Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

David Moyes can sign instant Dwight McNeil upgrade as Everton eye Dario Osorio

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on

Dwight McNeil could finally see his Everton career come to an end as The Friedkin Group attempt to make improvements this summer.

The 26-year-old has done extremely well to recover from the late heartbreak of his Crystal Palace transfer falling through, becoming a key figure at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2025-26.

That is at least until the most recent few matches. The wide midfielder failed to make it off the bench against Man City and Palace, with outcast Merlin Rohl being given a chance to impress.

With the Toffees making a push for European football, Everton's transfer chiefs will be working overtime once the summer window swings open, and plans are already taking shape.

Everton enter the race to sign Dwight McNeil replacement

It is clear that Moyes needs reinforcements in the final third ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with his team seriously suffering after the season-ending injury to Jack Grealish.

Without the loanee, Iliman Ndiaye hasn't looked anywhere near his best. Beto and Thierno Barry have failed to hold down the centre-forward spot, and McNeil has drifted down the pecking order recently.

According to Ben Jacobs (14 May), Midtjylland's Dario Osorio is being targeted by Bournemouth, Palace, and of course, the Toffees, with the Danish side wanting £17.4million for his signature.

Dwight McNeilvsDario Osorio
1166Minutes played1337
0Goals4
1Assists6
15Chances created26
0.93Shots per 902.63
1Big chances missed3
0.54Successful dribbles per 902.83
0.54Accurate long balls per 903.43
Premier League vs Superligaen stats only*

As clearly shown by his efforts in Denmark this season, Osorio would be an instant upgrade on the right flank, but it isn't just McNeil's future which would be thrown into uncertainty this summer.

David Moyes could finish multiple careers this summer

Tyrique George is already unlikely to sign for Everton on a permanent deal following his six-month loan on Merseyside, but this move would rule it out altogether for the youngster.

Questions also need to be asked of Tyler Dibling and his failed first season at the Hill Dickinson. Despite the big price tag, the talented 20-year-old has made just four Premier League starts.

It would appear that multiple players have managed to catch the eye of Moyes ahead of the summer, and if TFG are serious about backing the manager, these players will be replaced, and replaced with upgrades.

That could include McNeil, especially with a move being readied for Osorio, who has made a huge impression in Denmark at just 22 years of age.

www.footballinsider247.com