The 2025/26 season represents a new dawn for Everton Football Club following years of relegation anxiety, points deductions, ownership turmoil, and managerial turnover. The Friedkin Group’s takeover, completed in 2024, finally provided the stability and financial clarity that eluded Farhad Moshiri’s chaotic reign. Sean Dyche, now in his third full season at Goodison Park, has cultivated a squad that retains its core identity—physicality, defensive organisation, set-piece prowess—while gradually incorporating more technical quality. The Toffees’ final season at the Grand Old Lady before relocating to the spectacular new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium carries immense emotional weight. Evertonians, who endured back-to-back relegation escapes by the skin of their teeth in 2023 and 2024, can finally breathe and look upward rather than over their shoulders. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Everton’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Jordan Pickford
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Sunderland, Darlington (loan), Alfreton Town (loan)
Transfer Fee: £25 million (2017)
Jordan Pickford has become Everton’s most important player of the modern era, his shot-stopping heroics and commanding presence single-handedly preserving the club’s Premier League status across multiple seasons. The English number one’s reflexes (76% save percentage in 2024/25) and post-shot expected goals prevented (PSxG+/- of +7.2, ranking third among Premier League keepers) remain elite. His distribution, particularly long diagonals to wingers and quick throws to initiate counters, suits Dyche’s direct transitional style. Pickford’s command of the penalty area, claiming crosses (88% success) and organising set-piece defences, provides defensive security. His penalty-saving record (denying 8 of 24 spot kicks faced for Everton) offers value during shootout scenarios. Pickford’s leadership, formalised as vice-captain, manages Everton’s dressing room through passionate, vocal authority. His relationship with the club—despite his Sunderland roots—has grown through loyalty during difficult years. Pickford’s contract runs through 2028, with Everton rejecting multiple approaches. His performance in the 2025 Merseyside derby—making 11 saves, including a 95th-minute penalty stop—entered Goodison folklore.
2. João Virgínia
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Arsenal academy, Reading (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2019)
João Virgínia has accepted a rotational role behind Pickford, providing cup competition cover and familiar backup after rejecting permanent moves for regular first-team football. The Portuguese’s shot-stopping (69% save percentage in limited appearances) and reflexes remain solid. His distribution (86% pass completion) improved through specialised coaching. Virgínia’s experience, including Everton’s 2023/24 survival campaign (3 appearances when Pickford was injured), provides valuable continuity. He started 10 matches in 2024/25 (cup competitions), keeping 4 clean sheets. His contract expires in 2027, with Everton facing a decision on extension or replacement. Virgínia’s performance against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup—making 6 saves in a 1-0 victory—demonstrated his reliability.
3. Billy Crellin
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Fleetwood Town, Bolton Wanderers (loan)
Transfer Fee: £500,000 (2023)
Billy Crellin has graduated to emergency third-choice option following loan development at Accrington Stanley (2024/25, 35 League Two appearances). The 25-year-old’s shot-stopping fundamentals are sound, though his distribution requires refinement. Crellin’s contract runs through 2028, with another loan likely for continued development.
Defenders
1. Jarrad Branthwaite
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Carlisle United, Blackburn Rovers (loan), PSV Eindhoven (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate (nominal fee from Carlisle)
Jarrad Branthwaite has evolved from Carlisle United prospect into one of the Premier League’s most coveted centre-backs, earning England caps in 2025 and rejecting summer approaches from Manchester United and Real Madrid. The 23-year-old’s left-footed passing (5.2 progressive passes per 90), composure under pressure, and reading of the game (2.4 interceptions per 90) belie his age. His aerial duel success (81%) and recovery pace (35.2 km/h top speed) provide defensive security. Branthwaite’s partnership with James Tarkowski has conceded only 1.05 goals per 90 minutes over two seasons; their complementary styles (Tarkowski’s aggression, Branthwaite’s composure) create defensive synergy. His relationship with the club—embracing Everton after leaving Carlisle’s academy—provides emotional connection supporters adore. Branthwaite’s contract, extended in 2025 through 2030 with a £75 million release clause, protects Everton’s asset. His performance against Liverpool in the 2025 Merseyside derby—nullifying Darwin Núñez completely, scoring a towering header—demonstrated his elite ceiling.
