Everton are facing competition from Celtic in the race to sign Issa Doumbia.
Ahead of the summer, Everton are eyeing possible midfield additions despite the surplus of options currently on Merseyside.
Harrison Armstrong has struggled to make the Everton squad in recent weeks, but the Blues seemingly want more ahead of next season.
Which of these players do you want to see Everton SIGN in 2026?
The following names have been suggested by fans on TalkingPoints…
Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Nassr
Credit: Getty Images/Yasser Bakhsh
Everton hold an interest in Doumbia. They are not alone, though, with Celtic among the other clubs keen to land the Italian.
West Ham United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
Everton battling Celtic for Issa Doumbia signing
Doumbia recently rejected an offer from Besiktas as he reflects on his options ahead of a potential summer switch.
Currently playing his football with Serie B side Venezia, Gazzetta dello Sport have claimed Celtic have now joined the race.
Don’t hold back, let us know who you want gone this summer 👋
Thierno Barry of Everton during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton. Tyler Dibling of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton. Carlos Alcaraz appears after the Premier League match between Leeds United and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse/Carl Recine/Pat Scaasi/MI News/NurPhoto.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
The Bhoys are not alone, with the number of potential landing spots growing. The report credited the following clubs with an interest:
Celtic
Espanyol
Southampton
Club Brugge
There is a belief that Everton would have to pay £13m for Doumbia given Venezia have secured promotion back to the top flight.
Having already seen Merlin Rohl struggle since his summer arrival, there will be some questions as to whether Doumbia is what Everton really need.
Everton risk further summer signing gambles
The Toffees could be operating in a new market this summer if they are able to qualify for one of the European competitions.
Everton have taken transfer gambles over recent years and not a lot of them have paid off.
Thierno Barry has really struggled at Everton this season and he is receiving a lot of criticism from large sections of the fanbase.
Using Squawka’s comparison matrix, Doumbia’s stats from last season would suggest he could not even compete with Tim Iroegbunam for a spot on the Everton bench.
A comparison of Venezia midfielder Issa Doumbia and Everton's Tim Iroegbunam.
Credit: Squawka
With this in mind, Everton should be eyeing proven players who do not pose as big a risk regarding whether they will make an impact on Merseyside.
The calibre of interested clubs in Doumbia could well be a sign that Everton should be targeting a player of greater reputation this summer if they want to improve their midfield.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox