Igamane signs, Branthwaite new deal, DCL gone – Everton predicted XI for 25/26
David Moyes has the chance to kickstart a new era at Everton this summer while spending The Friedkin Group’s money in the process.
The Toffees finally have the chance to make much-needed changes on the pitch following Farhad Moshiri’s long-awaited exit from Goodison Park, and that is likely to be the first change of many.
Once the summer transfer window opens, one of the exits most expected by the supporters will be the continuously injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been strongly linked with a move to Newcastle.
Paul Robinson has warned Everton to “pull the plug” on a new deal for the 27-year-old, an offer which has been left unsigned for months, having already decided against triggering a one-year extension in Abdoulaye Doucoure’s deal [The Athletic].
With those two major changes already in mind, Moyes will have some tricky decisions to make ahead of the move to Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, so this is how Football Insider predicts the Toffees will line up for their first match of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
David Moyes refuses to change what isn’t broken in Everton defence
Jordan Pickford
The Toffees have stuck by Jordan Pickford since the summer of 2017, and with the goalkeeper now having over 300 club appearances to his name, it would be incredibly foolish to change now. The England international has helped form one of the most resolute defences in the Premier League alongside Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski, keeping a combined total of 22 clean sheets over the last two league campaigns.
Jake O’Brien
Despite rarely getting a chance to prove himself under Sean Dyche, O’Brien has been given a new lease of life under new leadership, thriving when coming up against the likes of Son Heung-min, Jarrod Bowen and Bryan Mbeumo and even scoring a couple of important goals in the final third.
James Tarkowski
Tarkowski has been one of the most consistent performers at Goodison Park over the last three years, and while he has not always had the same centre-back partner, the Toffees finally look to have a strong defensive line to keep them solid for the next few seasons. Due to his age, Moyes might have to start thinking about signing a new, more exciting centre-half, but until that day, the 32-year-old will continue putting in his no-nonsense displays for the Toffees.
Jarrad Branthwaite
There has been a lot of speculation around Branthwaite’s future on Merseyside, and given his impressive performances, it is really so surprise. However, Football Insider understands Everton will “do everything” to keep Branthwaite this summer, with contract talks being plotted ahead of an emotional move to Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium. Real Madrid, Man United and Liverpool have all been in the conversation for the defender’s signature, with bids rejected from Old Trafford last summer, but with TFG adding new funds to the banks, an improved contract could make him a central building block for the new era.
Vitaliy Mykolenko
A fan-favourite at Goodison Park, the Ukrainian international has gradually become a key figure for the Toffees since his arrival in December 2021. He has since made the left-back his own, and with few other options on that side, it is difficult to see anyone else but Mykolenko starting next season as things stand.
The Toffees seal Christian Norgaard for free as James Garner keeps his spot
Christian Norgaard
Football Insider understands that Everton will push to sign Brentford’s Christian Norgaard this summer, with the midfielder supposedly “ticking a lot of boxes” for the new man in charge. Now wearing the captain’s armband for the Bees, the 31-year-old’s tenacity, ferocious nature and hard-hitting challenges have put him on the map, which could earn him a move to Merseyside. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Moyes will be keen for the hierarchy to put everything into signing the Danish international.
James Garner
James Garner has almost become a completely different player since returning from injury. While all supporters knew of the talent he possessed with the ball at his feet, it is not until Moyes was appointed that he’s been given the opportunity to showcase it. The Toffees would have an incredibly difficult time finding a replacement for the former Man United man, and with Idrissa Gueye waiting on the bench, the duo will be battling for a spot in the starting XI come the beginning of next season.
Hamza Igamane set to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin in attack
Tom Fellows
The Toffees’ interest in lightning-quick West Brom winger Tom Fellows is no secret, having had a late bid swatted away during the winter transfer window. Now, Football Insider understands Everton will reignite their quest to sign Fellows once the summer transfer window opens. With two goals and 11 assists in the Championship this season, he is an easy upgrade on the likes of Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom, who might not even be part of the squad come next season.
Dwight McNeil
Injuries have played a massive role in Moyes recording more draws than victories since his arrival, being unable to find that last ball to help wrap up the three points. McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye have both been stuck on the sidelines, the former since December, but with the brand-new system under Dyche’s replacement, the former Burnley man is likely to flourish in the final third once he returns.
Iliman Ndiaye
With Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja failing to deliver on the pitch, Ndiaye brought a breath of fresh air with him from Marseille, notching six league goals before being sidelined for the past month. Moyes’ attack might be finally complete once the Senegalese fully returns to the pitch, but with little else to fight for this season, it makes sense to rest him as much as possible before sparking back to life for the 2025/26 campaign.
Hamza Igamane
While Beto’s resurgence at Goodison Park has been nothing short of heroic of late, the Toffees are in desperate need of a 20-plus goal striker to help them climb the Premier League table. In a move which would likely send him back to the bench, Football Insider understands that Everton are plotting a transfer for Rangers star Hamza Igamane after scoring 14 goals in his first 37 appearances, having only joined from FAR Rabat last summer. He has shown incredible ability on the ball, putting Cyriel Dessers to shame, and has raised eyebrows all over Europe, having only cost the Scottish club £1.7million [Daily Record]. The 22-year-old Moroccan has a big future ahead of him and Moyes will hope it’s on Merseyside.
With the help of The Friedkins, fighting relegation should no longer be a worry for the Toffees as Moyes looks to build a new project at Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium. Given the number of players being linked, it could be a very exciting summer.