Everton Eye West Ham United Reliable Star: Should The Toffees Make A Move? | OneFootball

Everton are firmly in the frame to sign West Ham United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer, with ExWHUEmployee reporting that the Toffees are the most advanced side in the race for his signature. The Telegraph first reported Everton’s interest back in May, noting that the Hammers need to raise around £150 million in player sales following their relegation from the Premier League. West Ham are understood to be valuing the 28-year-old defender at somewhere between £15 million and £20 million, though some reports suggest a deal could be struck for considerably less.

Everton Track Two Targets This Window

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown, who worked closely with David Moyes at the London Stadium, told Football Insider that Wan-Bissaka features high on Everton’s list of transfer targets, particularly following the departure of Seamus Coleman. Wan-Bissaka joined West Ham from Manchester United in 2024 and remained a regular presence throughout the season despite the club’s eventual drop into the Championship. Newcastle United and Tottenham have also been credited with interest, meaning Everton face genuine competition for his services.

On the midfield front, Everton have revived their long-term interest in Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, with the 23-year-old having been on David Moyes’ radar for some time. Everton have made contact with Middlesbrough over the deal, but are said to be “miles off” Boro’s valuation, with the Championship club holding a hardline stance on any sale. Hackney’s preference is to join Everton ahead of interest from Manchester United, Crystal Palace, and Tottenham, though Boro will only sanction his departure if their valuation is fully met.

Everton Need To Act Swiftly In The Market

The double pursuit signals real ambition from a club that finished 13th in the 2025/26 campaign after an alarming late collapse. Wan-Bissaka represents a sensible and financially responsible signing for Everton as they continue to recover from the Farhad Moshiri era, given the low asking price relative to the player’s quality.

Should Everton Make A Move?

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 24: Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham United takes a throw on during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Sunderland at London Stadium on January 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

There is a straightforward case to be made here. Wan-Bissaka is a proven Premier League defender, and the price feels almost too reasonable to ignore. He is not a flashy, overlapping full-back who will routinely whip in crosses and set pulses racing in the stands, but Everton do not need that right now. They need solidity, reliability, and someone who can actually do the defensive job. Centre-back Jake O’Brien spent large portions of last season filling in at right-back, and that alone tells you everything about how thin the squad has been in that position.

Moyes knows the Premier League inside out, and he will know precisely what he is getting with Wan-Bissaka. The real question is whether paying up to £20 million for a player from a relegated side is good business, or whether a smarter deal can be structured given West Ham’s urgent financial situation. If Everton can get him closer to the £10 million figure, this becomes one of the better pieces of business the club has done in years.

Hackney is the more exciting prospect and the bigger gamble, purely because Boro are digging their heels in over the fee. At 23, he is the kind of midfielder who could genuinely transform how Everton operate in the middle of the pitch. If Moyes gets both, this window could feel like the beginning of something meaningful at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.