Everton now ready to pay £5m+ to sign new star with same agent as McNeil
Everton Step Up Transfer Business with Multiple Deals in the Pipeline
Everton are starting to build momentum in the summer transfer window, with a number of potential arrivals now in motion as manager David Moyes looks to reshape the squad for the 2025/26 season. The Toffees, who have already seen a host of experienced players leave the club, are closing in on their first signing of the window and are actively working on several fronts to strengthen the team in key areas.
First Summer Signing Close as Everton Target Villarreal Forward
One of the most significant developments involves Villarreal striker Thierno Barry, who is reportedly on the verge of joining Everton. The 21-year-old French-born forward, who impressed with his speed and physicality in La Liga, is expected to cost around £30 million. Talks between the two clubs are believed to be at an advanced stage, with Everton keen to finalise a deal that would see Barry become the club’s first major signing of the summer.
Barry, known for his clinical finishing and movement off the ball, is viewed as a long-term solution to Everton’s striking woes, especially with Dominic Calvert-Lewin departing Goodison Park following the expiration of his contract.
Further Attacking Reinforcements on the Horizon
In addition to Barry, Everton are exploring the possibility of signing Serbian forward Mihailo Ivanovic from Millwall. The 22-year-old, who has shown promise in the Championship, is being monitored closely as the club weighs up its options in the attacking department. Although talks are still ongoing, Ivanovic could become another valuable addition to Moyes’ new-look front line if the two clubs can agree on a suitable fee.
Meanwhile, journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that Everton may also pursue a move for Ipswich Town winger Omari Hutchinson, who is reportedly keen to return to the Premier League after Ipswich’s relegation. Hutchinson, 20, had a strong campaign despite his team’s struggles and is said to be attracting interest from multiple top-flight clubs.
“Privately, the player would love the chance to return to the Premier League,” O’Rourke revealed. “However, Ipswich are determined to keep hold of him as they aim for an immediate promotion back to the top flight.”
Defence Reinforcements: Tagliafico in Advanced Talks
On the defensive front, Everton are in advanced negotiations with Nicolas Tagliafico, the experienced Argentine left-back who recently left French side Lyon following their financial turmoil. The 31-year-old is available on a free transfer, and talks have progressed well, with Everton eager to add both experience and depth to the left-back position. Should he arrive, Tagliafico would offer solid competition to current first-choice Vitalii Mykolenko, without significantly impacting Moyes’ budget.
Everton Eye New Goalkeeper as Pickford Needs Backup
Another area Everton are eager to address is the goalkeeping position. With the departures of Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic earlier this summer, Jordan Pickford remains the only senior goalkeeper currently on the books at Finch Farm. That has prompted the club to identify a new shot-stopper who can provide competition — and potentially succeed — the England international.
According to respected journalist Alan Nixon, Everton are targeting Michael Cooper, who enjoyed a stellar campaign with Sheffield United. The 25-year-old played 46 matches across all competitions last season, conceding just 35 goals and keeping an impressive 23 clean sheets — a remarkable return for a keeper in the Championship.
Cooper’s performances caught the eye of several Premier League clubs, but Everton appear to be leading the race, reportedly preparing a bid in the region of £5 million plus performance-based add-ons. However, Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles is holding out for a higher fee, and the player himself is said to be in no rush to leave unless offered guaranteed first-team minutes.
Interestingly, Cooper is represented by Unique Sports Group, the same agency that manages Everton stars Dwight McNeil and recent signing Jake O’Brien. This existing relationship could give the Toffees a crucial edge in securing his services.
Statistically, Cooper has been one of the most consistent keepers in the EFL, boasting a 79.6% save success rate — a figure that would put him among the top performers in the Premier League. Everton see him as an ideal addition who fits into their long-term vision, especially under the new ownership influence of the Friedkin Group, who are backing Moyes in the ongoing rebuild.
Rebuild in Motion as Moyes Looks to the Future
As the post-PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) deadline transfer activity intensifies, Everton appear increasingly proactive in reshaping their squad. With several senior players having moved on — including Abdoulaye Doucouré, Ashley Young, and Calvert-Lewin — a fresh chapter is being written under David Moyes, who is assembling a side capable of pushing up the table and returning Everton to the higher echelons of English football.
More signings are expected in the coming weeks, with both the domestic and international markets being thoroughly scouted. Whether it’s young talents like Cooper and Hutchinson or seasoned professionals like Tagliafico, the Toffees are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to build a balanced and competitive squad ahead of the new season.