Everton’s move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium this season marked a new era for the football club, with David Moyes tasked with delivering success on Merseyside.
The Toffees have enjoyed a superb Premier League campaign throughout 2025/26, offering a stark contrast from the recent battles to avoid suffering relegation.
With just three games to play this term, there’s still a possibility the club could secure European football and hand a generation of supporters memories to last a lifetime.
Everton's manager David Moyes during the warm up before the match
However, if Moyes’ men are to finish within a European spot, they will need to pick up vital wins against the likes of Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur.
Regardless of what the squad are able to achieve between now and the end of the season, the upcoming transfer window could present another opportunity to help take the side to the next level.
Everton could have £20m bid accepted for Premier League star
Over the last couple of weeks, Everton have been just one club linked with a potential move to re-sign centre-back John Stones during the upcoming transfer window.
The Englishman, who left the Toffees to join Manchester City for £50m, is set to depart the Etihad this summer when his current contract expires.
Manchester City's John Stones applauds fans after the match
It remains to be seen where the 31-year-old will end up next season, with Inter Milan, one other club claimed to have an interest in the defender’s signature.
Stones isn’t the only Premier League star currently in the hierarchy’s sights, with Burnley centre-back Maxime Esteve once again linked with a move to join Moyes’ side.
According to Sports Boom, Everton are just one of a handful of top-flight clubs who are keen on securing the Frenchman’s signature, after suffering relegation.
The report states that Bournemouth are just one other English side in the race for his signature, with AC Milan also closely monitoring the defender’s progress.
Burnley's Maxime Esteve celebrates after the match
Burnley's Maxime Esteve celebrates after the match
A fee in the region of just £20m could be required to land the 23-year-old, as per the report, with the Clarets looking for a refresh in the Championship under any new potential manager.
Why Esteve would be a better signing than Stones for Everton
As previously mentioned, Everton are just one side in the race to secure Stones’ signature, in what would be a fairytale return for the Englishman on Merseyside.
The centre-back made just shy of 100 appearances for the Toffees during his three-and-a-half years at Goodison Park, after joining for just £3m from Barnsley.
john-stones-premier-league-everton
He developed into one of the division’s leading defensive stars, subsequently resulting in his big-money transfer to the Etihad back in the summer of 2016.
Stones has since claimed 15 major honours under Pep Guardiola, featuring a total of 293 times and even cementing his place as a regular in the England setup.
Everton's most expensive sales of all time
Player
Romelu Lukaku
Richarlison
Amadou Onana
John Stones
Anthony Gordon
Idrissa Gueye
Marouane Fellaini
Wayne Rooney
All of his aforementioned achievements would make him an excellent addition for Moyes’ side, but his constant injury issues have restricted him to just 18 league appearances in the last two seasons.
His fitness issues, coupled with his hefty wage demands, should see the hierarchy steer clear and put their focus on a £20m deal to land Esteve this summer.
Maxime-Esteve
Whilst he suffered relegation this term, the Frenchman has produced some impressive figures which could see the Toffees land another top defensive star from Burnley.
Esteve, who’s been dubbed a “true athletic phenomenon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has won 66% of the ground duels he’s entered this season, whilst making 1.3 tackles per 90.
The aforementioned stats highlight his dominant nature at the back, potentially being the perfect partner for James Tarkowski at the heart of the club’s backline.
He’s also won 68% of the aerial battles he’s entered this campaign, which reaffirms his incredible ability to prevent the opposition from threatening in attacking areas.
However, with the ball at his feet, Esteve has been just as impressive this term, subsequently completing 86% of his passes and achieving a 60% dribble success rate.
The 23-year-old has certainly been one of the Clarets’ shining lights this campaign, with the defender deserving of another chance to thrive in the Premier League.
Burnley's Joe Worrall and Burnley's Maxime Esteve celebrate after the match
Burnley's Joe Worrall and Burnley's Maxime Esteve celebrate after the match
The Frenchman’s current asking price of just £20m could well prove to be a bargain, but the Everton board need to work tirelessly to avoid missing out on his signature.
A fairytale return for Stones may well be wanted by the fanbase, but ultimately, a move for Esteve hands the club an excellent young star who can only develop further in the years ahead.
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