Despite looking likely to secure European football at one stage this season, Everton fans will be happy to see the curtain fall on the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The Toffees ended their first season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in 13th place, but David Moyes and the hierarchy will no doubt be disappointed with the end-of-term collapse on Merseyside.

No wins in the last seven league games of the campaign put a halt to any of the supporters’ dreams of returning to European football - for now at least.

The Friedkin Group will no doubt demand more from the squad next year if they are to mount a push and finish within the top seven of the Premier League.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see them back the manager during the transfer window to help bolster and improve his squad in various key areas ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Everton enter talks to sign £15m star this summer

Tuesday morning saw a huge Everton rumour emerge, as The Athletic reported that Moyes’ side were leading the race for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.

The 23-year-old is set to be one of the most in-demand talents during this summer’s window, after Boro’s failure to secure promotion to the Premier League last month.

A fee in the region of £30m is expected to secure a move for the Englishman, but it remains to be seen how much the Toffees are willing to fork out for his signature.

However, despite the interest in Hackney, Everton have also entered talks with fellow Championship side Watford over a move for midfielder Imran Louza.

According to Africa Foot via Sport Witness, the Toffees have reached out to the Hornets to gain more information over the possibility of a deal for the 27-year-old.

The report also claims Fulham have registered an interest in the Moroccan star, who is said to want a fresh challenge away from Vicarage Road in 2026/27.

The second-tier outfit are said to be demanding around the £15m mark to offload their star man, who is currently under contract until the summer of 2028.

Why Louza would be a better signing than Hackney for Everton

Securing a move for Hackney this summer would add needed quality to the heart of the Everton side - but it’s safe to say any deal could be tricky to complete.

Despite leading the race for the 23-year-old, at least seven teams in England’s top-flight are said to be exploring a move for the Middlesbrough star at present.

The likes of Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion are just some of the sides currently tracking the English youngster.

Such interest is no surprise given Hackney’s recent season in the Championship, which saw him crowned as the division’s Player of the Year at the end-of-season awards.

Spending £30m on his signature would be a huge statement of intent from the Toffees hierarchy, but they could save a whole chunk by prioritising a move for Watford star, Louza.

The Moroccan operates in a similar role to the Boro star, but arguably to a higher level - with his stats from the recent campaign demonstrating a level above the youngster.

Louza, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by one content creator, has registered more combined goals and assists than Hackney - subsequently highlighting his impact within the final third.

The Hornets star has massively dominated with the ball at his feet in recent months, subsequently registering more chances created per 90 and completing more of his attempted passes.

The 27-year-old even ranks in the top 10% of midfielders in the division for the aforementioned areas - which reaffirms his incredible ability with the ball at his feet.

Louza has often been a driving force for Watford in recent months, completing the most dribbles of any player in the squad - with his 60% success rate also better than that of the Boro star.

Out of possession, the Moroccan has also managed to get the better of Hackney, subsequently making nearly two times more ball recoveries per 90 than the Englishman.

Hackney’s recent success in the second tier will no doubt make him an exciting addition for the Toffees in their hunt to mount a push for European football next term.

However, a move for Louza could prove to be a better piece of business, with the Hornets star undoubtedly a proven option and available for half the price.

£15m would be a phenomenal buy in today’s economy, with such a deal able to provide needed technical quality to the heart of Moyes’ side throughout 2026/27.