The year 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Everton, with sweeping changes both on and off the pitch. Just last Sunday, the club marked the end of an era by playing their final match at Goodison Park—a stadium they’ve called home since 1892. The emotional farewell was capped with a 2-0 win over Southampton, thanks to a brace from Iliman Ndiaye.
| Players transfering from one Merseyside club to the other | |
|---|---|
| Player | Year |
| Everton to Liverpool (1945-present) | |
| Abel Xavier | 2002 |
| Nick Barmby | 2000 |
| Dave Hickson | 1959 |
| Tony McNamara | 1957 |
| John Heydon | 1949 |
| Liverpool to Everton (1945-present) | |
| Gary Ablett | 1992 |
| Peter Beardsley | 1991 |
| Alan Harper | 1983 |
| Kevin Sheedy | 1982 |
| David Johson | 1982 |
| Johnny Morrissey | 1962 |
| Jimmy Payne | 1956 |
| Information courtesy of FBref.com and Goal | |
In another major development, David Moyes has returned as Everton manager, twelve years after leaving for Manchester United. This managerial comeback coincides with a significant shift in club ownership, as the Friedkin Group officially took over, bringing the turbulent Farhad Moshiri era to a close. As the Toffees prepare to move into their new state-of-the-art stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, attention now turns to potential signings that could signal a new dawn—particularly, the pursuit of one of Britain’s most exciting young wingers.
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Reports from Paul Joyce of The Times indicate that Everton are eyeing a summer move for Scotland international Ben Doak. Moyes is reportedly keen to strengthen his options out wide, and Doak has emerged as a top target. The 19-year-old recently spent the season on loan at Middlesbrough from none other than Liverpool—Everton’s fierce Merseyside rivals. If this deal goes through, it would be historically significant, as Everton haven’t signed a player from Liverpool since Gary Ablett in 1991.
| Jack Harrison vs Ben Doak 2024/25 comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statisitcs | Harrison | Ben Doak |
| Appearances | 37 | 24 |
| Minutes | 2,091 | 1,789 |
| Goals | 1 | 3 |
| Assists | 1 | 7 |
| Shots on target % | 25% | 51.9% |
| Goals – xG | -2.5 | -1.4 |
| Big chances created | 6 | 7 |
| Progressive carries | 71 | 134 |
| Attempted take-ons | 74 | 99 |
| Take-on success % | 31.1% | 35.4% |
| Carries into penalty area | 16 | 80 |
| Shot-creating actions | 56 | 82 |
| Goal-creating actions | 4 | 11 |
| Touches per 90 | 42 | 47 |
| Average Sofascore Rating | 6.69 | 7.03 |
| Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and SofaScore | ||
Everton’s attacking struggles have been well-documented—they scored just 41 goals this season, the lowest tally in the Premier League outside the relegated teams. Moyes himself admitted in March that he needed more goals and assists from wingers like Jesper Lindstrøm and Jack Harrison. Harrison responded briefly with a goal against Wolves, but it remains his only one of the season—his previous strike came back in February against Tottenham. Clearly, Everton need reinforcements in this area, and Doak could offer a considerable upgrade.
| Ben Doak dribbling statistics: EFL Championship 2024/25 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | Doak | Championship rank |
| Minutes | 1,778 | 270th |
| Progressive carries | 134 | 8th |
| Attempted take-ons | 99 | 26th |
| Carries into penalty area | 80 | 2nd |
| All statistics courtesy of FBref.com | ||
Despite suffering a thigh injury that sidelined him in early March, Doak’s Championship performances were outstanding. He logged approximately 300 fewer minutes than Harrison yet still posted superior stats across the board. According to the Global Football Rankings, the Championship is the 11th strongest league globally, and Doak was among its top dribblers. Only Burnley’s Jaidon Anthony, who played nearly 1,900 more minutes, had more carries into the opposition penalty area than Doak—underscoring the young Scot’s explosive style.
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His talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. Esteemed journalist Henry Winter called him a “huge prospect,” while former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy praised his blistering pace and described him as an “explosive winger.” Ange Postecoglou, who gave Doak his debut at Celtic, hailed him as a “fantastic kid.” Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig also chimed in, describing him as an “old-fashioned winger” with elite technical skill and the versatility to play on either flank.
There’s little doubt that Ben Doak would inject much-needed quality and dynamism into Everton’s attack. The big question now is whether Liverpool would be willing to do business with their historic rivals—a transfer that would not only shake up the Merseyside landscape but also signal Everton’s ambition for a bold new era.
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