Everton news and talking points – August 7, 2026
Transfer plans dominated the Everton news agenda on Friday as David Moyes continued to assess his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
From fresh developments in the club’s striker search to uncertainty surrounding Douglas Luiz and Jonathan Rowe, there was no shortage of talking points before the Blues travel to Germany to face Stuttgart.
Here’s a round-up of everything Evertonians may have missed today.
Striker search continues as two names emerge
Everton’s search for greater firepower remains one of the biggest priorities before the transfer window closes.
ReadEverton looked at why Liam Delap and Troy Parrott have emerged as two intriguing options as Moyes continues to weigh up the type of forward capable of leading the line at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
While the pair offer different qualities, both fit the profile of young strikers with room to develop and could represent long-term investments if Everton decide to step up their interest.
Douglas Luiz transfer suffers fresh setback
Everton’s hopes of bringing Douglas Luiz back to the Premier League were dealt another blow after reports suggested the Juventus midfielder had rejected the opportunity to move to Merseyside.
The Brazilian has long been admired, but his future remains uncertain as Juventus continue to reshape their squad.
With time still remaining in the transfer window, Everton may yet revisit the situation, although alternative midfield targets are also likely to be explored.
Jonathan Rowe latest after Bologna decision
Another potential attacking option also remained in the spotlight.
Jonathan Rowe is understood to have rejected a move to Bologna, leaving fresh uncertainty over the Norwich City winger’s future.
Everton have previously been linked with the 23-year-old, and developments elsewhere could yet reopen the door if Moyes decides to strengthen his options in wide areas.
Andy Burnham makes right-back plea
Prime Minister Andy Burnham offered his own view on Everton’s transfer business by urging the club to strengthen at right-back.
With speculation continuing over several defensive targets, the comments reflected an area many supporters believe still requires reinforcement before the season begins.
Everton have been linked with a number of full-backs throughout the summer, and the position remains one to watch during the final weeks of the window.
Norwich fan makes Everton confession
One of today’s more light-hearted stories came from Norfolk, where a Norwich City supporter (me) admitted to developing a growing affection for Everton.
The feature explored why the Blues continue to attract admiration beyond Merseyside, particularly following the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium and the club’s ambitious rebuild under The Friedkin Group.
Attention turns to Stuttgart
Away from the transfer speculation, Everton’s focus now shifts back onto the pitch.
David Moyes’ side face VfB Stuttgart on Saturday in another important pre-season test as preparations continue for the new campaign.
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Fixture VfB Stuttgart vs Everton
Competition Pre-season friendly
Date Saturday, August 8
Kick-off 4:00pm BST
Venue MHP Arena, Stuttgart
Live stream Everton TV
ReadEverton coverage Live blog, team news, player ratings and reaction
Supporters can find everything they need to know in ReadEverton’s complete How to Watch guide.
Talking point
Perhaps the biggest question facing Everton now is where the next signing comes from.
The club continue to be linked with midfielders, right-backs and forwards, but with the Premier League season fast approaching, supporters will hope fresh arrivals begin to materialise sooner rather than later.
Saturday’s friendly in Stuttgart may also provide clues as to where Moyes believes his squad still needs strengthening before competitive football returns.
Gary is editor for ReadEverton. He has many years experience of sports writing behind him after deciding (belatedly) that the world of accountancy wasn't for him. His work has been featured on (among many others) BBC Sport and The Metro. He has written on many sports, but considers himself an expert in football and F1. When not writing and editing he likes to go to the cinema and sip a lovely cold pint of Guinness (not always at the same time).
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VfB Stuttgart v Everton: Kick-off time, team news and how to watch
VfB Stuttgart v Everton: Kick-off time, team news and how to watch
Everton told to forget about ‘Italian’ transfer target
Everton told to forget about ‘Italian’ transfer target