David Moyes
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Tue 1 July 2025 13:15, UK
Everton have confirmed the departure of a lot of first-team players following the expiry of their contracts.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Ashley Young are three of many who have now become free agents after their deals were not extended.
Everton are yet to recruit in this summer window, and they have now lost a lot of experience, but this could lead to a much-needed squad reset.
However, this is a bold approach, and losing so many players in one window carries a risk which has now been questioned.
Everton
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is one of several high profile departures (Credit: Imago)
Everton mass exodus questioned
David Moyes has enjoyed his return to Everton so far, but the biggest challenge may come this summer as he attempts to undertake a whole squad rebuild.
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In addition to a lot of players leaving for free, several loanees have returned to their parent clubs, leaving the current squad threadbare in terms of numbers.
Player Position
Asmir Begovic Goalkeeper
Billy Crellin Goalkeeper
Joao Virginia Goalkeeper
Mason Holgate Centre-back
Ashley Young Full-back
Abdoulaye Doucoure Midfielder
Orel Mangala Midfielder
Jesper Lindstrom Winger
Jack Harrison Winger
Neal Maupay Striker
Armando Broja Striker
Dominic Calvert-Lewin Striker
Everton’s departures this summer
Everton have confirmed the permanent signing of Carlos Alcaraz following his loan, but they will now need to recruit more ahead of pre-season.
Sky Sports pundit Dougie Critchley has now expressed his concern for Everton, highlighting all the outgoings as a huge challenge for Moyes, while also pointing out that James Garner, James Tarkowski and Vitaliy Mykolenko also have contracts expiring next year.
“Think your club has a challenging summer ahead?” Critchley posted on X (1 July). “Spare a thought for Everton… Doucoure, Young, Virginia, Begovic, Holgate and Maupay have left the club.
“Harrison, Lindstrom, Mangala and Broja’s loans have ended. Calvert-Lewin is leaving, potentially Michael Keane too, they are working on deals for Branthwaite and Gueye.
“Garner, Tarkowski and Mykolenko’s contracts expire in 2026. That’s a lot for Moyes and their new owners to be getting on with.”
Everton can benefit from mass exodus
Many would argue that Everton have actually needed a huge reset for a number of years, and if they now get their recruitment right, this could be the perfect way to progress after a period of mediocrity.
Everton now have new ownership in The Friedkin Group, and for the first time in years, the fanbase are united behind their manager.
Allowing Moyes to invest in the squad, while clearing out ageing and underperforming players, could set Everton up for a fresh start as they move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
While risky, this could end up being the best ambitious move the club could make this summer, rather than hoarding players on big wages and being unable to recruit as a result.
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