Everton news and talking points – August 14, 2026
Another busy day at Read Everton, with Tim Iroegbunam’s future suddenly looking rather less straightforward, while David Moyes’ preparations for the new season continue to take shape.
Iroegbunam exit now in doubt
The biggest development came late in the day, with reports suggesting Hull City’s move for Iroegbunam could be in doubt.
The midfielder has been the subject of discussions with the newly promoted club after Everton made him available, but his current injury means there is still plenty to resolve.
It is one to watch, particularly with Iroegbunam already listed as sidelined on our Everton injury and fitness tracker.
Munoz remains an option at right-back
Everton also learned more about what it could take to sign Daniel Munoz from Crystal Palace.
A fee in the region of £20-25m has been reported, with the Colombia international emerging as one of the more obvious solutions to Moyes’ long-running right-back problem.
The interest is genuine, although Everton still have a decision to make. We have updated our Everton transfer tracker with the latest.
There was also a reported link with FC Köln defender Rav van den Berg, although that one currently rests on a single German source and is worth treating with considerably more caution.
Lille tomorrow – and several players to watch
Everton finish their pre-season programme against Lille at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Jarrad Branthwaite is expected to feature, while Jordan Pickford could make his return following England’s World Cup campaign.
There could also be debuts for Brennan Johnson and further minutes for Christian Nørgaard.
Our full Everton v Lille preview and how to watch guide has all the details.
Academy progress continues
Away from the first team, Everton handed 17-year-old midfielder Melvin Matos his first professional contract, keeping him at the club until June 2028.
It is another small but encouraging sign of the work continuing behind the scenes at Finch Farm.
And finally, Everton confirmed their 2026/27 squad numbers, with Johnson taking No.22, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall moving to No.8 and Nørgaard taking No.23.
There is still plenty to resolve before the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on August 22 — and, judging by today, the next few days are unlikely to be quiet.
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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Everton’s Hull City exit plan for midfielder in doubt – reports
Everton’s Hull City exit plan for midfielder in doubt – reports
Everton confirm 2026/27 squad numbers — three changes worth noting
Everton confirm 2026/27 squad numbers — three changes worth noting