Everton have remained silent in the January transfer market so far but David Moyes might receive some new options at Hill Dickinson Stadium before the window closes
Everton manager David Moyes celebrates with Jack Grealish of Everton after the Premier League match between Everton and Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium
David Moyes could be given some new tools to work with at Everton this January(Image: Getty)
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Everton and David Moyes are ushering in a new era at Hill Dickinson Stadium this season and they've kept their hands off the January transfer market thus far. But as February approaches there could still be some new arrivals for the Toffees.
In their first full season as owners of Everton, the Friedkin Group has found a satisfactory start. After 21 matches, the club are sitting 12th in the Premier League, but just six points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool.
The summer window brought in some key additions. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was snapped up from Chelsea for £25million and despite his current injury, his dynamic left-footed creativity and excellent set pieces have been instrumental to Everton's successes.
Jack Grealish has found a new lease of life at Hill Dickinson Stadium and the potential of £40m signing Tyler Dibling is yet to be fully realised. But certain areas of the squad need bolstering and the ECHO takes a look.
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Youssef En-Nesyri rejection
Thierno Barry was another summer acquisition, costing a hefty £27.5m when he joined from Spanish outfit Villarreal. He had netted 11 goals in all competitions for them in the previous season. At only 23, it seems premature to dismiss him, but the forward isn't making the grade in the No. 9 role.
Beto was another high-profile signing in the final years of Farhad Moshiri's ownership and he too has done little to convince supporters that he can be Everton's leading striker for the foreseeable future. With a clear need for more goals, there are whispers that Fenerbahce's Youssef En-Nesyri could be secured for £20m.
En-Nesyri of Fenerbahce celebrates after a goal during Turkish Super Lig match between Gaziantep FK and Fenerbahce in Gaziantep
En-Nesyri is a name that has been bandied around(Image: Getty)
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He has netted eight times in all competitions for the Turkish team this season. However, at 28, En-Nesyri is no spring chicken and the suggested price tag for an older player may not be a sound financial decision. The ECHO also understands that nothing is happening regarding En-Nesyri at the moment.
Attention should shift to a less expensive, temporary solution, with the hope that either Barry can progress, or a promising young striker can be brought in during the summer. Everton need look no further than West Ham's Callum Wilson.
Despite being part of a disjointed squad, Wilson has scoreed four league goals this season but has found himself sidelined due to an influx of new forwards. He may not be a headline-grabbing name, but he's familiar with Moyes, has a knack for finding the back of the net, wouldn't ruffle any feathers and would be a cost-effective short-term loan option.
James Garner signs new contract
Since his transfer from Manchester United in 2022, James Garner has quickly become one of Everton's most dedicated and impressive players. This season, his creative play has been instrumental in Moyes' improved results and his adaptability is invaluable.
He's equally comfortable orchestrating the midfield or filling in at right-back. At just 24, he has many top-flight years ahead of him, but his current contract at Hill Dickinson Stadium is set to expire in June 2026.
James Garner of Everton during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton
Garner's current deal expires in June 2026(Image: Getty)
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The club does have the unilateral option to extend his contract by an additional year. Reports indicate that talks have commenced with Garner over a new long-term contract and these need to be wrapped up swiftly.
This urgency stems from the Daily Mail's report that United might swoop in and attempt to re-sign Garner in a bargain deal during this window, given his soon-to-expire contract.
£17.5million right-back on the radar
Despite solid performances from Garner and Jake O'Brien in the right-back position this season, there remains an underlying worry that neither are natural fits for the role.
Seamus Coleman had been a reliable presence in the right-back spot for the Toffees for many years and now could be the time to find a long-term replacement, allowing O'Brien and Garner to shine elsewhere.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy of Genoa CFC during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Genoa CFC
Norton-Cuffy has impressed in Italy(Image: Getty)
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Brooke Norton-Cuffy, a former Chelsea and Arsenal academy full-back who transferred to Genoa in Italy in 2024, is one potential candidate. The England under-21 star had previously enjoyed loan spells at Coventry City and Millwall.
However, in Serie A he has evolved into a formidable and commanding wing-back, taking his game to new heights. Now 22, Norton-Cuffy is one of the league's top defensive talents, boasting blistering speed, physical prowess and strength.
Everton are reportedly keeping tabs on the young defender and should consider making a move this window for the £17.5m-rated player, who also holds homegrown status. However, they could face competition from the likes of Juventus for his signature.