Possible Arrivals
First, let’s gather who Everton are reportedly targeting:
- Valentín Castellanos (Lazio Striker) — Everton are said to be pushing hard for the Argentine forward, who scored 14 Serie A goals and added 8 assists last season for Lazio. (givemesport.com)
- Fred (former Manchester United Midfielder) — Seen as a replacement candidate for Everton’s ageing or departing midfielders (e.g. Orel Mangala, Abdoulaye Doucouré). (Everton News)
- Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton own asset, but frequently linked with Manchester United interest) — Everton have resisted several bids, valuing him very highly. If he stays, he will be a centre‑piece in defence. (Independent Newspaper Nigeria)
- Taty Castellanos is another Lazio target alternative, possibly in case the first choice doesn’t work out. (FootItalia.com)
- Also linked are Douglas Luiz from Juventus, likely to strengthen the midfield further. (Everton News)
So, for this exercise, assume Everton succeed in signing Castellanos, Fred, possibly Luiz; retain Branthwaite; and use their existing squad improvements like Jack Grealish (on loan from Manchester City) and Iliman Ndiaye. (Reuters)
Formation & Style
Everton in 2026 under David Moyes (assuming continuity) would probably favour a 4‑2‑3‑1 or a more dynamic 4‑3‑3 variant. With Castellanos up top, the attacking shape would revolve around supplying him via wide players and a creative No.10, plus solid base in midfield to allow freedom and mitigate defensive vulnerability.
Projected Starting XI (2026)
Here is how Everton could line up, with the new signings integrated:
GK
Right‑Back Left‑Back
CB (Branthwaite) — CB
CDM / Holding Mid Box‑to‑Box Mid
Attacking Midfielders (Left / Centre / Right)
Striker
Fleshed out, more concretely:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Jordan Pickford (assuming he still at peak, otherwise new keeper) |
| Right‑Back | A more modern full‑back (could be existing squad or a signing; perhaps someone like Mykolenko covering on the left, so RB perhaps a new signing) |
| Left‑Back | Vitaliy Mykolenko or improved competition / backup |
| Centre‑Back | Jarrad Branthwaite — leading the back line; paired with James Tarkowski (if still around) or another strong defender |
| Centre‑Back | James Tarkowski / or new arrival (but Branthwaite looks certain if he stays) |
| Central Midfield (deep) | Fred + Douglas Luiz (or another strong two‑man shield) |
| Attacking Midfield / No.10 | Jack Grealish in that more creative advanced role, or someone else if Grealish leaves or his loan is made permanent |
| Left Wing | A pacey/technically good winger to stretch defences (could be internal promotion or a signing) |
| Right Wing | Similarly, someone wide who can cut in or provide crosses |
| Forward / Striker | Valentín Castellanos — focal point of attack, leading the line |
Tactical Balance
- Defensive Stability: With Branthwaite anchoring the defence and a solid partner, Everton will likely improve in preventing errors from set‑pieces and open play. Supporting full‑backs will need either to defend well or be substituted depending on opponent.
- Midfield Control: Fred brings tenacity, pressing, and experience; Luiz would offer ball‑carrying, passing, and linking the midfield to attack. This gives Moyes flexibility: sit back, counter, or dominate possession depending on match.
- Creativity & Final Third: Grealish (if permanent) as a No.10 or wide inside forward can unlock defences. Castellanos has proven goal output; must be supported by good supply. Wingers must contribute goals/assists to reduce burden on striker.
Impact & Depth Considerations
- Everton will need bench strength. Injuries or form dips among Grealish, Castellanos, or Branthwaite could be costly. So backup strikers, creative mids, and defensive cover are crucial.
- Budget of £273m suggests significant investment, so expect at least two or three more signings to complement these marquee names (e.g. RB upgrades, LB competition, maybe a keeper, or rotational wingers).
- There’s always risk: Castellanos adapting to Premier League physicality; Fred / Luiz staying injury‑free; Branthwaite’s development continuing; defensive lapses still possible.
Sample Full XI
Putting this all together, here’s a possible full strength XI for Everton in 2026:
Pickford
RB: [New Signing] Branthwaite Tarkowski Mykolenko
Fred Luiz
Winger‑Right Grealish Winger‑Left
Castellanos
Bench would include: reserve keeper; backup CB; versatile full‑back; attacking mid/winger; backup striker; possibly another CM.
Conclusion
If Everton manage to pull off all these moves — Castellanos, Fred, Luiz, keeping Branthwaite, plus solid supporting signings — they will have transformed significantly. They’d likely become mid‑upper table contenders, possibly pushing for European spots if consistency is found, especially in away games. The attacking threat would be much improved, midfield more balanced, and defence more assured. But executing it all (integration, injuries, adaptation) will determine whether the £273m outlay pays off.
If you like, I can project a breakdown of how this changes Everton’s chances vs top‑6 clubs or simulate their expected points total in 2026 with this squad?