2. James Tarkowski (Captain)
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Oldham Athletic, Brentford, Burnley
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
James Tarkowski has become Everton’s defensive leader and captain, embodying the club’s physical, no-nonsense identity through relentless aggression and aerial dominance. The 33-year-old’s aerial duel success (84%) ranks among the Premier League’s best, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. His blocks (1.5 per 90), clearances (6.2 per 90), and tackles (2.4 per 90) demonstrate old-school defending. Tarkowski’s passing (84% completion) remains basic; his role involves clearing danger rather than building play. His leadership, formalised as club captain in 2024 following Séamus Coleman’s reduced role, manages Everton’s dressing room through vocal authority and professional standards. Tarkowski’s partnership with Branthwaite has developed telepathic understanding; his experience mentoring the younger defender accelerated Branthwaite’s development. Tarkowski’s contract runs through 2027, with a coaching role likely thereafter. His performance against Manchester City in 2025—making 12 clearances, 4 blocks—demonstrated enduring influence.
3. Vitalii Mykolenko
Nationality: Ukrainian
Former Clubs: Dynamo Kyiv
Transfer Fee: £17 million (2022)
Vitalii Mykolenko has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most defensively reliable left-backs, providing consistency and resilience through Ukraine’s ongoing national crisis. The Ukrainian’s defensive positioning (1.9 interceptions per 90), tackling (2.5 per 90), and 1v1 defending against rapid wingers provide security. His attacking output remains limited (2 assists in 2024/25), but his overlapping runs (2.7 per 90) create space for wingers. Mykolenko’s passing (86% completion) remains secure. His relationship with Ukrainian teammates (none currently) or English-speaking dressing room provides comfort. Mykolenko’s contract runs through 2028, with Everton rejecting January 2025 approaches. His performance against Arsenal in 2025—keeping Bukayo Saka quiet, making 7 tackles—demonstrated his defensive ceiling.
4. Nathan Patterson
Nationality: Scottish
Former Clubs: Rangers
Transfer Fee: £12 million (2022)
Nathan Patterson’s Everton career has been disrupted by injuries (missed 18 matches in 2024/25), yet his attacking thrust and energy provide a different option at right-back when fit. The Scot’s overlapping runs (3.6 per 90) and crossing (37% accuracy) created 3 assists in limited appearances. His recovery pace (35.1 km/h) covers spaces behind advanced wingers. Patterson’s defensive positioning (1.6 interceptions per 90) remains a work in progress. His relationship with Scottish teammates (none currently) provides comfort. Patterson’s contract runs through 2028, with Everton hopeful of improved fitness. His performance against Brentford in 2025—assisting the winning goal, making 4 tackles—demonstrated his ceiling when available.
5. Michael Keane
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Manchester United, Burnley
Transfer Fee: £25 million (2017)
Michael Keane’s Everton career has seen him fall in and out of favour multiple times, yet the experienced centre-back remains a reliable squad option providing cover and professionalism. The 32-year-old’s aerial duel success (78%) and blocks (1.2 per 90) provide defensive security. His passing (86% completion) remains secure if unambitious. Keane’s goal threat from set pieces (3 headers in 2024/25) adds value at the other end. His relationship with English teammates provides dressing room continuity. Keane’s contract expires in 2027, with a move to a Championship club likely thereafter. His performance against Luton in 2025—scoring a 89th-minute equaliser, winning 9 duels—demonstrated his value.
6. Ben Godfrey
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Norwich City
Transfer Fee: £25 million (2020)
Ben Godfrey’s Everton career has been defined by versatility and frustrating injuries, yet his recovery pace and athleticism provide valuable depth across the backline. The Englishman’s versatility across centre-back, right-back, and left-back offers Dyche tactical flexibility. His recovery pace (35.4 km/h) covers spaces behind advanced defenders. Godfrey’s passing (85% completion) remains basic. His contract expires in 2027, with Everton considering sale or extension. Godfrey’s performance against Chelsea in 2025—filling at right-back, keeping Raheem Sterling quiet—demonstrated his utility.
7. Séamus Coleman
Nationality: Irish
Former Clubs: Sligo Rovers
Transfer Fee: £60,000 (2009)
Séamus Coleman has become Everton’s modern legend, entering his 17th season at Goodison Park and serving as club captain through the club’s darkest years. The 37-year-old’s role has evolved from starter to dressing room leader and emergency right-back option. His experience—over 400 appearances, representing the club through multiple ownerships, managers, and near-relegations—provides invaluable continuity. Coleman’s relationship with the club—the £60,000 signing from Sligo Rovers who became a Premier League stalwart—provides emotional connection fans adore. His contract, renewed annually since 2023, expires in 2026, with a coaching role or ambassador position guaranteed thereafter. Coleman’s appearance against Bournemouth on opening day 2025—his 412th Everton match—received a standing ovation.
Midfielders
1. Amadou Onana
Nationality: Belgian
Former Clubs: Hoffenheim, Hamburger SV, Lille
Transfer Fee: £33 million (2022)
Amadou Onana has justified Everton’s significant investment by becoming one of the Premier League’s most complete box-to-box midfielders, combining Belgian physicality with technical quality and ball-carrying ability. The 24-year-old’s ball-carrying (4.8 progressive carries per 90) through central areas bypasses opposition presses. His physicality (6’5”, 82kg) and tackling (3.0 per 90) provide midfield security. Onana’s passing (88% completion, 4.6 progressive passes) and composure under pressure enable Everton to build play through midfield. His aerial duel success (79%) adds set-piece dominance. Onana’s goal contributions (7 goals, 5 assists in 2024/25) added unexpected scoring dimension. His partnership with Idrissa Gueye (and later his successor) has provided midfield balance. Onana’s relationship with Belgian compatriots (none currently) or French-speaking teammates provides comfort. His contract runs through 2029, with Everton rejecting approaches from Arsenal and Barcelona. Onana’s performance against Newcastle in 2025—dominating midfield duels, scoring a towering header—demonstrated his elite ceiling.
2. Idrissa Gueye
Nationality: Senegalese
Former Clubs: Lille, Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain
Transfer Fee: £2 million (2022, return from PSG)
Idrissa Gueye’s return to Everton in 2022, following a successful spell at Paris Saint-Germain, added elite defensive midfield experience and tackling prowess. The 36-year-old’s tackling (3.5 per 90) and interceptions (2.6 per 90) remain among the Premier League’s best despite age. His positioning—shielding centre-backs, covering full-backs, breaking counterattacks—provides defensive platform for attacking teammates. Gueye’s passing (87% completion) remains secure if unambitious. His leadership, including Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph (2021), provides dressing room wisdom. Gueye’s contract expires in 2026, with retirement likely thereafter. His performance against Manchester United in 2025—making 9 tackles, controlling midfield—demonstrated enduring quality.
3. Abdoulaye Doucouré
Nationality: Malian (French-born)
Former Clubs: Rennes, Watford
Transfer Fee: £20 million (2020)
Abdoulaye Doucouré has become Everton’s midfield workhorse, providing box-to-box energy, goal threat, and tactical discipline through the club’s difficult seasons. The Malian’s work rate (11.6 kilometers per match) and pressing intensity (11.0 pressures per 90) set Everton’s standards. His late arrivals into the box (8 goals in 2024/25, his best Premier League return) provide unexpected scoring dimension. Doucouré’s versatility across central midfield and attacking midfield offers Dyche tactical options. His relationship with French-speaking teammates (Onana, Gueye) provides comfort. Doucouré’s contract runs through 2027, with Everton considering extension. His performance against Liverpool in the 2025 Merseyside derby—scoring the winning goal, making 7 tackles—entered Goodison folklore.
