been successful in the transfer market, with a number of big-money moves not working out in the past few years.

Toffees fans will hope that the new ownership improves recruitment, and that only top talent will be coming through the door this summer.