Fabrizio Romano: Everton reach agreement to sign “brave” player with same agent as Barry
In what could prove to be one of the more surprising late moves of the transfer window, Everton have reportedly struck an agreement to land one of their priority summer targets in a deal worth a significant sum. With less than two weeks remaining before the market closes, the Toffees appear to be stepping up their ambition under new ownership.
Moyes Relishes Hill Dickinson Stadium Inauguration
Everton’s season may have started on a sour note with a frustrating opening-day defeat to newly-promoted Leeds United, but manager David Moyes is determined not to dwell on that disappointment. Instead, his attention has already shifted to what he believes will be a landmark afternoon for the club: their first Premier League fixture at the newly completed Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The state-of-the-art venue will host its maiden top-flight clash this weekend when Brighton & Hove Albion come to town. Moyes, who has overseen a busy summer of transition both on and off the pitch, expressed his excitement ahead of the historic match:
> “We’re all really looking forward to the new stadium. It’s been on the horizon for so long, and now the day has finally arrived. Of course, it always takes time to adapt to a new home, but the players and staff are genuinely excited. This could be the start of something very special for Everton.”
The Everton boss also reserved praise for their opponents, adding:
> “Brighton are a very progressive football club. Year after year, they recruit smartly, sell at the right time, and still manage to maintain a strong team. Their model is admirable, and more importantly, they’ve built a side that plays very good football.”
A Fresh Look for the Toffees
Saturday’s clash could also mark the full debut of marquee summer arrival Jack Grealish. The England international, on loan from Manchester City, came off the bench during the loss at Leeds but is pushing for a starting role at Hill Dickinson. With the 2026 World Cup edging closer, Grealish is determined to rediscover his form, and Everton have offered him the platform to do exactly that.
The 28-year-old is just one of several new recruits. Moyes and the club’s new backers, The Friedkin Group, have already overseen the arrivals of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Thierno Barry, Adam Aznou, Carlos Alcaraz, Mark Travers, and Tom King. Together, they represent one of Everton’s most proactive windows in years—yet it seems the biggest move of the lot has only just been finalised.
Everton Seal Tyler Dibling Deal
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Everton have now reached a breakthrough agreement with Southampton to sign highly rated winger Tyler Dibling in a deal that could rise to £42 million. The Merseyside outfit initially appeared to have fallen short of the Saints’ valuation earlier this summer, but with negotiations reopening, Southampton eventually softened their demands, paving the way for Everton to pounce.
The capture of Dibling is seen as a statement of intent. At just 19 years old, the England youth international is regarded as one of the most promising attacking talents in the country. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has previously described him as “brave” for his willingness to take risks on the ball, and many within the game believe his ceiling is extremely high.
For Moyes, this signing significantly boosts his attacking arsenal. Last season, Everton often looked short of creativity and dynamism in the final third, relying heavily on the likes of Jack Harrison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Jesper Lindstrom. This term, however, the manager can now call upon a revitalised Grealish, the industrious Dewsbury-Hall, the versatile Barry, and the fearless Dibling to reshape his frontline.
A New Era Under Friedkin
The acquisition of Dibling also reflects the growing influence of The Friedkin Group, who took control of Everton with the ambition of stabilising the club and restoring it to the upper reaches of the Premier League. Early signs suggest they are serious about that vision. With a modern stadium, a refreshed squad, and an experienced manager, Everton suddenly look capable of turning the page on recent years of struggle.
For Moyes, the task now is to blend his new signings with the existing core of players and establish consistency. If the new arrivals can settle quickly, Everton may transform from perennial relegation battlers into genuine contenders for a place in the top half of the table.
As the curtain rises on the Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend, Everton fans will be hoping that this new chapter—one filled with bold signings, fresh optimism, and renewed ambition—marks the beginning of a brighter era on Merseyside.