Talks Held; Deal Underway – Everton Prepare Talks for £15.6m-a-Year Premier League Winner Amid Summer Reshuffle

Everton Prepare Talks for £15.6m-a-Year Premier League Winner Amid Summer Reshuffle

Everton are reportedly preparing to open talks over a complex deal to sign a Premier League-winning attacker, as new owners The Friedkin Group begin to stamp their authority on the club’s transfer strategy in what promises to be a pivotal summer at Goodison Park.

With the 2024/25 Premier League season now officially in the rear-view mirror, Everton have moved swiftly to confirm their retained list, shedding light on ongoing contract negotiations and revealing the names of those set to depart. It’s a signal of intent from the Blues, who are expected to be active in the window as they look to support manager Sean Dyche and lay the groundwork for a more stable campaign.

In an official statement, the club confirmed: “The club is offering new contracts to Seamus Coleman and Idrissa Gana Gueye, while we continue to liaise with representatives of Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the current deals of all four players expiring at the end of June.”

The potential departure of Calvert-Lewin remains one of the major talking points at Finch Farm. The 27-year-old striker, once viewed as the long-term face of Everton’s front line, is entering the final weeks of his contract. While the club remains in discussions with his camp, interest from clubs including Manchester United continues to muddy the waters around his future.

Everton are eager to avoid losing a key player on a free transfer, and securing clarity on Calvert-Lewin’s situation could help shape the rest of their forward planning this summer. His fitness issues have been a concern in recent seasons, but when available, he has proven himself as a reliable Premier League goal scorer.

Meanwhile, the retained list confirms a number of exits. Veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, full-back Ashley Young, midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, and out-of-favour striker Neal Maupay are all set to leave when their contracts expire this month. The same applies to Joao Virginia and Mason Holgate, with the latter having spent time out on loan.

On the loanee front, Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrøm, Orel Mangala, and Armando Broja have all returned to their parent clubs, although Everton may seek to reopen talks over permanent or renewed loan deals for select players later in the window.

“As previously confirmed, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ashley Young, Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic, Mason Holgate and Neal Maupay will leave Everton when their current contracts expire at the end of this month, with loanees Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrøm, Orel Mangala and Armando Broja returning to their parent clubs,” the club added.

With a reshaped boardroom and a fresh hierarchy under The Friedkin Group, the coming weeks promise to be eventful. The club’s reported move for a high-earning, title-winning forward — believed to command a salary in the region of £15.6m a year — suggests ambition, though any such deal will require careful navigation given the financial constraints and the need to comply with profit and sustainability rules.

For Everton, this summer marks a new chapter — one defined not only by who arrives but by who they manage to keep.