4. James Garner
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Manchester United, Watford (loan), Nottingham Forest (loan)
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2022)
James Garner has developed into a reliable midfield option following patient integration, providing passing range, set-piece delivery, and tactical discipline. The Englishman’s passing (89% completion, 4.4 progressive passes) and set-piece delivery (4 assists from corners in 2024/25) provide creative value. His work rate (11.3 kilometers per match) and tackling (2.2 per 90) provide defensive security. Garner’s versatility across central midfield and right-back offers Dyche tactical options. His relationship with English teammates provides comfort. Garner’s contract runs through 2028, with Everton viewing him as long-term squad piece. His performance against Aston Villa in 2025—assisting two goals from corners, controlling tempo—demonstrated his ceiling.
5. André Gomes
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Benfica, Valencia, Barcelona
Transfer Fee: £22 million (2019)
André Gomes’s Everton career has been plagued by injuries (including a horrific ankle fracture in 2019) and inconsistency, yet the Portuguese’s technical quality remains evident in limited minutes. The 32-year-old’s passing range (4.6 progressive passes per 90) and composure under pressure provide value when deployed against deep blocks. His physical limitations (reduced acceleration, limited duels) restrict him to specific game states. Gomes’s relationship with Portuguese-speaking teammates (none currently) provides comfort. His contract expires in 2026, with a move to Portugal or MLS likely thereafter. Gomes’s performance against Luton in 2025—entering at 0-0, assisting the winner—demonstrated enduring quality.
6. Lewis Warrington
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Academy graduate, Fleetwood Town (loan), Tranmere Rovers (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Lewis Warrington has graduated from loan spells to first-team emergency depth following impressive development in League One. The 24-year-old’s passing (88% completion in loan) and work rate suggest Championship/Premier League squad potential. His contract runs through 2027, with a permanent move likely.
Forwards
1. Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Sheffield United
Transfer Fee: £1.5 million (2016)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Everton career has been a study in frustration—world-class potential undermined by relentless injuries (missed 20+ matches in three of the last four seasons). Yet the English striker’s aerial dominance (79% success) and hold-up play (71% success receiving back to goal) remain elite when fit. His finishing (9 goals in 1,800 minutes in 2024/25, 23% conversion rate) demonstrates continued productivity per minute. Calvert-Lewin’s work rate pressing centre-backs (11.4 pressures per 90) sets Everton’s defensive tone from the front. His relationship with the club—arriving as a Sheffield United youth, becoming a senior England international—provides emotional connection. Calvert-Lewin’s contract situation attracted intense speculation; his 2025 extension through 2028 ended transfer rumours. His performance against Chelsea in 2025—scoring a towering header, winning 9 duels—demonstrated his ceiling when fit.
2. Beto
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Juventus (youth), Udinese
Transfer Fee: £26 million (2023)
Beto has provided physical striking depth following his arrival from Udinese, offering an alternative to Calvert-Lewin with similar aerial prowess but different movement patterns. The Portuguese’s physicality (6’4”, 82kg) and hold-up play (68% success) occupy defenders. His finishing (7 goals in 2024/25) remains inconsistent, but his xG per shot (0.19) suggests poor luck rather than technical deficiency. Beto’s work rate pressing centre-backs (11.0 pressures per 90) suits Dyche’s system. His relationship with Portuguese-speaking teammates provides comfort. Beto’s contract runs through 2029, with Everton hopeful of improved consistency. His performance against Sheffield United in 2025—scoring a brace, both headers—demonstrated his physical ceiling.
3. Dwight McNeil
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Burnley
Transfer Fee: £20 million (2022)
Dwight McNeil has become Everton’s primary creative outlet, providing set-piece excellence, crossing, and work rate from the left flank. The Englishman’s crossing accuracy (39%) and whipped deliveries from corners and free kicks created 10 assists in 2024/25, leading the squad. His dribbling (2.8 successful take-ons per 90) and close control maintain possession in advanced areas. McNeil’s defensive work rate—tracking full-backs (2.1 tackles per 90), pressing—suits Dyche’s system. His finishing (5 goals in 2024/25) added unexpected scoring dimension. McNeil’s relationship with Burnley connections (Tarkowski, Dyche) provides comfort and tactical shorthand. His contract runs through 2028, with Everton rejecting January 2025 approaches. McNeil’s performance against Brighton in 2025—assisting two goals from corners, scoring a free kick—demonstrated his influence.
