Everton have Joined the Race to Sign 26-year-old Chelsea Midfielder – Report | OneFootball

Everton Eye Dewsbury-Hall as Midfield Solution Amid Douglas Luiz Setback

Everton are plotting a late-window move for Chelsea’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, according to The Times. The 26-year-old midfielder has struggled for consistent minutes at Stamford Bridge, starting just two Premier League games last season, and is reportedly open to a fresh challenge in search of regular football.

David Moyes, who returned to Goodison Park earlier this year, is prioritising midfield reinforcements. The current squad includes seasoned names such as Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner, but depth is limited. Youngsters like Tim Iroegbunam and Harrison Armstrong are promising but still unproven at Premier League level.

Chelsea’s summer influx of midfield talent is expected to push Dewsbury-Hall further down the pecking order. With the 2026 World Cup looming, the former Leicester man is said to be eyeing a move that boosts his international ambitions.

Photo: IMAGO

Setback in Douglas Luiz Pursuit Opens New Door

Everton’s initial focus had been on Juventus’ Douglas Luiz, formerly of Aston Villa. However, hopes of securing the Brazilian midfielder appear to be fading. According to GiveMeSport, Nottingham Forest have taken the lead in negotiations.

The report states that Luiz is being “pushed” to join Forest, with Everton struggling to match Juventus’ revised asking price of £34.9 million (€40m). That said, TEAMtalk suggests the Merseyside club are not unwilling to pay, but are instead wary of overcommitting financially.

“The Toffees’ position has always been that they want to sign Luiz on loan, with an option to buy included in the deal, which isn’t ideal for Juve.”

This leaves Dewsbury-Hall as an increasingly attractive and potentially more feasible option. While Chelsea are also holding firm with their £30 million valuation, the player’s desire for minutes may work in Everton’s favour.

Wide Options and Grealish Link Hint at Busy Window

In addition to central midfield, Everton are also looking to bolster their wide areas. Southampton’s Tyler Dibling remains a priority on Moyes’ radar, and right-back Juanlu from Sevilla is another name under discussion.

Perhaps the most intriguing rumour involves Manchester City star Jack Grealish. A loan deal is reportedly under consideration, though any serious developments are expected to come closer to deadline day.

With Moyes keen to build a competitive and balanced squad, Everton are clearly not done yet. Their strategic approach to the market reflects both caution and ambition — qualities the fanbase will hope deliver results on the pitch.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Blue’s perspective, the prospect of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall pulling on an Everton shirt is exciting. This lad was a standout at Leicester and showed flashes of brilliance even in a struggling side. At Chelsea, he’s never really had a fair crack. If he joins us, he could be the perfect fit alongside Garner or Gana in a Moyes midfield that thrives on energy, discipline and heart.

What really stands out is his attitude. Wanting more game time, wanting to prove himself, wanting to break into the England squad — that’s the kind of hunger we need at Goodison. And with Moyes back at the helm, there’s every chance a player like Dewsbury-Hall could be rejuvenated.

As for Douglas Luiz, sure he’s a quality player, but paying over the odds never ends well for us. Moyes is being smart, holding out for value. Dewsbury-Hall could give us 7 or 8 solid years. He’s got a proper engine, a good footballing brain and a point to prove. If we can land him for under £30m, it’s a massive win.

Add Dibling, Juanlu and maybe even a bit of Grealish magic on loan, and suddenly the squad starts to take proper shape. We’re not far off. With Moyes leading the charge, belief is growing again on the blue side of Merseyside.