Everton

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Everton are hopeful a number of changes at the club's academy will "drive standards" and "create a culture where players and coaches can fulfil their potential".

The adjustments have been overseen by technical director Nick Cox.

Deam Rastrick - who became academy director in June - and arrives "with a truly exceptional CV", says Cox.

Cox told evertonfc.com: "We've spent the last six months conducting a strategic review of our Academy structure and these changes and appointments are part of that process.

"Our focus is on building an outstanding learning environment that is challenging, nurturing and supportive. To achieve that, it's essential we identify and empower leaders who can drive standards, and create a culture where players and coaches can fulfil their potential.

"Dean's arrival is key to that vision. He arrives with a truly exceptional CV. His extensive experience across respected youth systems - including Norwich City, Tottenham Hotspur, Luton Town, and Derby County - alongside his impactful work with the Premier League's Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC), gives him incredible insight and expertise in all aspects of player development and driving Academy excellence."

As part of the changes and working within a structure lead by Rastrick, Carl Darlington has become Everton's head of academy coach development, Dave Hughes joins the club in the new role of head of academy player development, Ben Dickson has been promoted to head of academy recruitment and Nick Chadwick has been appointed PDP senior coach & loans programme manager.

Paul Tait has left the academy after 16 years, vacating his role as under-21 head coach, with Hughes inheriting the responsibility as part of his head of academy player development position.

Cox added: "I'd like to thank Paul for his passion, dedication, loyalty and commitment during his time at Everton, and everyone at the Club wishes him all the very best for the future."

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In the latest episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's Everton A to Z, we have reached the letter I.

Paul Salt, Mike Hughes and Chris Coughlin discuss current Everton assistant manager, and former player, Alan Irvine, in the A-Z of Merseyside Sport.

On Irvine, Hughes said: "Everton signed him from Queen's Park, he was an amateur, came to Goodison in 1981, he made his debut in I think it was either against AC Milan or Inter Milan or he certainly made his debut pre-season in you know a famous old stadium with a massive attendance.

"I remember him saying he'd gone from playing for Queen's Park where there's a few hundred watching or a couple of thousand and all of a sudden he's playing for a high-profile team like Everton and welcome to sort of life at the very top level.

"If you look at him as a player, he was a really talented footballer and a very unlucky footballer in a lot of respects because he was in the Everton team when the big change happened, when Everton went from being a team that looked as though they could be heading towards a really dark and desperate season and it ended up with Everton, despite playing in front of a really disgruntled crowd against Coventry City on New Year's Eve 1983, they began 84 with a couple of very, very important victories.

"He was in the team and scored one of the goals for Everton in a famous 2-0 victory, third round of the FA Cup, away at Stoke City. This was the game where Howard Kendall - he opened a window in the away dressing room and you could hear the atmosphere in the background. The talk was 'listen to this, go out and do it for these people'. That was a turning point. Irvine played a role in every one of the FA Cup games except the final.

"The player that kind of put an end to his career at Everton is one of Everton's greatest ever players, certainly from that team, Trevor Steven."

Listen to the full episode below or on BBC Sounds

Everton want to sign 25-year-old England defender Djed Spence from Tottenham (Athletic - subscription required, external)

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Everton fan and BlueRoom podcaster Warren Doyle believes Tyrique George showed a lot of "potential" during his loan spell with the Toffees and hopes he gets a lot of game time next season after sealing a permanent move.

Doyle told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I am pleased. I think we would've liked to have seen more of him last season. I think when he came in he showed real glimpses, real promise and I think a player as well we have possibly lacked down the years - a fast, direct winger.

"I was fortunate enough to go to the away game down at Fulham, he made his debut that day, came on and he changed the game. He didn't score or create an assist but just his presence, his pace and the fact he was something a bit different than what was on offer at the time on the pitch.

"He really did make a change for us and I think in glimpses he really has shown that he has potential.

"I think for the cost we've paid for him, I know it's going to maybe add up to £24m with all the add-ons but the initial cost... I think if you're looking at a young prospect for less than £20m that we've paid up front, I think that at the moment represents really good value for Everton.

