Everton forward return sealed as expert wowed by what he heard David Moyes say
Everton may have slipped off the boil slightly in terms of results, but have shown themselves to be a much more capable outfit under David Moyes.
Toffees fans are focused on giving Goodison Park the send-off it deserves with little else left to play for this season, as some stars on Merseyside play for their potential futures.
The summer and subsequent move to Bramley-Moore Dock will bring the excitement, as transfers are mooted for a first off-season window under The Friedkin Group.
Moyes and the ownership clearly have lofty ambitions, highlighted by the manager’s wish for his team to replicate what Nottingham Forest have achieved this season (BBC Sport, 12 April) – helped out in no small part by Forest’s squad investment.
McNeil and Ndiaye ‘could be key’ in European push
Everton will certainly be looking to give their squad a comprehensive upgrade over the coming months, as the Friedkins look to stamp their authority on the Premier League.
But it could also be down to members of the current squad to considerably contribute – and not just the recognised big hitters like Jordan Pickford and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye both recently returned to the Everton side following their respective spells on the sideline.
McNeil has so far only been bedded back in through substitute appearances, but assisted Abdoulaye Doucoure’s last-gasp winner over Forest on 12 April; Ndiaye has featured in each of the last five since his knee injury, and netted a penalty against Arsenal.
TV commentator Ian Darke, speaking exclusively to Goodison News, outlined the point made by Moyes about emulating Forest’s achievements, and insisted McNeil and Ndiaye could each play a key part.
“McNeil and Ndiaye have been big players for Everton and had a long time out,” Darke said.
“They’re welcome returns, even if McNeil is still on the outside of things at the moment. He can have a real impact going forward.
“It was interesting to hear David Moyes say they could ‘do a Nottingham Forest’ next season, and those players could play key parts in that.”
Everton fans excited over TFG potential
Everton were quiet in the January transfer window due to PSR restraints, meaning Carlos Alcaraz on loan was the only arrival at Goodison.
However, the Flamengo man has impressed and many Blues want to see him signed permanently, as one of a host of improving players to come into the building.
| Everton – remaining games left at Goodison | Date |
| Ipswich Town | 3 May |
| Southampton | 18 May |
The Friedkin Group are far from shy, and will want to stamp down their marker that Everton have been a sleeping giant for too long.
An unpredictable 2025-26 awaits on the blue half of Merseyside, in their shiny new waterfront arena.