Everton’s primary transfer focus in the January 2026 window is securing a high-profile striker, with Fenerbahce’s Youssef En-Nesyri currently at the top of David Moyes’ wishlist. Following the club’s successful takeover by The Friedkin Group (TFG) and the move to the state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium, the Toffees’ financial outlook has stabilized significantly. While the club is pursuing a loan-to-buy deal for En-Nesyri, they are also monitoring Callum Wilson’s situation at West Ham. Outgoings have been strategic, with young goalkeeper Harry Tyrer recently joining Cardiff City on a permanent deal and several academy prospects like Will Tamen heading out on loan. Despite a mid-table position of 12th, the hierarchy is prioritizing long-term squad building over “quick fixes,” aiming to use the remaining winter days to bolster the attack and solidify the right-back position.
The January 2026 Transfer Window
Striker Targets and Rumors
Everton are actively pursuing a new “number nine” to provide competition for Thierno Barry and Beto. The most prominent name is Youssef En-Nesyri, the 6ft 2in Moroccan international currently at Fenerbahce. David Moyes is reportedly a long-term admirer and has proposed an initial loan with a £20 million option to buy.
Negotiations are complex due to interest from other Premier League clubs like Nottingham Forest. However, recent reports from Sky Germany suggest En-Nesyri’s preference is a move to Merseyside. Additionally, Callum Wilson remains a “plan B” target, though West Ham may block his exit following his recent goal-scoring form.
Right-Back and Defensive Depth
Strengthening the right-back position has been a priority since the summer of 2025. Brooke Norton-Cuffy, currently at Genoa, is a primary target, though the Italian side is reportedly holding out for a permanent fee of approximately £17 million.
The return to fitness of Nathan Patterson and the evergreen Seamus Coleman has reduced the immediate urgency, but Moyes is keen on a younger long-term successor. This has allowed Jake O’Brien to move back into a central defensive role where he has excelled this season.
Ownership and Financial Impact
The Friedkin Group Takeover
The acquisition of Everton by The Friedkin Group (TFG) in December 2024 has transformed the club’s financial landscape. By paying off high-interest loans and restructuring debt with institutional lenders like JP Morgan, TFG has ended the “sell-to-buy” era that plagued the Moshiri years.
PSR and Spending Power
In January 2026, the Premier League confirmed that Everton successfully passed the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). This was achieved through a combination of increased stadium revenue, new sponsorship deals with brands like Castore and Stake, and the strategic £30 million sale of the women’s team in mid-2025.
CEO Angus Kinnear has stated that while the club has “plenty of wiggle room” for spending, they will avoid £60m-£70m gambles in the winter. Instead, the focus is on a major “Phase Two” rebuild in the summer of 2026.
2025/2026 Transfer Activity: Ins and Outs
Key Arrivals (Summer 2025 – Jan 2026)
- Tyler Dibling (£40.5m): The marquee signing from Southampton who has added flair to the wing.
- Thierno Barry (£30m): The French striker from Villarreal, currently establishing himself as a starter.
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (£28.7m): A key midfield addition from Chelsea who has provided much-needed creativity.
- Jack Grealish (Loan): A high-profile loan from Manchester City that has revitalized the club’s attacking presence.
Key Departures (Summer 2025 – Jan 2026)
- Amadou Onana (£59.4m): Sold to Aston Villa to balance the books and fund squad depth.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Free): Left upon the expiry of his contract in July 2025.
- Harry Tyrer (Undisclosed): Permanent move to Cardiff City in January 2026.
- Youssef Chermiti (£8.6m): Permanent transfer to Rangers.
Practical Information and Planning
How to Follow Transfer News
- Official Source: The EvertonFC.com Transfers page is the only place for 100% confirmed deals.
- Rumor Trackers: Sky Sports Transfer Centre and the Liverpool Echo “Transfer State of Play” are reliable for daily gossip.
- Deadline Day: The January 2026 window closes at 11:00 PM GMT on Monday, February 2.
Visiting the New Stadium
If you are planning to visit the Hill Dickinson Stadium (Bramley-Moore Dock) during the transfer window:
- Transport: Use the extra shuttle services from Sandhills station; Merseytravel has increased capacity for the 2025/26 season.
- Tickets: Most games are currently sold out, but official members can access the resale platform 48 hours before kick-off.
- Tours: Stadium tours are now available daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except on matchdays.
The Strategic Shift: 2025 vs. 2026
Dyche’s Low Block (The 2024/25 Blueprint)
Under Sean Dyche, Everton’s primary objective was to minimize space between the lines. They typically operated in a 4-1-4-1 or 4-4-2 mid-to-low block, forcing opponents into wide areas where center-backs like James Tarkowski could dominate crosses.
The offense was “brutally simple,” often bypassing the midfield entirely to look for second balls around a physical striker. While this made Everton “hard to beat,” it often resulted in “sterile possession” and an extreme lack of movement off the ball, leading to the second-lowest goal tally in the league during the 2024/25 season.
Moyes’ Direct Overload (The 2026 Evolution)
David Moyes has maintained the defensive grit but “moved the starting positions higher up the pitch.” His 2026 4-2-3-1 system focuses on left-sided overloads, where Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall combine in close proximity to pull opposition defenses out of shape.
