David Moyes took the reins in January and guided Everton away from certain peril. Goodison Park was sinking, but instead, the Scottish coach has made a positive impact and ensured the club parted with their historic home in a good position, set for future success.
With the 2024/25 Premier League season wrapped up, Everton finishing 13th, Moyes and The Friedkin Group have turned their attention to the summer transfer window, releasing a number of loanees as well as first-team mainstays such as Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure
Whether players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane will be playing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium remains to be seen, but The Toffees are preparing to add some genuine quality to the starting line-up.
On that note, let's have a look at how Moyes could apply his expertise over the summer, bringing in a few fresh faces who could make a big difference for a team hoping to challenge for a place in the top half.
1 GK - Jordan Pickford
jordan-pickford-everton-premier-league
Jordan Pickford has now completed 319 matches for Everton, keeping 89 clean sheets. He's been a pillar of strength and a source of leadership for so many years.
He's going nowhere; what else is there to say?
2 RB - Jake O'Brien
Jake O'Brien celebrates for Everton
Joining from Lyon last summer, Jake O'Brien didn't start a Premier League game until Moyes' second game, filling in at right-back during the thrilling 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park.
He's since been a regular feature in the starting line-up, hailed as an "absolute revelation" by TNT Sports commentator Adam Virgo.
3 CB - Yann Bisseck
Inter Milan's Yann Bisseck in action with AC Milan's Theo Hernandez
While the currently injured James Tarkowski will still be on the books, Everton could move to sign a long-term heir, with Inter Milan's Yann Bisseck being ambitiously targeted for the role.
Bissesk is a monstrous defensive star, playing a prominent role in the Serie A side's ongoing Champions League campaign.
As per TEAMtalk, Everton have been informed they could bring him over to Bramley-Moore if they meet the £30m asking price.
4 CB - Jarrad Branthwaite
jarrad branthwaite
Will Jarrad Branthwaite be an Everton player come September? Only a few months ago, the powerful defender was reported to be considering his options after being overlooked by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel for the March camp.
Tuchel has opted against picking him once again. Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are rumoured to be keen, but Moyes will certainly want to keep hold of his star centre-back.
5 LB - Vitalii Mykolenko
Mykolenko
Solid and largely dependable, Vitalii Mykolenko has another gear to raise in his development, but has definitely made gains, speaking of his enjoyment in embracing a more attacking role since the managerial change in January.
Mykolenko has six goal involvements across 110 matches in the Premier League, half of which have been posted over his last 11 matches, with Moyes at the helm.
6 CM - Tomas Soucek
Tomas Soucek scores for West Ham
Moyes wants to sign Tomas Soucek this summer, having enjoyed the fruits of the Czech midfielder's labours for over four years at West Ham United.
An industrious and physical player with a shrewd eye for goal, Soucek would dovetail right in. And according to Football Insider, he's keen on the move.
7 CM - Idrissa Gueye
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye
TFG are fighting tooth and nail to tie 35-year-old Idrissa Gueye down to a new contract, as per TEAMtalk. He might be getting on, but the Senegalese midfielder was a tough-tackling menace in the centre of the park this season, so important for Moyes' side.
Premier League 24/25 - Top Tacklers
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Everton will need to retain his services. Gueye instils a calming effect while bringing the thunderous storm to his opponents, and it will be hard to replace that.
8 RW - Ben Doak
Ben Doak in action for Scotland
According to reports, Everton are talking internally about a jaw-dropping swoop for Liverpool talent Ben Doak, who has enjoyed a productive loan spell with Middlesbrough, scoring three goals and supplying seven assists from 24 games in the Championship.
Valued at £30m, the Scotland international wouldn't come cheap, but he's explosive and electric and definitely an upgrade on the outgoing Jack Harrison.
Former Tartan Army boss Craig Levein has touted him to become a "world-class player," after all.
9 AM - Charly Alcaraz
Everton midfielder Charly Alcaraz
Everton might be parting with most of their loan contingent, but they are in talks with Flamengo to sign Charly Alcaraz on a permanent basis.
The Argentina talent is tenacious and dynamic, and will give Dwight McNeil a run for his money for the number ten berth, especially now that Doucoure has played his final game in Merseyside blue.
10 LW - Iliman Ndiaye
Iliman Ndiaye scores for Everton
What a player. Iliman Ndiaye missed a sizeable chunk of the season after Moyes replaced Sean Dyche, but who can deny he's been a show-stopping signing?
Arriving from Marseille for a £15m fee, Ndiaye, 25, finished the campaign as the club's top scorer, with 11 goals from 37 matches in all competitions.