"The type of profile he is as well - young player, a lot of talent. It's the type of signing that I hope Everton are going to be making.

"I'm happy with it, excited to see what he may bring in the future. I just hope he gets a lot of game time next season."

Listen to the full interview below or on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your views on which free agents Everton could target this summer and whether there is one player the Toffees are linked with but you hope they never sign.

Here are some of your comments:

Paul: I'd snap up Dusan Vlahovic as soon as possible. A proven goalscorer at the highest level, which is something Everton lack. Would get Leon Goretzka too - experienced and talented midfielder who has won everything.

Jameson: Everton are constantly linked with Liam Delap. I believe he would be a terrible signing and might get more red cards than goals in those few games that he's not injured or suspended. As for free agents - John Stones is still a great defender and would slot back in well. But, as with all those in the World Cup free agent list, the high wages would probably be better spent on a younger prospect for the future.

Paul: Gideon Mensah at left-back and a return of Stones would be very shrewd signings in my opinion. Bringing in some experience would be very beneficial and add some creativity and more of an attacking mentality.

Ron: Linked with Delap but I watched him closely in our penultimate game at Goodison when he was rumoured to be our summer signing but opted for Chelsea and he has shown nothing since then. Not an Everton player imo.

Andy: Getting Stones would be just a nostalgia purchase. We can't have three 30-plus defenders taking up space when you have two of the most promising young centre-backs in the country as well. Harry Wilson would have been the choice, but everyone else is out our price range and not one for the future. Hard pass.

Paul: Try to get Jamie Vardy for a season. We should have tried for him before now.

Martin: Harry Wilson signing for Everton should be David Moyes' top target. A pacey player who is not afraid to assist and shoot at goal. His credentials for Wales speak volumes - he is one of the most accurate passer of the ball I've seen in ages. Come on, Everton, get him before he goes elsewhere.

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Tyrique George has said there is "a lot more to come from me" after his move to Everton in a deal worth up to £24m was confirmed.

The 20-year-old winger spent the second half of last season on loan at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with an option to buy for £25m this summer.

However, Everton renegotiated the up front fee to about £18m with the remainder in add-ons based on European qualification and appearances, while Chelsea have included a 15% sell-on clause.

"I loved my time here on loan last season, so as soon as I knew it was a possibility to return, that's always what I wanted," George told club media after his four-year contract was announced.

"This is a massive club. I've seen for myself how passionate the fans are about Everton, how much it means to them – and I want to put on good performances, score goals and create goals to make them happy.

"The fans and the boys in the changing room made me feel welcome as soon as I arrived in February. It's a strong group that's only going to get better."

George made 11 appearances for Everton last season, starting once, but impressed manager David Moyes, who called him an "excellent boy with an excellent work-rate" at the end of his initial four-month spell.

"There is a lot more to come from me. With the manager, the coaches and my team-mates, I know I'm in a great place to show it," George added.

"Everton is an environment that demands hard work from everyone, and I will give everything.

"To be in for the start of pre-season is something I was keen on. Now I'm really excited to get going again."

Meanwhile, Everton also announced the formality of Merlin Rohl's signing from Freiburg.

The 23-year-old arrived on a loan deal with an obligation to buy last summer and now joins on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

Former Everton goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly says Jordan Pickford's performance against Mexico was one of the most complete performances he has ever seen from a goalkeeper.

Kelly told BBC Radio Merseyside: "For me it was one of the legendary goalkeeping displays in England's history. He made a couple of saves but you expect that from Jordan, especially Everton fans watching his performances up and down the years. But it was at the highest level, in the highest scrutiny that he's always under, on that stage at the Azteca Stadium.

"But not only that, his performance in the second half, where he didn't have a lot of saves to make but his command of the box and his bravery to step forward and say 'I'm going to take the pressure off the defence'. He must have punched the ball five times, he caught two - that takes real soul, real belief in your ability but also real character. Again, to Everton fans it's not a surprise.

"At the end of the game I sent him a message just to say 'that was one of the most complete goalkeeping displays I've seen'.

"Every Evertonian should be proud and I think every England fan is very proud of that performance and that team."

