After a poor run of form towards the end of the 2025-26 Premier League season cost them a place in Europe, Everton have set out to strengthen their squad this summer.
Hayden Hackney was the first arrival, with the central midfielder arriving from Middlesbrough after his boyhood club lost the Championship play-off final against Hull City.
Since then, the Toffees have also managed to bring in Tyrique George, with the winger seemingly impressing David Moyes during a loan spell at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last season.
David Moyes’ side have been very active in the early stages of the summer transfer window, and despite securing Hackney’s signature, they remain keen on adding another midfielder to their ranks.
Talks have been held regarding a deal for Parma star Mandela Keita, while the Merseyside club have also now surged into contention to sign former Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, who joined Juventus in 2024.
Everton launch move for Douglas Luiz
According to a report from Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), Everton have now made contact to sign Luiz, with Juventus open to a sale, after loaning the midfielder out to Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa last season.
The Brazilian is ‘ready to prove himself’ at Juventus, but the Italian side are open to listening to offers, which suggests a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium is a realistic possibility.
Football FanCast’s Verdict | |
|---|---|
Credibility | Everton need to sign a new midfielder, with Idrissa Gueye’s contract coming to an end. Even if the Senegal international ends up extending his stay on Merseyside, he is now 36-years-old, which means a replacement will be needed sooner rather than later. |
Finances | Back in March, Juventus were said to be demanding €25m (£22m) for the ex-Aston Villa man. However, a loan deal may also be possible, considering he was shipped out to Forest and Villa on a temporary basis last season. |
Insight | Crucially, the 28-year-old has bags of experience in the Premier League, making 196 appearances in the competition. During that time, he has amassed 21 goals and 18 assists. |
Impact | Like Gueye, the 18-cap Brazil international is comfortable playing in a deeper midfield role. Consequently, he could be the ideal long-term replacement for the Senegal star. |
Why Everton may need to sign Douglas Luiz
Everton have already strengthened their midfield this summer, signing Hackney from Middlesbrough, but the Englishman is yet to test himself in the top flight, meaning it could take him some time to adapt.
Luiz, on the other hand, made a real impact on loan at Aston Villa last season, averaging 1.5 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League, which was more than any other player in the squad, whereas an average of 57.3 accurate passes per 90 ranked him in second place.
Unai Emery also lauded the maestro during the 2023-24 campaign, saying: “Douglas is playing very good and his commitment is amazing.”
The central midfielder’s performances for Villa indicate he still has a lot left to give in the Premier League, and Everton should definitely look to secure his signature if he becomes available.
