In a move that would see them replace 36-year-old Seamus Coleman, Everton are now plotting a 2026 deal to sign a La Liga defender for David Moyes.
Everton's 2026 transfer plans
Everton have endured a mixed start to the Premier League season. The Toffees initially came racing out the blocks, with summer arrival Jack Grealish even winning August's Player of the Month award, but have since stuttered for the first time. Now, without a win in four games in all competitions, transfer rumours are already beginning to arrive regarding potential upgrades.
Among those is a replacement for Beto. The 27-year-old has struggled to find form in the current campaign - scoring just twice in eight games - and has already been the subject of Moyes' criticism.
“I’ve been a bit disappointed with Beto and I’ve told him. We’re needing a bit more and he can do more and he has done more." (Moyes in August)
If there was any position that the Toffees could do with improving in 2026 it is Beto's striker role. To that end, the likes of Daizen Maeda are already reportedly in Friedkin's sights. The Celtic forward is keen to leave the Scottish club, which has opened the door for Everton to make their move at the right price.
With 33 goals to his name in all competitions last season, there's no doubt that Maeda would be the Beto upgrade that Everton have been desperate for. His arrival would also ease the pressure on summer signing Thierno Barry to find his feet right away, having so far struggled to break into Moyes' side.
daizen-maeda-celtic
That said, it's not just Beto that those at Hill Dickinson should replace. It's also time to replace 36-year-old Coleman and hand Jake O'Brien the chance to move into a more natural centre-back role as a result.
Everton plotting Juanlu Sanchez move
According to reports in Spain, Everton are now plotting a move to sign Juanlu Sanchez. The 22-year-old right-back would end Moyes' troubles down that side and would likely end Coleman's place in the manager's squad as he approaches retirement. Alas, whether the Toffees can lure Sevilla into a sale or the Spaniard, himself, into a move is another question.
Described as a player with an "incredible present and a better future" by former Sevilla manager Garcia Pimienta, Sanchez's arrival would make up for Friedkin's summer mistake and complete Everton's backline.
League stats 24/25 Sanchez O'Brien
Minutes 1,722 1,571
Assists 4 0
Tackles Won 34 17
Ball Recoveries 66 52
The Sevilla star outperformed O'Brien in several key areas last season and has started four of his side's seven La Liga games so far in the current campaign.
With a contract until 2029 in Spain, however, signing Sanchez will be far from easy. It may even take a hefty offer to do so before Everton can even get the chance to convince the right-back. But if they see an opportunity, Friedkin should go all in on what is a much-needed right-back for Moyes.