Everton are bracing for a busy few weeks as World Cup fallout threatens to shake up their squad before the new Premier League season kicks off. With the league standing at 9th and zero points on the board, the Toffees cannot afford further disruption - yet three players now sit at the heart of transfer speculation.
What’s driving the talk?
Iliman Ndiaye returned from Qatar with a goal that turned heads. His 50th-minute strike against Iraq - scored minutes after coming off the bench - capped a standout tournament for Senegal, who reached the last 32 before falling 3-2 to Belgium. The performance has reignited transfer chatter around the 24-year-old, Everton’s creative hub in midfield. David Moyes will hope the noise dies down, but the club’s hands may be forced if a rival comes in with a bid that matches their valuation.
Idrissa Gueye, Ndiaye’s Senegal teammate, is already a free agent after his Everton deal expired on 1 July. All talks on his future were paused until the World Cup ended, so the 36-year-old’s next move could be confirmed within days. Moyes has yet to comment publicly, but Gueye’s experience and work rate make him a target for clubs chasing a midfield enforcer.
Why Nathan Patterson’s future matters
Nathan Patterson’s Scotland exploits at right-back did little to impress Moyes. The 23-year-old has struggled to nail down a starting spot at Goodison Park, and Everton are already scouting replacements in that position. With the transfer window still open, Patterson could yet exit before the season’s first whistle - a move that would free up wages and a squad slot for incoming talent.
What comes next for Everton?
The Toffees sit 9th in the Premier League with zero points on 23 July 2026, still searching for their first goals of the season. Their next fixture - a trip to Sunderland on 20 February 2027 - looms large, but the club’s focus is squarely on squad stability. Moyes has made it clear he wants a settled side, yet the lure of World Cup performances may prove too strong for some players to resist. Expect fireworks if a bid for Ndiaye or Gueye materialises - or if Patterson’s exit is confirmed before the window slams shut.
