Everton's transfer window has been a chaotic masterpiece, with the list of names linked to the club dragging on for so long it's beginning to feel like a longer and more dramatic read than Chelsea's "How to Navigate PSR" manual and Manchester City's never-ending list of Premier League charges. It's the kind of transfer saga that has everyone on the edge of their seat, mostly just wondering if they'll actually sign anyone before the season starts.
With the transfer window in full swing, David Moyes’s side has been one of the most active teams, securing five significant signings in Mark Travers, Adam Aznou, Carlos Alcaraz, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Thierno Barry, with Jack Grealish nearing a loan spell to make it six.
Yet, the manager has publicly stated his need for more incomings before the window closes, signaling an intense competition for places and improvement from the preseason showings.
In light of these new arrivals and the promise of more to come, we now delve into a comprehensive position-by-position breakdown. Our analysis will identify who is likely to emerge as the regular and preferred first-team option throughout the demanding 2025/26 season, and which players will be pushing to make their mark on the starting eleven.
Goalkeepers
This won’t take much of your time. Jordan Pickford is firmly established as the number one, and with England’s first-choice goalkeeper not currently linked to any transfer moves, he is set to remain the undisputed starter at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Mark Travers has been brought in as backup, and given his Premier League experience, he’s expected to feature in the Carabao Cup and potentially the FA Cup as well.
Defenders
The central defensive pairing for the upcoming season appears to be firmly settled. Unless a major, unexpected signing arrives, James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite are the undisputed first-choice partnership. Their established chemistry and consistent performances have made them the preferred duo to anchor the defense, and it's highly improbable that the likes of Michael Keane or Jake O’Brien will be able to displace them when both are fit.
While Keane and O'Brien will serve as valuable depth, the synergy and quality demonstrated by Tarkowski and Branthwaite make them a formidable unit, providing the team with a crucial foundation of stability at the back heading into the new campaign.
On the right side of the defense, Jake O’Brien is expected to be a strong option. He performed admirably last season covering for Nathan Patterson, whose time at Everton has largely been underwhelming, while veteran Séamus Coleman provides a reliable and experienced backup.
On the left, Vitaliy Mykolenko will likely start the season as the first-choice full-back. However, once the young and dynamic Adam Aznou gets a consistent run of games, whether through squad rotation or a potential injury to the Ukrainian, we can expect the 18-year-old to make a significant push for the starting role and eventually establish himself as the long-term left-back.
Midfielders
Idrissa Gana Gueye will provide the midfield anchor, proving once again that his tackling and interception rates remain among the best, even at his age. To get the most out of him, he’ll need a ball-playing partner alongside and a more attack-minded player further up the pitch.
That partner will be Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, whose relentless energy and ability to drive play forward make him a vital presence in the middle. While not a natural deep-lying midfielder, he can adapt quickly, contributing effectively in both attacking and defensive phases, making him integral to Everton’s setup.
Selecting a third midfielder is proving more difficult given Everton’s depth in the position. James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam, and Harrison Armstrong are all capable back-up options, while the club’s pursuit of John McGinn appears unlikely to succeed.
I expect Iliman Ndiaye to operate behind the striker, with the arrival of Jack Grealish pushing the Senegalese attacker into a more central role, a position he will likely share with Charly Alcaraz. Both players can provide goals and assists, though Ndiaye’s greater willingness to press high from the middle could see him earn more regular game time over the course of the season.
Forwards
The number nine position is set for an intriguing battle. It is widely expected that Beto will be given the initial chance to lead the line, using his raw power and strength to test Premier League defenses.
However, the plan likely involves a three-month period for new signing Thierno Barry to get acclimatized and gain valuable minutes from the bench, especially if the Portuguese striker is on a barren run. After this initial phase, I believe that the young Frenchman will explode onto the scene and mount a serious challenge for the main striker's role.
On the right flank, Dwight McNeil looks set to claim the starting spot, especially as the club continues its search for a new wide player. His well-documented work rate and defensive discipline will be a significant asset, providing crucial cover for a right-back position that has shown vulnerability.
McNeil has always been a reliable performer for Everton, and his starting position appears to be his to lose, provided he can deliver the consistent output of goals and assists required to cement his place in the team.
The left wing is undoubtedly Jack Grealish's to lose. Given his substantial wages and the chase, he is virtually guaranteed a starting spot and isn't expected to spend much time on the bench. His presence on the left flank provides the team with a key tactical advantage, as it allows for the flexibility to move Iliman Ndiaye into a more central, fluid role.
This interchangeability and a more dynamic approach across the attacking lines mark a significant departure from the more rigid, direct style of play seen under Sean Dyche.
This is the starting XI that can make Hill Dickinson roar on a regular basis and put the Toffees in serious contention for a European place. With this lineup on the pitch, both home and away fans will have a team that is built not just to compete, but to truly challenge.