Listen to the full interview below or on BBC Sounds

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When England take on Norway on Saturday night with a place in a World Cup semi-final up for grabs, Thomas Tuchel's side will somehow have to tame Erling Haaland.

The Manchester City striker has scored in each of his last 14 competitive outings for Norway (27 goals in total during this period), finding the back of the net in all four of his appearances at the FIFA World Cup so far. The last player to score in each of his first five games at the tournament was Columbia's James Rodríguez in 2014, while the last European player to do so was Germany's Gerd Müller in 1970.

Fortunately for the Three Lions, they have an in-form Jordan Pickford to call upon. The Everton stopper will overtake Peter Shilton to become England's outright all-time leading appearance maker at the World Cup (currently level with 17 games each) in Saturday's fixture.

Pickford however tends to run into one or two issues when up against Haaland. He has conceded seven of the 10 shots on target that Haaland has had against him in the Premier League, with the Norwegian only netting more goals in the competition against José Sá (10), Alphonse Areola (9) and Bernd Leno (8).

So far, Haaland has four match-winning goals in the tournament, with only Poland's Grzegorz Lato in 1974 and Italy's Salvatore Schillaci in 1990 managing more in a single campaign in the competition's history (both five).

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We're now well into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention - especially with the summer transfer window open since 15 June.

Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?

Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• All the highlights and best video

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

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Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford says he was in the "mindset where I feel unbeatable" in England's dramatic 3-2 World Cup last-16 win over Mexico in the early hours of Monday.

Pickford produced two magnificent first-half saves from Raul Jimenez, then took total command of his area as Mexico threatened in the closing stages.

He equalled Peter Shilton's record of 17 World Cup appearances for England and was instrumental in ensuring he will now eclipse it against Norway.

"That was unreal," Pickford told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"You'll never get moments like that again in football. To come to the Azteca is once in a lifetime - it's a bucket-list memory.

"Everyone was talking about the altitude but it was us against them and we rolled our sleeves up and got the victory.

"The defensive work the lads put in to get out to the ball, block shots, head the ball away was just part of an all-round gutsy and together performance. That's what we are, we're England and that's what we do.

"I was in the moment. We all know when we get to pressure situations in knockout phases that I've got that character - I step up, and I've got that mindset where I feel unbeatable.

"I loved it. We did one training session before and I felt good as soon as I felt the ball in my hands. Before the game in the warm-up, the distance I was kicking it, I knew I was in that moment straight away."

Ex-England goalkeeper Joe Hart believes Pickford led by example when Thomas Tuchel's side were reduced to 10 men early in the second half.

"It was an incredible performance from Pickford," he said.

"When England made the decision to sit deep and defend with their lives, Pickford led.

"He has played a starring role yet again in a knockout game for England."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Everton fan Mark Staniford says there is "lots to like" about the Toffees signing of Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney for the "relatively inexpensive" price of around £16m,

Hackney made 154 appearances for Boro, scoring 16 goals, and won the 2025-26 Championship player of the season as he helped his side reach the play-off final, which they lost 1-0 to Hull City.

"Some early business which is good and not like us at all," Staniford told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"The lad has come for a relatively inexpensive price. He ripped up the Championship last season and was voted the best player.

"I'm not sure if he was a priority or more the timing where we thought, 'he's available we can get him in.' With the rumours Idrissa Gueye isn't signing a new deal, we're losing an experienced head in midfield.

"Hackney is bright, he's a young prospect, he can score goals, he can put his foot in. Lots to like about the signing.

"In the scheme of things it's not a huge amount of money which is also a positive."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

Giulia Bould
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

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Iliman Ndiaye's exit from the World Cup won't have been seen as a disappointment at Everton.

While the winger will be gutted after Senegal dropped a two-goal lead to be dumped out of the tournament by Belgium, as far as his club is concerned, it now means he won't be 'in the shop window' for the rest of the summer.

There's no denying the 26-year-old is a star among Everton's ranks, but there was frustration after his return from Afcon.

Ndiaye missed six Premier League games for the Toffees as he went all the way to the highly controversial final. When he came back, he looked tired and worn out, failing to fire on the pitch alight as he had done earlier in the season.

