Goodison News exclusive as Everton manager David Moyes stares into the distance with a concerned expression.
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Shaw
Wed 20 August 2025 17:15, UK
David Moyes could be about to face another major issue as he bids to strengthen his Everton team in the final stages of the transfer window.
The Toffees have already added six new faces to their ranks so far this summer, but the disappointing defeat to Leeds United in their opening Premier League game highlighted that there is still plenty of work to be done in the market.
Moyes has expressed his frustrations over Everton’s business, but the problems show no signs of slowing down for the Scot as the 1 September deadline approaches.
The Merseysiders continue to be linked with several potential targets, but negotiations are unlikely to be as simple as they seem on the face of it.
David Moyes being interviewed
Moyes has made his frustrations with Everton’s window clear recently. (Credit: Imago)
This article includes exclusive comment from former Everton scout Bryan King.
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Jakub Kiwior transfer links unlock big Everton issue
Everton are now being linked with a move for Jakub Kiwior, as the Arsenal defender is open to a summer departure to get more game time, according to CaughtOffside.
The Polish international is a capable centre-back, but the Toffees are unlikely to be able to convince him of a regular starting spot ahead of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite.
They certainly need stronger cover, but it could be difficult to attract Kiwior with the offer of a backup role, given the interest that he is also receiving from the likes of Wolves and Crystal Palace.
Kiwior started 10 Premier League games for Arsenal last season
He is predominantly a centre-back but can also fill in at left-back
He has gained experience in both the Champions League and Europa League at Arsenal
Ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes that it could be a deal that would create more problems for Moyes than it would solve.
“I don’t think (Michael) Keane is really good enough,” King said.
“He obviously played against Leeds but the essence is on Branthwaite coming back.
“I’m not sure whether Everton want extra cover in that position. But, if you’re going to bring a player in and he’s going to cost you money, you’ve really got to guarantee him a place in the team.
“I think when Branthwaite comes back it’s going to be difficult to see Kiwior starting.
“Unless Everton are going to get rid of Keane in the next few weeks then I’m not sure. I don’t know if he (Kiwior) would be an improvement for Everton to be honest.”
David Moyes won’t want to disrupt defence too much
Branthwaite’s return to action for Everton will almost definitely see him slot back in alongside Tarkowski, in a return to the partnership that was so strong in the second half of last season.
Stats (per 90) Kiwior Branthwaite Tarkowski
Starts 10 28 33
Tackles Won 1.76 1.29 1.97
Blocks 1.04 1.11 1.75
Interceptions 0.48 0.97 1.26
Aerial Duels Won 0.88 2.19 3.14
Kiwior’s 2024/25 Premier League stats compared to Branthwaite and Tarkowski, as per FBref.
Moyes won’t want to disrupt that duo when it eventually does become available to him again, but that then leaves him in the awkward position of trying to strengthen his defensive options whilst being able to promise little more than a rotational role.
Kiwior has turned in some impressive displays for Arsenal and is a versatile option, but he is too inexperienced to justify a start ahead of the Toffees’ more established options at the moment.
Equally, that feels likely to close the door on the possibility of Everton securing his signature, which could then lead Moyes back into the same cycle with a different target.
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