Everton sold eight players from the first team this summer, as there might be a debate over Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s departure.
The summer was great for incomings, but it was also a good sign that the squad was completely revamped.
Some players might have been seen as dead wood in David Moyes’ eyes, as the Toffees have made some strong decisions.
Moyes saw the challenges in signing players, but to actually get rid of some names didn’t strike up too much difficulty.
Well, taking into account the faces that have departed the Merseyside club, Everton.News have graded the outgoings based on value, the quality lost, and overall importance to Everton.
Everton manager David Moyes.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
All eight of Everton’s 2025/26 summer departures graded
Asmir Begovic – 8/10
One of the releases this summer came through Asmir Begovic. The Bosnian endured two seasons with the Toffees in his first chapter, playing only ten times for the club in all competitions, which then led him to leave in the 2023 summer on a free, joining QPR.
But just last summer, the goalkeeper returned to Merseyside in more of a keeper coaching role, it seemed.
However, after just one year back with the club, the 38-year-old was once again released, with Begovic joining Leicester City.
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It’s not too much of a loss to Moyes, but his keeper experience will be missed for the younger players in the squad. 8/10.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 9/10
Arguably the biggest exit of the summer was Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose nine-year spell came to an end with the Blues.
An emotional one, but a release that was needed for both player and club, with the striker being out of sorts after just three league goals in the 2024/25 season, as Calvert-Lewin was also demanding ‘too much money’.
The striker joined Leeds United, but Calvert-Lewin had a horror debut, potentially proving that his form is still waiting for that spark.
Moyes has wished him well, but the 28-year-old certainly didn’t have much of a future left as his quality wasn’t showing, and considering his demand of a £150k wage, it’s a great piece of business which gives this a 9/10 rating.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 7.5/10
A departure which certainly divided the fanbase was Abdoulaye Doucoure leaving the club on a free.
The midfielder came up in so many big moments for the Toffees, and looks like a figure that will be missed around the club, as Everton wanted to keep Doucoure.
But like Calvert-Lewin, the timing seemed right for the midfielder to depart, and although he was important to Moyes’ plans, justifying £130k a week at the age of 32 just isn’t sustainable for this new project. 7.5/10.
Mason Holgate – 9/10
One name many fans might have forgotten was still at the club was Mason Holgate.
After signing from Barnsley for £2 million in 2015, the defender finally departed after being a constant with Everton over the years.
Appearances 150
Minutes played 11,857
Goal involvements 10 (5G+5A)
Mason Holgate’s all-time statistics at Everton
But following three loan spells, it never seemed the 28-year-old would get back into Moyes’ plans, and his release was expected after a final loan at West Brom, as Holgate joined Al-Gharafa SC, getting another ‘dead wood’ player off the books. 9/10.
Neal Maupay – 9.5/10
Now, this isn’t a face Evertonians will want to see around the club again, as Neal Maupay finally ended his dire tenure.
Everton fans called Maupay ’embarrassing’, and that just about summed up his time after a £15 million switch from Brighton in 2022.
Even while still employed by the Toffees, the Frenchman would aim digs at the club, which built up a toxic relationship between the player and the fanbase, with Maupay even predicting Everton’s relegation.
The striker was sold for £3.4 million following just one goal in 32 appearances, but this should be seen as very positive, as his off-field antics, as well as his on-field ones, weren’t welcome. 9.5/10, a relief.
Joao Virginia – 8/10
Another keeper who didn’t have too much effect on the squad was Joao Virginia.
Even though he was one of the longest-serving players in the squad, the Portuguese shot stopper was always just a back-up, and only played in the Premier League once across seven years.
Virginia wanted to stay, but the Scotsman showed no mercy as the keeper department has a new look. 8/10.
Ashley Young – 6/10
Now, even though it has seemed that all of these departures were needed this summer, Ashley Young’s might be beginning to backfire.
The 40-year-old had a decent two-year spell with the club and showed that his age didn’t stop his strong performances.
Games played 32
Goal involvements 4 (1G+3A)
Chances created 26
Duels won per 90 4.67
Successful crosses per 90 0.91
Recoveries 75
Ashley Young’s 24/25 Premier League statistics, as per FotMob
Nevertheless, The Friedkin Group and Moyes chose to release the veteran, with Young refusing to take a wage cut.
Although this may have saved money, Everton’s need for full-back depth is now an issue, and keeping hold of Young, who doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon, might not have been a bad idea. 6/10.
Youssef Chermiti – 7/10
The final and most recent deal was Youssef Chermiti joining Rangers for a deal worth £10 million.
After signing for the Toffees in a region of £15 million, it’s another loss for the Blues, who saw the 21-year-old never really get his chance on Merseyside.
Just 24 appearances with two starts were probably not enough for the striker to make his mark, as selling Chermiti permanently could be controversial if he becomes a success.
The fee is good despite the £5 million loss in profit, but what takes the grade down is the fact that Chermiti is so young and still has a very high ceiling. 7/10.