Everton’s recruitment team have been busy drawing up a list of transfer targets over the last few months in preparation for the summer window, which opens on the 1st of June.
Newly-appointed CEO Angus Kinnear said it’ll be an unprecedented summer for Everton in his first interview with the club earlier this month.
There will be a lot of change in the squad, with so many leaving on free transfers at the end of their contracts.
So it’s vital for David Moyes and his chiefs to recruit smartly and efficiently ahead of the move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
That said, it appears Everton are about to be dealt their first blow of the window, as Chelsea look set to win the race for a £21m striker who they were after.
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea set to win race to sign Everton target Emanuel Emegha
Last month, Everton News exclusively reported that Moyes was closely monitoring RC Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha.
Emegha emerged on his radar after a sensational season in Ligue 1, with some French journalists labelling him the ‘player of the year’.
29 appearances
14 goals
3 assists
But, unfortunately for the Toffees, it looks like the 22-year-old is set to sign a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea.
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🚨🔵🇳🇱🇳🇬 #PL |
🔐 Chelsea have offered to Emanuel Emegha a six-year contract valid until June 2️⃣0️⃣3️⃣1️⃣
❗️The intention is for him to stay in Strasbourg for another year and then go to Chelsea
⏳️A full agreement is just a matter of time.
🤝 @FabrizioRomano… https://t.co/j2khqgiK2y pic.twitter.com/PjrDrwCn70
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) May 27, 2025
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Enzo Maresca’s side were also going to hold the advantage, given they’re sister clubs with Strasbourg, so Moyes will now have to look elsewhere.
All eyes on Liam Delap deal
Clearly, the deal Everton really want to do is Liam Delap, having held talks with the Ipswich Town striker over the last few days.
It’s understood that Moyes’ pitch impressed Delap and the Friedkin Group are willing to offer him a substantial contract with an exit clause a few years down the line.
Nick Woltemade is also an option for the Toffees, with the Stuttgart centre-forward available for around £37m.
Woltemade and Delap are 6ft 4 and 6ft 6 respectively, so it’s pretty evident the profile Moyes and his staff are looking for.
A telling summer awaits on Merseyside.