4. Jack Harrison
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Manchester City, Middlesbrough (loan), Leeds United
Transfer Fee: £8 million (2025, following loans)
Jack Harrison’s permanent signing in summer 2025, following two successful loan spells from Leeds United (via Manchester City), added Premier League experience and work rate to Everton’s right flank. The 29-year-old’s dribbling (3.1 successful take-ons per 90) and cutting inside onto his left foot provide attacking thrust. His work rate (11.5 kilometers per match) and defensive tracking (2.2 tackles per 90) suit Dyche’s system. Harrison’s finishing (6 goals in 2024/25 on loan) and creativity (5 assists) provide balanced output. His contract runs through 2029, with Everton viewing him as long-term right-wing starter. Harrison’s performance against Tottenham in 2025—scoring a stunning volley, making 5 tackles—demonstrated his value.
5. Arnaut Danjuma
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: Club Brugge, Bournemouth, Villarreal, Tottenham Hotspur (loan)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2025)
Arnaut Danjuma’s free transfer in summer 2025 added Dutch international pedigree and versatility to Everton’s attack following his Tottenham departure. The 28-year-old’s dribbling (3.4 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (12 goals in 27 appearances for Villarreal in 2023/24) provide quality. His versatility across both wings and center-forward offers Dyche tactical options. Danjuma’s relationship with Dutch-speaking teammates (none currently) or English-speaking dressing room eased adaptation. His contract runs through 2029, with Everton viewing him as valuable attacking depth. Danjuma’s debut against Wolves—scoring a 78th-minute winner—announced his arrival.
6. Youssef Chermiti
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Sporting CP
Transfer Fee: £13 million (2023)
Youssef Chermiti has emerged as a promising striking option following patient development and a productive loan at Standard Liège (2024/25, 10 Belgian Pro League goals). The 21-year-old’s physicality (6’3”, 75kg) and finishing suggest potential. His hold-up play (64% success) improved through coaching. Chermiti’s contract runs through 2029, with Everton expecting increased contributions. His performance against Southampton in the Carabao Cup—scoring a brace—demonstrated his ceiling.
7. Lewis Dobbin
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Academy graduate, Derby County (loan)
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Lewis Dobbin has graduated from loan spells to emergency attacking depth following impressive Championship development (8 goals for Derby County in 2024/25). The 22-year-old’s pace (34.8 km/h top speed) and direct running suggest Premier League potential. His finishing (8 goals in 38 Championship appearances) remains inconsistent. Dobbin’s contract runs through 2028, with a further loan possible.
Conclusion
Everton’s 2025/26 squad represents the most stable and strategically coherent group assembled since the Moshiri era’s early spending spree, a testament to Sean Dyche’s resilience, the Friedkin Group’s stabilising influence, and the club’s academy production. The defence, anchored by Jarrad Branthwaite’s emerging stardom and James Tarkowski’s old-school physicality, provides platform for survival and mid-table ambition. The midfield, dominated by Amadou Onana’s athleticism and Idrissa Gueye’s tackling, controls matches through physicality and organisation. The attack, headlined by Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s aerial prowess (when fit) and Dwight McNeil’s set-piece delivery, carries sufficient goal threat. Crucially, Everton has balanced immediate competitiveness with long-term planning; Branthwaite’s contract extension protects his value, while academy graduates provide emotional connection. The looming challenge involves navigating Goodison Park’s farewell season while preparing for the Bramley-Moore Dock move—a logistical and emotional test. Yet the Gwladys Street’s legendary atmosphere, amplified by supporters who endured the darkest years, provides emotional fuel. Everton no longer fights merely for survival; they compete with genuine ambition to establish themselves as Premier League regulars, honouring the Grand Old Lady’s final campaign before a new era begins. This squad appears equipped to deliver a comfortable mid-table finish, ending the cycle of relegation anxiety that defined the post-Moshiri years. The Toffees are finally stable. Up the Toffees.
