Everton's transfer strategy remains a work in progress. Under former owner Farhad Moshiri, eight players signed for at least £20m left for nothing. After several years of limited spending, nine players were recruited by the Friedkin Group last summer, but a focus on youth has yet to bear fruit. Grealish and Dewsbury‑Hall have been successful, yet 20‑year‑old winger Tyler Dibling started only six matches after costing £35m from Southampton. Left‑back Adam Aznou, who joined from Bayern Munich, is still awaiting his Premier League debut, and striker Barry, 23, won more aerial duels than any other player in his first campaign but was inconsistent in front of goal.

Midfielder Merlin Rohl initially struggled for game time before impressing over four starts in May. Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould says Grealish is set to re‑sign on loan toward the end of the window, with wages expected to stay at about £200,000 per week. Imanil Ndiaye has been linked with a move to Saudia Arabia. Osman, who gave Everton his debut under Moyes in 2003, says the club should do everything to keep Ndiaye, noting the potential price could allow reinvestment in two or three players.