Contract Extensions Overview
Everton have secured 19 new contracts for players and staff ahead of their historic 2025/26 season at the £800m Hill Dickinson Stadium, Bramley-Moore Dock, following their final Goodison Park game in May 2025. The deals, confirmed since their season-ending win at Newcastle, reflect the ambition of new owners, The Friedkin Group, and CEO Angus Kinnear to build a competitive squad. Key signings and youth prospects highlight Everton’s focus on continuity and development for their Premier League campaign starting August 16 against Leicester.liverpoolecho.co.uk
Senior Player Contracts
- Jarrad Branthwaite: The 23-year-old centre-back, linked with Manchester United and Tottenham, signed a five-year deal until June 2030, a major coup after his 35 starts and 3 goals in 2024/25. His swift extension, despite a £70m valuation, underscores Everton’s intent to retain their star defender, who cited the club’s “ambition” as a key factor.@FabrizioRomano@Everton
- Seamus Coleman: The 36-year-old captain, who started only one Premier League game last season due to injuries, signed a one-year extension until June 2026. David Moyes emphasized Coleman’s leadership for the new stadium era, with no emotional farewell at Goodison suggesting his continued role.theguardian.com
- Idrissa Gueye: The 35-year-old Senegalese midfielder, Senegal’s record appearance holder, signed a one-year deal until June 2026 with an option for another year. Moyes praised Gueye’s experience (2.1 tackles per game) for integrating new players at Hill Dickinson [email protected]
- Michael Keane: The 32-year-old centre-back, whose contract expired in June 2025, signed a one-year extension until June 2026 after exploring other options. Fan Matt Dillon called it “sensible” for squad continuity, given Keane’s 12 starts last [email protected]
Youth and Academy Deals
Everton’s academy has been a focus, with several Under-18 and Under-21 players signing first professional contracts to bolster the Finch Farm pipeline:
- Eli Campbell: The 20-year-old defender, with England youth caps, signed a two-year deal after a loan at Ross County, where he made 15 appearances in 2024/25.
- Luca Davis, Aled Thomas, Harvey Foster, Ceiran Loney: These Under-18 prospects signed first professional deals. Davis, Thomas, and Foster joined young, while Loney came from Partick Thistle alongside Braiden Graham and Justin Clarke.
- Coby Ebere: The 19-year-old winger signed a two-year contract on July 8, 2025, after overcoming a hamstring injury to shine in Paul Tait’s Under-21s (3 goals in 2024/25).
Everton Women and Staff
The Friedkin Group invested in Everton Women, who will play at Goodison Park in 2025/26. Manager Brian Sorensen and assistant Stephen Neligan signed new deals to lead the team, with Sorensen’s 2024/25 WSL campaign yielding a sixth-place finish. Additional staff contracts, including scouts and analysts, support the club’s “flatter” recruitment structure under Kinnear and head of strategy Chris Howarth.liverpoolecho.co.uk
Transfer Activity and Context
Everton’s only confirmed signing is Carlos Alcaraz, whose loan from Flamengo was made permanent in May 2025 after his decisive goal against Newcastle. The club is close to signing Villarreal’s Thierno Barry for £27.5m (medical pending) and is in the race for Millwall’s Mihailo Ivanovic, competing with Wolves and Parma. Youssef Chermiti is set for a loan to Stoke City, while interest in Ipswich’s Liam Delap (now at Chelsea) and West Ham’s Tomas Soucek fizzled out. Despite Jarrad Branthwaite’s retention, rumors of Ben Doak from Liverpool persist. Moyes, with just 15 senior players, aims to strengthen the attack and midfield before the September 1 [email protected]
Looking Ahead
Everton’s pre-season begins with a friendly against Preston North End on July 13, potentially featuring tributes for Diogo Jota, with ITV coverage uncertain due to Liverpool’s mourning. The Hill Dickinson Stadium, with a 52,888 capacity, opens with test events in August, and Moyes sees it as a “turning point” for the club. Fans on X praise Branthwaite’s loyalty but urge signings like Ivanovic to boost firepower (1.7 xG per game in 2024/25). The Toffees’ Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace on August 10 and Premier League opener against Leicester set the stage for their new era.
