Everton transfer targets summer 2026: Striker reinforcements needed

Everton enjoyed a stellar campaign under David Moyes, but just missed out on European football.

Last summer was a positive one for the club, with new signings Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall both having had good seasons, even if the former's was cut short due to injury.

Can they make Grealish's deal a permanent one this summer? And who else is on their radar?

In a recent development, Everton have been forced to pay Burnley a reported £40m in compensation after breaking PSR rules, so will that also affect who they can and cannot sign this summer. Let us take a look.

Everton transfer targets – Summer 2026

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Lyon)

According to Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam, Everton were interested in signing versatile player Ainsley Maitland-Niles in January.

The former Arsenal man may have to be sold by Lyon this summer to help repay their crippling debts, which could see the Toffees renew their interest.

Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds)

Could Everton finally land Leeds winger Wilfried Gnonto? The Toffees have been strongly linked with the Italian international for some time now, and he even went as far as handing in a formal transfer request to Leeds to try and force a move back in 2023.

However, Everton were unable to match Leeds' £30m valuation at the time, and Gnonto has remained at Leeds.

Gnonto is a diminutive winger blessed with the ability to make something out of nothing. For the right fee, he would be a perfect fit.

Harrison Duncan (Rotherham)

Speaking to the Rotherham Examiner, manager Steve Evans admitted that a number of clubs are looking to sign Rotherham's teenage talent, Harrison Duncan.

Everton are one club that have been linked with him..

Mohamed Diomande (Rangers)

According to football journalist Charlie Gordon, Everton have Rangers' Mohamed Diomande on their list of potential midfield targets.

He can play in a variety of positions, and recorded a total of six goals and made a further nine assists for the Gers in the 2024/25 campaign, which put him on their radar.

Richarlison (Tottenham)

According to The Boot Room, Everton would be open to a potential deal to re-sign Brazilian forward Richarlison from fellow Premier League rivals Tottenham.

Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough)

According to various reports, Everton are in talks to sign Hayden Hackney, and are willing to pay £20m for him. Tyler Dibling could also be included in any deal with Middlesbrough.

Anthony Caci (Mainz)

TeamTalk claims that Everton have entered the race to sign Mainz defender Anthony Caci. The French full-back, known for his versatility across the backline, is expected to leave the Bundesliga club after opting against renewing his current deal.

Caci remains a target for multiple Premier League sides, with Fulham also credited with strong interest. Mainz are believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of £8.5m for him, and he could be available at a reduced price due to his contract situation.

Ricardo Pepi (PSV)

According to TEAMtalk, Everton, as well as Sunderland, Leeds, West Ham and Fulham, are interested in signing Ricardo Pepi.

The latter have had a £26.2m bid rejected for the PSV striker.

Artem Dovbyk (Roma)

According to TEAMtalk, Everton, as well as Leeds, Sunderland and West Ham, have been offered Roma striker Artem Dovbyk, who is not part of Gian Piero Gasperini's plans.

Jhon Duran (Fenerbahce)

According to Turkish news outlet A Spor, Everton, as well as Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and West Ham, were all interested in signing Fenerbahce striker Jhon Duran in January.

Although a deal was never made back then, the Toffees could come back in for him this summer due to a lack of quality up front.