Everton only have a few days left to secure their remaining targets in this transfer window, as David Moyes will be on the owners’ backs.
It’s been a summer of promise from The Friedkin Group, and after spending over £100m on eight signings, they’ve delivered.
The impact of the new regime behind the scenes at Everton is clear, as The Friedkins have spent £60m more than last summer.
Evertonians will be impressed, but Moyes still wants two more players to be truly satisfied with the squad he has.
But not all plans are coming to fruition at this stage, and one key target looks to be slipping away.
Benfica's Florentino Luis during Club World Cup game against Chelsea.
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Burnley ‘closing in’ on £22.4m deal for Everton target Florentino Luis
In recent days, it’s been suggested that Everton have offered for Florentino Luis.
The Benfica midfielder has been a target for the Toffees, as a central midfielder is on the mind of Moyes.
However, despite their pursuit, it’s actually Burnley who are the ones leading the charge, as Fabrizio Romano claims that Scott Parker’s men are ‘closing in’ on a package worth £22.4 million, which starts with a loan.
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🚨🟣 Burnley are closing in on Florentino Luis deal €2m loan fee plus €24m obligation to buy bid accepted by Benfica!
There are still details to clarify but Burnley will push to avoid late hijacks. pic.twitter.com/8lOHDMI7ur
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2025
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This will certainly shock the Everton fanbase, as in no disrespect to the Clarets, it’s the Blues who should really be leading the race.
Nevertheless, it looks like another player is slipping out of the grasp of the Toffees, and Everton are missing out on a long-term solution.
Everton are missing out on their Idrissa Gana Gueye successor with Florentino Luis
Something that was considered last summer was the future of Idrissa Gana Gueye.
The Senegalese midfielder penned a one-year deal with the option of an extension, as Everton needed to secure the 35-year-old’s services once more.
His player of the season last campaign was warranted, but unfortunately, Gueye won’t be at Everton forever, and his replacement needs to be lined up.
Luis shows these capabilities as he is a defensive machine and has expressed this from a young age in Portugal.
Now he’s 26, a move to the Premier League feels right, as Everton can land the next ‘N’Golo Kante’ with Luis, along with finally replacing Gueye.
But as things stand, this opportunity is passing them by, as Burnley are set to reap their rewards.