Fabrizio Romano: Everton seal major breakthrough with two-year ‘deal confirmed’
Everton are stepping up their transfer activity following the conclusion of the 2024–25 Premier League profit and sustainability accounting period, which officially ended on June 30. With the financial window now closed, the club is free to push ahead with their summer plans, and they’ve wasted little time in making progress on several fronts — both in terms of new signings and securing key players to fresh contracts.
The Merseyside club has already confirmed the permanent signing of midfielder Carlos Alcaraz, following a promising loan spell last season. Alcaraz impressed during his temporary stint and has now been tied down as part of Everton’s long-term midfield strategy.
Additionally, Everton are believed to have struck a deal for Thierno Barry, the highly-rated Villarreal striker. The 22-year-old forward had attracted interest from fellow Premier League clubs West Ham United and Crystal Palace, but Everton appear to have won the race for his signature. Barry is expected to fill the void left by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has departed the club after his contract expired at the end of June.
In terms of other transfer targets, Everton have also been linked with World Cup-winning left-back Nicolás Tagliafico, who is currently available as a free agent after leaving Lyon. The Argentine’s experience and quality could be a valuable addition to the squad, particularly in light of recent defensive departures. Furthermore, there have been whispers of interest in Conor Gallagher, the dynamic midfielder from Chelsea. While any potential deal for Gallagher would likely require significant investment, Everton are monitoring the situation closely.
Contract Renewals Also a Priority
Just as important as incoming signings, Everton are also working diligently behind the scenes to retain key figures from their current squad. Several players have already left the club on free transfers this summer, but the Toffees are keen to avoid further departures.
One major boost has come in the form of Idrissa Gana Gueye, who is set to remain at Goodison Park until June 2027. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the Senegalese midfielder has agreed a new two-year extension, with official confirmation expected soon. Romano posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Gana Gueye and Everton, new deal confirmed until June 2027.”
Despite turning 36 in September, Gueye continues to play at an elite level. The veteran midfielder finished the 2024/25 season as the Premier League’s top tackler, registering 133 successful tackles — 10 more than second-placed Daniel Muñoz of Crystal Palace. Gueye’s consistent ability to disrupt opposition play has made him a cornerstone of the Everton midfield, and manager David Moyes clearly still sees the value he brings. For comparison, even highly regarded Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo managed only 114 tackles last season.
Gueye’s renewed commitment to the club follows other significant contract extensions, reflecting Everton’s broader strategy to maintain stability in key areas of the pitch. Jarrad Branthwaite, one of the brightest defensive talents in English football, has signed a new five-year deal, fending off interest from a number of top-flight rivals. The 22-year-old said:
> “I’m over the moon. It’s been something we’ve been talking about since the end of the season, and to get it signed now is something I’m really excited about. The trust the club’s put in me and how many games I’ve played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and keep progressing as a player.”
Veteran centre-back Michael Keane has also committed to the club for another year. The experienced defender, who has been with Everton since 2017, expressed his pride in continuing his journey at Goodison Park:
> “I love Everton and have been massively proud to play for this club since the day I joined, so I’m delighted to extend my stay here. The manager wants a competitive squad and I still feel I have a lot to give.”
Looking Ahead
With momentum building off the pitch, Everton now appear well-positioned to continue strengthening their squad as they aim to climb the Premier League table next season. Balancing experienced veterans like Gueye and Keane with emerging talents such as Branthwaite and new signings like Barry could be key to a more consistent campaign.
Manager David Moyes and the Everton hierarchy still have work to do, particularly in finalizing further additions and trimming the squad where needed, but the early signs suggest a focused and strategic approach to this transfer window. Supporters will be hoping this new-look squad can deliver on the pitch and return Everton to the top half of the table — or perhaps even back into European contention.