Everton’s debut campaign at the Hill Dickinson Stadium throughout 2025/26 allowed for countless new memories to be made for a generation of supporters.
3-0 wins over Nottingham Forest and Chelsea were undeniably the highlights of the home campaign, as David Moyes’ men secured six victories on home soil.
However, it wasn’t enough to secure a place in European football, as the Toffees ended the Premier League season in 13th place and just four points off Brighton & Hove Albion in eighth
Everton manager David Moyes celebrates after the match
Despite missing out on the top eight, it’s certainly a step in the right direction for Moyes’ men, but a real impetus on success will be placed on his side next term.
If the Toffees are to make the next step during the 2026/27 campaign, added reinforcements are no doubt needed, with the Friedkin Group needing to put their money where their mouth is this window.
Everton enter talks to land Premier League star this summer
Despite the window not opening for another five days, Everton have already laid down the foundations for their transfer business in the summer window.
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has been constantly mentioned as the club’s top target, even being named as the side leading the race for his signature.
Hayden-Hackney-Boro
It’s been reported that Moyes’ side have already had an offer rejected for the 23-year-old, with Boro said to be wanting at least £25m to offload their star man.
Despite the interest in Hackney, other areas of the squad are set to be bolstered, with the hierarchy already eyeing up a move for Fulham winger Harry Wilson.
According to TEAMtalk, Everton have already entered talks with the player’s representatives over the possibility of a summer move to Merseyside this window.
The report states the Welshman is out of contract at the end of June and has been offered a new deal - but it’s expected he will reject the offer and depart on a free transfer.
Despite the Toffees’ discussions in recent days, Aston Villa are said to be leading the race for the 29-year-old who netted 10 goals in England’s top-division.
Why Wilson would be better than Hackney for Everton
As previously mentioned, Everton have been constantly eyeing up a move for Middlesbrough star Hackney in an attempt to bolster the midfield department.
hayden-hackney-middlesbrough
The 23-year-old has been a phenomenal player for Boro over the last 12 months, subsequently ending the 2025/26 campaign on five goals and seven assists.
His impressive form in the Championship certainly didn’t go unnoticed, as he was named the division’s Player of the Year during the EFL award ceremony.
Hayden Hackney - Championship stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Matches (starts)
Goals + Assists
Touches
Accurate passes
Key passes
Succ. dribbles
Tackles + interceptions
Clearances
Duels won
Despite leading the race for his signature, Hackney’s potential move to Merseyside has been in doubt of late, as Crystal Palace are said to have made a £20m offer in recent days.
It’s unclear how much Moyes’ men are willing to invest in the youngster this window, but they could get themselves a better signing - should they secure Wilson’s signature.
Fulham's Harry Wilson reacts on the bench after he is substituted
Whilst the Welshman operates in a different role to the Boro star, he has key Premier League experience to make an immediate impact - something which Hackney simply doesn’t have.
The departing Fulham star’s tally of 10 goals would have made him the Toffees’ leading scorer, subsequently highlighting his clinical nature in the final third.
His underlying stats from the recent season further demonstrate his talent, with the attacker a player the hierarchy desperately need to work tirelessly to secure this window.
Wilson, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by journalist Leanne Prescott, managed to complete 55% of his dribbles this season - a tally higher than that of any player in Everton’s senior ranks.
The aforementioned tally also ranks him in the top 15% of attackers in the division, which highlights his phenomenal ability to glide past the opposition with ease.
He also managed to complete 28% of the crosses he attempted - a tally which also ranks him in the top 20% of attackers, which could see him provide the likes of Beto and Theirno Barry with key chances.
Fulham's Harry Wilson
Wilson’s tally of 1.3 chances created per 90 and his 42% shot-on-target accuracy further highlight his all-round quality in attacking areas - something Moyes’ side lacked towards the end of the season.
There’s no denying Hackney would be an excellent addition for Everton this summer, but a period of adaptation would be needed for him to get used to the demands of the division.
Fulham-Harry-Wilson
However, the same can’t be said for Wilson, with the Welshman able to make an immediate impact on Merseyside should he reach an agreement with the Toffees.
Aston Villa’s interest will certainly be a concern, but it should be used as motivation for the Friedkin Group to pull out all the stops and try to secure his services.
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