After a poor run of form towards the end of the 2025-26 Premier League season cost them a place in Europe, Everton are determined to strengthen their squad this summer.
Hayden Hackney was the first to arrive, with the central midfielder arriving from Middlesbrough after his youth club lost the Championship final to Hull City.
Since then, the Toffees have also managed to bring in Tyrique George, a defender who seemed to impress David Moyes when he was on loan at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last season.
David Moyes’ side have been active at the start of the summer transfer window, and despite securing Hackney’s signature, they remain keen to add another midfielder to their ranks.
Talks have been held over the contract of Parma star Mandela Keita, while the Merseyside club have also entered the race to sign former Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, who has joined Juventus in 2024.
Everton unveil a move for Douglas Luiz
According to a report from Calciomercato (via Sports Witness), Everton are now linked with a move to sign Luiz, while Juventus are open to a sale, after loaning the midfielder to Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa last season.
The Brazilian is ‘ready to prove himself’ to Juventus, but the Italian side are open to offers, suggesting a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium is a real possibility.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Everton need to sign a new midfielder, with Idrissa Gueye’s contract expiring. Even if the Senegal international ends up extending his stay on Merseyside, he is now 36 years old, meaning a replacement will be needed soon. |
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Finance |
Back in March, Juventus were said to be demanding €25m (£22m) from the former Aston Villa man. However, a loan deal is possible, considering he was sent to Forest and Villa on a temporary basis last season. |
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Understanding |
The bad thing is that this 28-year-old player has the experience of learning in the Premier League, he played 196 games in this competition. During that time, he has tallied 21 goals and 18 assists. |
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Impact |
Like Gueye, the 18-cap Brazilian is comfortable playing in midfield. Therefore, he could be a suitable long-term replacement for the Senegalese star. |
Why Everton may need to sign Douglas Luiz
Everton have already strengthened their midfield this summer, signing Hackney from Middlesbrough, but the England man is yet to test himself in the top flight, meaning he may take some time to adapt.
Luiz, on the other hand, made a real impact on loan at Aston Villa last season, averaging 1.5 clearances per 90 in the Premier League, which was more than any other player in the squad, while an accurate passing rate of 57.3 per 90 ranked second.
Unai Emery also praised the maestro during the 2023-24 campaign, saying: “Douglas plays very well and his dedication is amazing.”
The central midfielder’s performances for Villa show that he still has a lot to offer in the Premier League, and Everton should definitely look to secure his signing if he becomes available.
