ndiaye-everton
Everton have beaten Newcastle United for the second time in a matter of days to move up to seventh in the Premier League. Last Thursday, they advanced in the Carabao Cup, knocking the Magpies out.
Some are still left questioning Moyes' tactics. Why was Brennan Johnson brought on as the likes of Tyler Dibling or maybe even the young and exciting Braiden Graham were kept on the bench?
Everton manager David Moyes
Everton manager David Moyes
But it's hard to rail against the manager when considering the job he is doing right now. Everton are seventh in the Premier League and into the quarter-finals of their first domestic tournament. It could be worse, for sure, but they will still fall by the wayside in the long run if they do not make some impactful signings.
In attack, the Merseysiders lack some magic, someone like Iliman Ndiaye.
Why Iliman Ndiaye was such a good signing for Everton
Ndiaye, 26, completed a £65m move from Everton to Manchester City this summer, ending two thrilling years on Merseyside.
He will be missed, not only because of Everton's lack of numbers in attacking areas, but because of the X-factor the Senegal international brings to the table.
Described as "one of the best players to watch in the Premier League" by sports writer James Nalton, Ndiaye lacked end product, but he was still immense on either wing for the Toffees, winning six duels and completing 2.3 dribbles on average each game last season. n
The season is young, but it doesn't look like, at City, Ndiaye has quite recaptured that same celestial form that established him as a talisman on Merseyside.
Everton need to dig into their pockets and sign some exciting forwards in 2027. Players who can rival Ndiaye. However, it's not only the forward line that needs improving, with Everton actually looking a bit lower when preparing to make one of their best signings in a number of years.
Everton in talks to sign La Liga star
Everton finished the summer transfer window considerably weaker than when they ended the 2025/26 campaign; Moyes' side had endured a seven-game winless run to finish the term, but before that, they had edged toward European contention.
Everton manager David Moyes looks on before the match
Everton manager David Moyes looks on before the match
One of the great failures of recent years has been the absence of a proper right-back. Ainsley Maitland-Niles had been signed, but he's left a lot to be desired - and he's naturally a midfielder anyway.
Well, according to TEAMtalk, Everton are hoping to right their recent wrongs by signing Celta Vigo sensation Javi Rodriguez, with the 23-year-old Spaniard also attracting significant interest from Fulham and Newcastle United.
These are among the clubs who had been in contact with the player's representatives at the end of the summer transfer window. Everton's interest remains.
Celta Vigo full-back Javi Rodriguez
Celta Vigo full-back Javi Rodriguez
Rodriguez is valued at £33m, having skyrocketed into the ascendancy this season. It should be noted that Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, but Everton could be the perfect career stepping stone for a full-back who would fix so many problems at the Hill Dickinson.
Javi Rodriguez could be Everton's best signing since Ndiaye
Against Celtic in the Europa League this season, Rodriguez scored twice to condemn the Scottish champions to defeat. He is mobile and multi-layered, the kind of progressive defender who knows when to stay put and when to try and help out the forwards in front of him.
Everton may be missing Seamus Coleman after the long-serving right-back drew down the curtain on his lengthy Evertonian career last season, but the Irishman was right to point out that there is a real team spirit about this outfit right now.
Rodriguez can also play centre-back, but he would most certainly represent an upgrade on Maitland-Niles and Jake O'Brien, both of whom have their strengths, but also their limitations at right-back.
Everton need balance at the back, and also more fluidity when moving forward. This Rodriguez would give them; in La Liga this season, he has completed 91% of his passes and won 63% of his ground battles, crisp on the ball and careful in picking his moments to surge forward.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles and David Moyes
Ainsley Maitland-Niles and David Moyes
Talent scout Jacek Kulig remarked that the Spaniard "has everything to become a club legend" at Celta Vigo, but with interest ramping up, he could instead choose to cement himself as a core part of an Everton side who need such a profile to bridge the gap on the European places.
By making this move, Everton would solve their biggest problem. Thierno Barry is imperfect, but at least he's scoring goals up front. Perhaps Everton will solve their biggest issue by adding this rising star to the ranks.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for Everton-1
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for Everton-1