Everton have entered the race for Pavel Sulc, the Czech attacking midfielder who starred for Lyon last season, after the Toffees emerged as serious contenders for the £25m-rated star. Leeds United had earlier held club-to-club talks over the 25-year-old, but David Moyes’ side are now ready to launch a bid of their own.
League standing: 13th in Premier League, 49 pts, 13W-10D-15L from 38 games, recent form LLDDL. The Toffees sit 36 points behind leaders Arsenal and have lost their last three matches, including a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham on 2026-05-24.
Who is Pavel Sulc?
Sulc, 25, arrived at Lyon from Viktoria Plzeň in 2025 and immediately impressed in Ligue 1. The former Czech international netted 14 goals in 38 matches across all competitions last season, adding seven assists. His 0.63 goals-per-90 average was the highest in the Lyon squad, making him their most consistent scorer in France’s top flight. The attacking midfielder also featured three times at the 2026 World Cup, further burnishing his reputation.
Why Everton want Sulc
Moyes’ side are chasing creative firepower in wide areas after a frustrating campaign that saw them finish 13th. Sulc’s ability to drift between midfield and attack offers a direct route to goal, something Everton have lacked since their 47 goals scored this season left them 50 conceded and three shy of a positive goal difference. The Toffees’ failure to land Jack Grealish over the summer has only sharpened their need for a winger, and Sulc fits the bill.
What’s the latest on the transfer?
Lyon have set a £25m asking price for Sulc, a figure Leeds had explored before the Czech’s World Cup outing. The bid window is tight, with Everton now weighing up whether to hijack the deal. Sulc’s Lyon contract runs until 2028, but the Ligue 1 side are open to a summer sale if the fee meets their valuation.
Everton’s other summer target
Everton are also tracking Roony Bardghji, the Sweden international winger at Barcelona. The Toffees have made contact with the Catalan giants, who are keen to offload the player before their pre-season tour. Bardghji’s potential arrival would add pace and creativity to a side that has struggled for width, with Moyes still chasing a Grealish deal that has yet to materialise.
The Toffees face Bolton away on 2026-07-25 in their next fixture, a match that could take place with or without Sulc or Bardghji in the squad. For now, the race for both players remains wide open, with Everton firmly in the mix for two attacking talents who could reshape their season.