Before Afcon, he was on four goals; after Afcon, he managed just two more, and one was a penalty.

I don't imagine his form will have put off any suitors, though, and Everton have previously rejected interest in.

Ndiaye is under contract until 2029 so the Toffees aren't forced to sell. They are also in a much more stable place financially under The Friedkin Group and will shut down interest in their best players, as was seen with Jarrad Branthwaite last summer.

Senegal flying home from North America will be a relief for David Moyes more because it affords Ndiaye the chance to rest and recuperate.

Explore all Everton content on BBC Sounds

We have been asking you questions about Everton all summer. Our latest is a two-pronged query...

First, is there anyone on the free transfer list you think makes sense or is realistic as a signing?

John Stones, Solly March, Fabinho, Leon Goretzka, Dusan Vlahovic, Daichi Kamada and Yves Bissouma are just some of the names currently available - and you can see a list here of the 15 free agents involved at the World Cup.

And secondly, is there a player the Toffees are constantly linked with but you hope they never sign? If so, who and why?

Get in touch with your views here

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BBC Radio Tees' Mark Drury says new Everton signing Hayden Hackney is a "throwback" midfielder with "plenty of room for improvement".

The 24-year-old has signed for the Blues for a fee of at least £16m from boyhood club Middlesbrough after being named Championship Player of the Year last season.

"For Middlesbrough fans, it's long since been expected," Drury told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"It's a shame to see him go because he is a homegrown player and a Middlesbrough fan, but everybody wishes him well.

"What he is now is the baseline. I'm really interested to see what he becomes as there is lots of room for development.

"He is a player who likes to get on the ball and a box-to-box midfielder. He will quite often come and take the ball off the central defenders and he loves to carry the ball - it is not all about passing.

"He wants to drive the side up the pitch so he does like to dribble. He's got a good shot on him, he likes to join attacks and he's not shy of a tackle. He's a throwback to the sort of midfielder I grew up watching in the 80s and 90s.

"But there's plenty of room for improvement and I'm sure Everton will look to see him develop further in different ways."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

Everton are the latest Premier League team to be linked with Benfica and Colombia midfielder Richard Rios, 26. (Sport Witness), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Keito Nakamura has attracted interest from Premier League clubs, including Bournemouth, Everton and Fulham with his impressive performances for Japan at the World Cup.

The 26-year-old winger has an agreement in place with his French side Reims that would allow him to leave for a suitable fee - understood to be about £21.5m - after the club failed to win promotion to Ligue 1 last season.

Everton and Bournemouth have asked what it might take to sign Nakamura with his entourage but would need to attackers to leave before making a move.

Fulham, who look likely to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as their new manager, are also keen.

Nakamura spent last season playing in the French second tier, despite interest from clubs including Spanish club Villarreal and Turkish giants Besiktas, with offers reaching up to £15.5m.

The versatile forward finished as Reims' leading scorer with 14 goals and then established himself as Japan's first-choice left winger at the World Cup after Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma's was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Nakamura scored one goal, provided an assist and was named in Opta's team of the group stage. Japan pushed Brazil in their last 32 match before the five-time champions scored a late winner to knock out the Samurai Blue.

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A criticism of Everton in recent years has been leaving transfer deals until late in the summer window.

The news Hayden Hackney has joined from Middlesbrough on 2 July leaves Toffees fans cautiously optimistic for the rest of the window and with a feeling there is now a proper recruitment plan in place.

It is exciting that a top Championship talent has chosen Everton for his next move, but what could come next?

A right-back remains top of the shopping list. It has been a problematic area for years and it is something that needs fixing if the Blues are to push for Europe.

I understand talks with Tyrique George are going well after he impressed during his loan spell and it should only be a matter of time until there is an agreement.

I believe it will also be a deal that will cost Everton significantly less than the option on the loan deal with Chelsea set out in January.

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights on BBC Radio Merseyside.

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We asked for your views on Everton's first summer signing Hayden Hackney, who has joined from Middlesbrough in a long-term deal.

