Everton are in the market for a winger this summer transfer window.
David Moyes has explored a deal to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City, but that transfer would require significant finances.
Man City want £40m for Grealish and according to Capology, he earns around £300,000-a-week, so Moyes would have to part with a large chunk of his budget.
Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo is also on Everton’s radar, as is Omari Hutchinson and Tom Fellows, but it appeared as though Johan Bakayoko became the first choice.
Everton were in talks to sign Bakayoko from PSV, but there has now been a sudden twist.
Johan Bakayoko performs a knee slide after scoring for PSV Eindhoven.
Photo by Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images
Everton talks to sign Johan Bakayoko take a sudden twist
It emerged earlier this week that Moyes was readying an approach for Bakayoko after his 12-goal season with PSV.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Everton were one of five clubs to make contact with the Dutch side over a £17m transfer.
🚨👀 PSV Eindhoven are set to sell Johan Bakayoko as they’ve received five approaches for the winger.
RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have all called to open discussions.
Request around €20m add-ons included. pic.twitter.com/tVVEgyGNAI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2025
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However, unfortunately for Everton, it’s Bayer Leverkusen who are now in pole position to land the 22-year-old’s signature, according to Sacha Tavolieri.
The journalist claims that Bakayoko has already agreed a five-year contract, so it’s just down to the clubs to close a deal.
🚨 🔴⚫️ EXCL – Bayer Leverkusen’s now in pole position to sign Johan Bakayoko !
🗣️ B04 are currently in talks with PSV Eindhoven in order to close a move around €20M. More details to follow.
🇧🇪 Bakayoko already agreed terms on a 5 years contract with #Bayer04. #mercato pic.twitter.com/eCTOBt7EX4
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) July 13, 2025
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That puts Moyes back to the drawing board, although he has plenty of options.
Everton could turn to Omari Hutchinson
As previously mentioned, Hutchinson is on the list along with Fellows and Kubo, but given his specific profile, it’s likely Moyes will focus on the Ipswich Town star.
Like Bakayoko, Hutchinson is a left-footed right-winger and has similar attributes regarding his pace and power.
Moyes is clearly looking to sign a young player to develop, too, so the England under-21 international certainly fits that mould.
The Tractor Boys want £30m to sanction Hutchinson’s sale, which is a very feasible deal to do for the cash-rich Friedkin Group.
A telling couple of weeks await, with the Scotsman expected to complete much of his business before the US pre-season tour later this month.