Everton have reached a significant breakthrough in their summer transfer strategy, with the Merseyside club agreeing a deal with Chelsea to sign midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in a move worth approximately £25 million plus add-ons that could reach £29 million. This acquisition represents a major coup for David Moyes as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of their move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium and the upcoming Premier League season.
Table of Contents
Transfer Details and Timeline
Financial Structure
The agreed fee structure comprises an initial £25 million with performance-related add-ons that could increase the total package to somewhere in the region of £29 million. This represents a slight reduction from the £30 million Chelsea paid Leicester City for the midfielder just 12 months ago, reflecting his limited playing time in West London.
Current Status
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Everton are confident of completing the Dewsbury-Hall deal very soon, with negotiations between the clubs described as “almost agreed.” The midfielder is expected to undergo a medical examination as the final formalities are completed.
Player Profile and Chelsea Experience
Dewsbury-Hall’s Chelsea Struggles
Dewsbury-Hall only joined Chelsea last summer, having impressed in Leicester’s Championship-winning campaign, and made 36 appearances, but started just two Premier League games. This limited Premier League exposure has been a source of frustration for the 26-year-old midfielder, who was instrumental in Leicester’s promotion to the top flight.
Dewsbury-Hall was the only player to feature in all 15 matches in Chelsea’s successful 2024–25 UEFA Europa Conference League campaign, starting in 14 of them. He contributed four goals and three assists, including setting up Jadon Sancho’s goal in the 4–1 final victory over Real Betis.
Playing Style and Attributes
Dewsbury-Hall is known for his box-to-box style of play, covering large areas of the pitch. He has strong passing skills, good ball control, and contributes both defensively with effective tackling and offensively by creating opportunities. His high stamina allows him to press opponents and recover the ball consistently.
The midfielder’s versatility allows him to operate in multiple positions across the midfield, making him an attractive proposition for Moyes’ tactical setup.
Everton’s Transfer Strategy
Moyes’ Midfield Priority
A new No 8 is a priority for Everton boss David Moyes along with a defensive midfielder, with Leicester’s Wilfried Ndidi a player they like. The acquisition of Dewsbury-Hall addresses one of these key positions as the Scottish manager looks to reshape his squad.
Everton manager David Moyes wants to strengthen in the middle of the park after leaving Goodison Park for their new ground – Hill Dickinson Stadium – and the 26-year-old Englishman is in their plans.
Squad Rebuild Context
Everton have only added French striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal, Moroccan left-back Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich and Irish goalkeeper Mark Travers from Bournemouth to their squad so far this summer and will need to recruit more if they do not want to struggle again next season.
Moyes admitted last week that the club is “not ready” to start the season due to a lack of signings. He emphasized the urgency of completing transfers, stating that the team requires several additions to be competitive.
Competition from Other Clubs
Multiple Suitors
Fulham have been recently named as suitors for Dewsbury-Hall, while West Ham United have also been credited with interest. However, Everton appear to have emerged as the frontrunners by submitting the first official bid.
The two Premier League mid-table clubs wanted to sign the English midfielder from Chelsea earlier this year, hoping to secure his services on a loan deal with a purchase obligation clause.
Transfer Market Analysis
Value Assessment
| Transfer Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Fee | £25 million |
| Potential Add-ons | £4 million |
| Total Possible Value | £29 million |
| Chelsea’s Original Investment | £30 million |
| Contract Length Remaining | Until 2030 |
Market Context
Chelsea’s asking price of £30 million may pose a problem for Everton and West Ham, and they will only launch the offensive to sign the 26-year-old Englishman if the valuation drops. The agreed fee represents a compromise that works for both clubs.
Historical Performance Data
Leicester City Legacy
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Leicester City | 43 | 12 | 14 | Championship Winner, Player of Season |
| 2024-25 | Chelsea | 36 | 4 | 3 | Conference League Winner |
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the Players’ Player of the Season and men’s Player of the Season, produced 12 goals plus 14 assists and was named to the EFL Championship Team of the Season.
Impact on Everton’s Future
Strategic Implications
The acquisition of Dewsbury-Hall represents more than just a squad addition for Everton. It signals the club’s ambition as they prepare for life at their new stadium and attempt to establish themselves as a consistent Premier League force.
If David Moyes can discover Dewsbury-Hall’s correct role and utilise it to its full potential, then Everton have their midfield dynamo for the next decade.
Integration Prospects
The midfielder’s experience under different managers and his proven ability to adapt to various tactical systems should facilitate a smooth transition to Moyes’ setup. His box-to-box capabilities align perfectly with the demanding physical style often associated with Premier League football.
Broader Transfer Window Context
Everton’s Other Targets
Everton’s offer for Dibling was understood to be worth an initial £35m plus £8m in add-ons, a considerable increase from another one of their bids of around £27m. While the Tyler Dibling pursuit continues to face obstacles, the Dewsbury-Hall deal demonstrates the club’s ability to complete ambitious transfers.
It remains to be seen whether Everton will follow up with another bid for Dibling, with Lyon’s Malick Fofana another winger target of theirs.
Timeline and Next Steps
Immediate Future
With negotiations described as being in their final stages, the completion of medical examinations and formal paperwork represents the final hurdles before the transfer becomes official. The swift resolution of this deal would provide Everton with crucial preparation time ahead of the new season.
Pre-Season Integration
Should the transfer complete as expected, Dewsbury-Hall would likely join Everton’s pre-season preparations, allowing Moyes to integrate the midfielder into his tactical plans and build chemistry with his new teammates.
Everton’s pursuit of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall represents a significant statement of intent as the club prepares for a new era. The £29 million investment demonstrates the Toffees’ commitment to building a competitive squad capable of challenging higher up the Premier League table.
The former Leicester City star is not in the plans of Blues manager Enzo Maresca having struggled for playing opportunities last term, but Moyes is open to bringing him to Everton. This move offers the midfielder a fresh start and the opportunity to fulfill his considerable potential at the highest level.
With the deal reportedly close to completion, Everton supporters have reason for optimism as they prepare to wave goodbye to Goodison Park and embrace the future at their new home ground.
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FAQs
How much are Everton paying for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall?
Everton have agreed a fee of £25 million plus add-ons with Chelsea, potentially reaching £29 million in total.
Why is Dewsbury-Hall leaving Chelsea after just one season?
Despite making 36 appearances, he only started two Premier League games, indicating limited first-team opportunities under Enzo Maresca.
What position does Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall play?
He operates as a box-to-box central midfielder, capable of contributing both defensively and offensively across the midfield.
When will the transfer be officially completed?
The player is expected to undergo a medical examination with the deal described as “almost agreed” and completion expected very soon.
Were other clubs interested in signing Dewsbury-Hall?
Yes, Fulham and West Ham United were both credited with interest, but Everton submitted the first official bid and emerged as frontrunners.