Here are some of your comments:

Jack: Good business in my view. I saw a bit of him last season and thought he looked a decent player. Combative yet a bit about him going forward. Next on the agenda is signing both Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George on permanent deals, plus Idrissa Gueye for another year. He is seriously underrated by some fans. Not a fan of Liam Delap, but would love to get Jarrod Bowen.

Ken: Great news for Everton. He was the best player in the Championship last season. He will definitely benefit the team.

Dennis: I'm absolutely delighted we have finally got him. I've seen him on TV for Middlesbrough and he was for me the standout player. He is top quality with a massive future ahead of him. Welcome to Everton, Hayden.

Marc: Is this a complete reversal of Moyes' thinking? At last the Penny has dropped and he's finally realising that an attacking team creates winners! Will this be using the midfield, wingers and long ball crosses to score goals instead of the boring, pass it along the back, negative, defensive strategy that opposing teams break through? If Everton are to be successful then this is surely the time to make it a change for the better.

Ian: Hopefully Moyes doesn't destroy his career like he's done with Tyler Dibling, Adam Aznou, Nathan Patterson and Charly Alcaraz. Just can't see him starting games under this guy.

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Everton manager David Moyes says Hayden Hackney "will provide greater competition in midfield" after securing the signature of the 24-year-old.

"Hayden is a promising young player who we've been tracking for some time, and I'm looking forward to working with him," said Moyes.

"We've had a track record over the years of identifying players in the Championship who have gone on to do really well for us and been good investments. We hope that will be the case with Hayden, too.

"He's an England Under-21 international who will provide greater competition in midfield, which is something I wanted going into the new season."

Listen to what Everton fans had to say on the club's transfer business so far

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"It was always going to be Everton," says Hayden Hackney after signing a five-year contract with the Blues.

The 24-year-old central midfielder, who was named the 2026-26 Championship Player of the Season for Middlesbrough, is David Moyes' first signing of the summer.

"I'm delighted to be here," said Hackney. "As soon as I spoke to the manager, as soon as I knew Everton were interested, to be honest, it was always going to be Everton.

"It's such a big club, with the new stadium and the direction it's going in. I just wanted to be part of that.

"The manager's track record of bringing players from the Championship to the Premier League was a massive part of my decision as well. Hopefully I can be the next one to do it successfully for Everton.

"It feels like a good fit for me, for sure. I think it's a given that you work hard, you run, you make tackles. I'll be doing that.

"I think fans can expect a bit of everything from me – attacking and defensively. I think I can carry the ball well, arrive late in the box, and hopefully score some goals. I think there's plenty more to come from me. Obviously, I haven't played in the Premier League yet, so once I get used to that I think I can kick on from there.

"It was big for me to get it done before the start of pre-season. I wanted to be here on day one and do the whole pre-season with the lads. I can't wait for it. It helps with everything. Obviously, it's a new set of lads who I'll get used to and then also living down here. I'm delighted.

"There are some unbelievable players here and the competition is going to be tough but I'm ready to get going and to compete."

A good way to start summer transfer business? How excited are you by Everton's newest recruit? Do you expect him to have an easy transition into the Premier Legaue?

Get in touch with your views here

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Everton have released their new home kit for the 2026-27 season and it sees the return of trinity amber on the collar and trimmed sleeves.

The traditional royal blue shirt is paired with white shorts that have a blue vertical flash on the sides and matching trinity amber trim on the cutaway.

Matching blue socks with white and trinity amber trim complete the look.

The goalkeeper kit is green with a black collar and sleeve trim and matching shorts and socks.

The kit will be available in long sleeve versions and there are some sponsor-free shirts available for adults, as well as children's or junior replica kits.

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

Jim: Daizen Maeda - Celtic and Japan midfielder. Great player who's expressed he wishes to move to the Premier League and wouldn't cost that much.

Ian: Kaishu Sano from Japan looks to be the midfielder we'll need if Idrissa Gana Gueye is to be on his way.

Charles: Ben Gannon-Doak. Electric pace and the end product is getting better.

John: Marvin Senaya was outstanding at right-back for Ghana against England - Anthony Gordon didn't get a look in. Everton need a right-back, look no further than him.