By occupying the “half-spaces,” these creative players create a vacuum on the right-hand side. This allows the “underloaded” right-winger, often Iliman Ndiaye, to isolate full-backs one-on-one or arrive late in the box to finish crosses generated from the left.
Tactical Pillars of “Moyes 2.0”
The “24 Squares” Training Method
Moyes has famously reintroduced his “segmented” training pitch at Finch Farm. The pitch is divided into 24 equal squares, which helps players visualize their specific positional responsibilities during rapid transitions from defense to attack.
This meticulous drill ensures that when possession is regained, the full-backs immediately know which “narrow band” to occupy to provide width, while the double-pivot of James Garner and Gana Gueye drops to shield the center-backs.
Verticality Over Possession
Unlike a “Gegenpress” or high-possession style, Moyes’ Everton in 2026 averages only 44.3% possession (the 5th lowest in the league). However, their “intent” is far higher; they rank in the top 5 for progressive carries and vertical passes into the final third.
The objective is to “put the ball at risk” in the final third rather than playing safe sideways passes. This is evidenced by Thierno Barry’s aerial stats, where he currently wins a league-high 8.18 aerial duels per 90 minutes, providing a platform for the inverted wingers to attack the “second ball.”
Key Personnel Roles in the 2026 System
The “Inverted” Wingers
- Jack Grealish (LW): Acts as the “gravity” of the team. He carries the ball forward (7.81 progressive carries per 90) to draw multiple defenders, creating space for others.
- Iliman Ndiaye (RW): A “switch-play” specialist. He exploits the space created by Grealish’s overloads on the opposite flank.
The “Double Pivot”
- Gana Gueye / James Garner: These two are the “insurance policy.” They rarely venture past the halfway line, ensuring that when Everton “overloads” the box with 4–5 players, they aren’t caught on the counter-attack.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Moyes and Dyche’s tactics?
Moyes uses higher starting positions and focuses on creative overloads in the final third, whereas Dyche relied on a static low block and long-ball survival.
How does Jack Grealish fit into Moyes’ 2026 system?
He plays as an Inverted Left Winger, using his high touch-volume to create overloads and draw defenders away from the right flank.
What is a “Direct Overload”?
It is a tactic where a team plays vertically and quickly into a specific area (like the left wing) to create a numerical advantage (3v2 or 4v3) against the defense.
Does David Moyes use a high press in 2026?
No, he uses a “Controlled Press” or mid-block trigger. Pressing only begins once the opponent enters the middle third of the pitch.
Why is Thierno Barry so important to the tactics?
His 6ft 5in frame allows Everton to bypass midfield pressure with direct balls, which he wins and knocks down for creative players like Dewsbury-Hall.
What formation does Everton play in 2026?
The primary formation is a 4-2-3-1, which often shifts to a 4-4-1-1 when defending in a deep block.
How do the full-backs contribute to the attack?
They provide the primary width. As the wingers (Grealish/Ndiaye) move inside, the full-backs (Mykolenko/Patterson) overlap to deliver crosses.
What are “Half-Spaces”?
These are the vertical corridors between the wing and the center of the pitch. Moyes wants his “number 10” and wingers to occupy these to confuse defenders.
Is Everton’s defense better under Moyes than Dyche?
Statistically, they remain 4th for Expected Goals Conceded (xGC), showing that Moyes has successfully added attack without sacrificing Dyche’s defensive foundation.
What is “Pragmatic Modernism”?
It is the use of traditional tactical discipline combined with modern data analysis (GPS/Video) to gain small advantages in set-pieces and transitions.
Who is Everton’s top transfer target in January 2026?
The club’s main target is Youssef En-Nesyri from Fenerbahce, as they look to solve their goal-scoring issues.
Did Everton pass PSR in 2026?
Yes, the Premier League confirmed in January 2026 that Everton met all Profit and Sustainability requirements.
How much did Tyler Dibling cost Everton?
Everton paid a reported £40.5 million to Southampton for the young winger in August 2025.
Is Jack Grealish at Everton permanently?
No, Jack Grealish joined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City in August 2025.
What happened to Dominic Calvert-Lewin?
Calvert-Lewin left Everton as a free agent in July 2025 after his contract expired.
Who is the owner of Everton in 2026?
Everton is owned by The Friedkin Group (TFG), led by Dan Friedkin, who completed the takeover in late 2024.
Will Everton sign a new right-back this month?
The club is interested in Brooke Norton-Cuffy, but a deal depends on Genoa’s willingness to accept a loan or a lower permanent fee.
Are there any rumors about Iliman Ndiaye leaving?
David Moyes has stated there is “zero truth” in reports that the club has rejected or is seeking bids for Ndiaye.
What is the name of Everton’s new stadium?
The stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock is officially named the Hill Dickinson Stadium following a landmark naming rights deal.
Which players left on loan in January 2026?
Will Tamen (Tranmere Rovers), George Finney (Ayr United), and Francis Okoronkwo (Doncaster Rovers) are among the youngsters out on loan.
How much can Everton spend this summer?
Rumors suggest a £70m-£100m net spend is possible in Summer 2026 due to the improved financial stability under TFG.
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