Everton have now failed to register a top-half finish in each of the last five Premier League campaigns, with the pressure mounting on David Moyes to provide the goods in 2026/27.
The Toffees looked certain to secure a place in the top ten last term, but a run of seven games without a win at the end of the season put an end to the supporters’ hopes.
New additions have been needed on Merseyside to improve the options within the senior ranks and increase the club’s potential chances of securing success.
Hayden Hackney was the first major signing of the summer for Moyes, but he’s now been joined by another top-level operator at the Hill Dickinson in recent days.
How Norgaard will improve Everton’s midfield in 2026/27
As part of the summer recruitment drive, Everton announced the £7m signing of midfielder Christian Norgaard from Premier League champions Arsenal earlier this week.
The 32-year-old arrives on Merseyside with key top-flight experience, having featured in such a division for four seasons at Brentford – prior to his move to the Emirates 12 months ago.
He’s racked up 119 senior appearances in England’s top-division, but how will his experience add a new level of quality to the heart of Moyes’ side next campaign?
During his final year at Brentford, Norgaard massively caught the eye, as he made an impressive tally of 1.6 interceptions and 6.2 ball recoveries per 90.
|
Christian Norgaard – PL stats (2024/25) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
34 |
|
Minutes played |
2829 |
|
Goals & assists |
9 |
|
Pass accuracy |
83% |
|
Dribble success |
58% |
|
Duels won |
55% |
|
Interceptions made |
1.6 |
|
Aerials won |
62% |
Such numbers ranked the Danish star in the top 20% of all players in the division and highlighting his tremendous ball-winning ability – something which is lacking after Idrissa Gueye’s departure.
Even with the ball at his feet, he offered a calm and composed presence – subsequently completing 83% of his passes, whilst achieving a 58% dribble success rate.
The latter of the aforementioned figures also placed him ahead of 80% of other players in his position, with the £7m fee to secure his signature now appearing to be a bargain.
How Everton can land their next Wayne Rooney this summer
Norgaard will no doubt want to win over the supporters during his time at Everton, but he will do well to reach the levels of former player Wayne Rooney.
The Englishman rose through the ranks on Merseyside and took the Premier League by storm – subsequently making 75 appearances over two separate spells.
His fearless nature as a teenager saw him thrive at Goodison Park, with the hierarchy desperately hunting for their next version of the talented attacker for boss Moyes.
However, it appears as though they could land a star with similar qualities, but they will have to fend off interest from other parties to land Liam Delap’s signature.
It’s been reported by Football Insider that Everton have already started work on a deal to land the Chelsea striker amid interest from Coventry City for his services.
They also claim the Blues would be willing to sanction a move for the 23-year-old star this summer, but could demand as much as £40m to offload him.
Whilst on the face of it, Rooney and Delap are two completely different talents, there are some striking similarities between the pair’s ability within the final third of the pitch.
He’s previously been compared to the former young talent by ex-professional Joe Cole, who stated: “Rooney played on that line, and obviously overstepped it at times. He would admit that. But Rooney was such a genius.
“But again, he played on the edge, and Liam plays on the edge. Liam will have to learn to taper it a little bit and that’s what you get when you buy young players.”
The Chelsea star has demonstrated his ability to put himself about and make himself a handful for the opposition – which saw him win 2.2 aerial duels per 90 last season.
Moyes’ system demands the centre-forward to be a physical option and one which can offer a focal point – with Delap’s aerial ability undoubtedly fitting into the manager’s plans.
Whilst he only netted one league goal last term, the 23-year-old has previously showcased his ability to be clinical in attacking areas – as he netted 12 league goals for Ipswich Town in 2024/25.
He scored with 37% of his shots on target during the aforementioned campaign – demonstrating the clinical edge similar to Rooney during his own time on Merseyside.
£40m would be a massive deal for the Toffees this summer, but it could hand Moyes’ side the calibre of player needed to mount a push for the top-half of the table.
Should Delap complete a move, he will certainly have the backing of the supporters – but he will do well to get anywhere near the levels produced by Rooney on Merseyside.
