Everton Pushing Hard to Sign £17m Player After Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall Bid: An In-Depth Analysis

The 2025 summer transfer window is heating up for Everton, as the Merseyside club intensifies their efforts to bolster their midfield options. Following a recent bid for Leicester City’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, which reportedly did not progress as expected, Everton are now pushing hard to secure another key target valued at around £17 million. This move underscores the club’s urgent desire to rebuild their midfield and boost their competitiveness in the Premier League under manager David Moyes.

This comprehensive analysis takes an in-depth look at Everton’s pursuit of this £17 million-rated player following the Dewsbury-Hall bid, examining the circumstances behind the failed move, the identity and profile of the new target, Everton’s latest recruitment strategy, financial tactfulness, squad needs, and the broader context of their transfer activities this summer.

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Background: Everton’s Bid for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and What Went Wrong

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall emerged as a prime target for Everton this summer. The 26-year-old Leicester City midfielder offers physical robustness, solid passing ability, defensive aptitude, and an ability to contribute going forward, making him a well-rounded option to strengthen Everton’s midfield.

• Everton’s Interest: Everton reportedly made an initial bid for Dewsbury-Hall. Sources suggest the bid stood close to £25-30 million, matching a significant player valuation for an established Premier League midfielder.
• Leicester’s Reluctance: However, Leicester appeared hesitant to sell their key player outright, particularly given their own squad rebuilding needs and relegation concerns.
• Transfer Stalemate: The negotiations stalled, with Leicester reportedly valuing Dewsbury-Hall at around £30 million, a figure Everton found difficult to meet amid their own financial parameters.

The failure to secure Dewsbury-Hall left Everton scrambling to identify alternative midfield reinforcements before the transfer window deadlines, prompting them to refocus efforts elsewhere.

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Everton’s New £17 Million Target: Who Is It and Why?

Following the Dewsbury-Hall impasse, Everton have shifted their sights toward a promising £17 million-rated player who fits the bill as a midfield dynamo and is believed to offer both quality and economic value.

While official club statements remain scarce, several reliable sources and football insiders have pointed toward a midfielder whose profile matches Everton’s urgent requirements:

Potential Profile

• Age & Potential: Typically between 22 and 27 years old, striking a balance between prime years and growth potential.
• Playing Style: A box-to-box midfielder capable of both defensive duties and joining attacks. A player with strong work ethic, passing accuracy, and tactical intelligence.
• League Experience: Proven quality either in the Premier League, Championship, or a respected foreign league.
• Versatility: Ability to slot at defensive midfield or central midfield roles, offering Moyes flexibility.

The Speculated Player

Amongst the leading candidates, names like Chelsea’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (previous target), Manchester City’s promising academy graduates, or rising stars from the European leagues have been noted. However, relying on the recent market reports, Everton seem to have honed in on a realistic target priced around the £17 million mark — a fee within their feasible budget and offering promising returns.

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Everton’s Current Midfield Needs and Squad Context

Everton’s midfield has been an area of weakness in recent seasons, with inconsistent performances, injury issues, and departures leaving gaps:

• Lack of Consistency in Central Midfield: The midfield has lacked a consistent presence able to maintain both defensive coverage and attacking creativity.
• Aging Core and Squad Depth Issues: Players like Fabian Delph and Andre Gomes are past their prime or inconsistent, prompting the need for fresh legs.
• Fit for Moyes’ Tactical Style: Moyes favors a resilient midfield with tactical discipline, high work rate, and the ability to link defense with attack efficiently.

The recruitment of an energetic and technically skilled midfielder around the £17 million mark fits perfectly into Everton’s strategy to solidify the spine of the team.