The first season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium was always going to be a historic one for Everton Football Club - but it’s a disappointment that European football wasn’t secured in 2025/26.

David Moyes’ men looked in a phenomenal position to secure a place in the Premier League’s top-eight, but a run of seven games without a win at the end of the season halted any chance.

The Toffees’ faithful will no doubt be disappointed at present, but they will certainly be optimistic that next season a real charge can be mounted for a European spot.

The move to the new stadium has seen Moyes’ men utilise world-class facilities, but it’s crucial the hierarchy back the manager with similar-level players to aid his cause.

With the transfer window now just around the corner, it presents the perfect opportunity for the Friedkin Group to put their money where their mouth is and back the boss in the market.

Everton lining up move for £35m superstar this summer

Despite the window not opening for another couple of weeks, Everton have made their move for a handful of midfield talents to help bolster their push for Europe next term.

Watford star Imran Louza has emerged as one potential transfer target for the Toffees, as the Moroccan international has stated his desire to play in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old could be available for as little as £15m during the upcoming transfer window, with Fulham another side also considering a move for his services.

Louza isn’t the only option currently on their shortlist at present, with Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand another being eyed up by the Everton hierarchy.

According to A Bola via Sport Witness, Moyes’ men are lining up a potential move for the Danish international who’s made 45 appearances across all competitions this term.

The report states that the Toffees are ready to pounce and make a move for the 26-year-old, amid keen interest from Spanish giants Atlético Madrid.

The Portuguese side are willing to offload the midfielder during the upcoming window, but are set to demand a fee in the region of £35m to offload their star man.

Why Hjulmand would be a better signing than Hackney for Everton

In an attempt to take the midfield to the next level, Everton have been linked with a whole host of talents - with Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney just one player on their shortlist.

It’s been reported that Moyes’ men are leading the race for the 23-year-old star, with at least seven other Premier League clubs in the race for his signature.

The Englishman is almost certain to depart his boyhood club this summer after failing to win promotion during the play-off against Hull City at Wembley last month.

Kim Hellberg’s side are said to be demanding at least £25m for Hackney, who claimed the Championship’s Player of the Season award for the 2025/26 campaign.

There’s no denying the 23-year-old is capable of making the step up to the Premier League, but Everton should be looking elsewhere to improve their squad.

Hjulmand is just one other target currently under consideration on Merseyside, with the Danish star undoubtedly a level above that of the Boro man at present.

Neither have played in the Premier League during their respective careers, but the Sporting talent has racked up 19 Champions League appearances in the last two years - subsequently having the top-level quality needed for success.

His stats from the recent campaign also highlight his phenomenal ability at both ends of the pitch - with Hackney unable to get anywhere near the Dane’s impressive figures.

Hjulmand, who’s been dubbed one of “the best midfielders in the world” by Ben Mattinson, came out on top of 68% of the ground duels he entered in 2025/26.

The aforementioned tally is nearly two times higher than that of the Englishman, whilst also ranking him in the top 3% of all midfielders within Europe this campaign.

His tally of 2.3 tackles made per 90 and 70% aerials won further demonstrates his quality without the ball - something which Hackney has been unable to replicate in recent months.

In possession, Hjulmand has also thrived, subsequently completing 73% of his attempted dribbles - also ranking him in the top 5% of other midfielders in the division.

The Dane’s tally is also nearly double that of the Middlesbrough man, which only highlights his all-round dominance over him - undoubtedly making him a bigger talent.

Given the £10m price difference between the aforementioned talents, it’s evident that Everton would be better off making a move for Hjulmand and splashing the extra cash.

His experience at the top-level of European football is perfect for Moyes’ current side and could provide the needed quality to avoid a repeat of the 2025/26 season.