Everton have reached an agreement to sign Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in a deal valued at around £28 million.
The transfer will see Everton pay an initial £24 million, with an additional £3 to £4 million due in performance-based add-ons. Dewsbury-Hall, 26, is now set to complete his medical and agree personal terms, despite some last-minute interest from Fulham.
Initially, Dewsbury-Hall was hesitant to leave Chelsea after a season where he contributed in a squad role during a campaign that saw the club win the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League, along with qualifying for the Champions League. However, with Chelsea looking to balance their books, they were open to letting him go, aiming to recoup most of the £30 million they paid to sign him from Leicester City in 2024.
At Chelsea, he reunited with Enzo Maresca, who had also made the move from Leicester to Stamford Bridge. But with limited starting opportunities, Dewsbury-Hall is now expected to play a more central role at Goodison Park.
Meanwhile, Everton have also been negotiating with Southampton for young winger Tyler Dibling. However, after a second bid was turned down, the Merseyside club is reportedly prepared to walk away unless the Saints lower their valuation of the 19-year-old.
In his final press conference at the Premier League Summer Series, Everton manager David Moyes hinted that more signings are close: "I think there’ll be deals next week. I think we’re getting much closer, but I felt that four or five weeks ago as well. Obviously, we’re getting near the tickly bits and we’ve got to get some things done."
At Chelsea, the focus has shifted to player sales. Following the arrival of Dutch defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax on Sunday, the club is working on several exits. French midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, 21, has agreed to join Burnley, who are also in advanced discussions for striker Armando Broja, 23. Borussia Dortmund have reopened talks over a move for Carney Chukwuemeka as Chelsea look to trim their squad before the new season.
