Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Max Wilkins

Sat 30 May 2026 9:10, UK

Everton missed out on European qualification after a disastrous collapse in the Premier League.

It had once looked like a top-eight finish could be in the pipeline for the Toffees after a run of positive results under David Moyes.

A 3-0 win over Chelsea was arguably the best night yet at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but things only went downhill from there.

The campaign ended after seven games without a victory, while plenty of points were simply thrown away by the Merseyside outfit.

Everton finished four points short of European qualification, but they already look set to make changes to realise their goals on the continent.

Everton ready deals for Diogo Leite and Georgios Vagiannidis

There is no single reason for the end-of-season collapse in L3, but a lack of strength in depth could be one factor.

Going over a month without victory to end the campaign just wasn’t good enough and ended any hopes of trips to the continent.

It can be said that the squad just ran out of steam and were unable to see out positive results on a weekly basis.

That simply means that this summer transfer window needs to be utilised to bring in fresh faces to add quality and depth to this Blues side.

Moyes could kickstart that process as deals for Diogo Leite and Georgios Vagiannidis enter the thinking on Merseyside.

The first could soon join the Toffees on a free transfer from Union Berlin, while the latter could be available for just £10million from Sporting CP.

🚨🇸🇦 EXCL | A Saudi PIF-owned club has now made a concrete move for Diogo Leite, entering the race strongly and increasing competition around the Portuguese defender.

Real Sociedad, Everton, Eintracht Frankfurt and Beşiktaş remain among the teams already in contact. pic.twitter.com/1nJmM7n0lb

— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) May 29, 2026

Neither would break the bank, but certainly represent a step in the right direction, moving closer to the opening of the transfer window.

Everton have made an approach to sign Vagiannidis, while talks are ongoing with Leite, as two early deals could get done.

Everton taking right steps towards European qualification

This duo may not be the big-name additions that some fans may want, but shrewd business is good business for the Merseyside outfit.

Finances are tight for plenty of Premier League clubs, so boxing clever is massively important.

Leite and Vagiannidis would bring plenty of defensive depth and competition that Moyes’ squad certainly needs.

The Portuguese centre-half is left-footed and would serve as a useful alternative to Jarrad Branthwaite, while the Greece international could be the right-back Everton need.

Neither of these additions will help finally secure European qualification themselves, but will help push the Toffees in the right direction ahead of further transfers in the summer.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.