TRANSFERS

Everton eye Hull return as Rohl nears comeback and Branthwaite faces transfer noise

📅 October 6, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 5

Unbeaten and building momentum

The Toffees are sitting pretty as the Premier League pauses for the international window. Everton have not lost a single game so far this season in all competitions, racking up two wins and three draws in the league to accumulate nine points from five outings. Their last competitive outing was a 1-0 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town on 19 September, with striker Thierno Barry scoring the only goal after Ipswich's Abdul Fatawu was shown a second yellow card for diving. The win extended their unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions. Next up for the Toffees is a trip to Hull City on Sunday, 11 October, before a home clash with Chelsea on 17 October.

Maitland-Niles earning his stripes

One of the stories of Everton's early season has been the rapid impact of deadline-day signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who joined the club from Lyon for around £3 million. The 29-year-old right-back made a stunning debut against Manchester United on 6 September, scoring a sensational long-range strike in the 96th minute to rescue a 2-2 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium — a goal that has now been nominated for September's Premier League Goal of the Month award. Analysts are already calling him one of the club's shrewdest signings in years, with his market value reportedly shooting up since his arrival.

Injury updates: Rohl and Mykolenko

Midfielder Merlin Rohl has been sidelined for Everton's last three matches but gave an encouraging update during the international break, saying his recovery is coming along well. Manager David Moyes had previously said he hoped Rohl would be fit by the end of the break, and while Hull City on 11 October is not yet confirmed, the signs are positive. Meanwhile, Vitaliy Mykolenko raised brief concern when Ukraine head coach Andrea Maldera admitted the left-back was not feeling well enough to be counted upon, but the player has since returned to training with the national team and is expected to be fit for Everton's return.

Moyes speaks on the break

David Moyes made clear he would rather Everton had kept playing than endure what he described as the longest international break he can recall. With 11 first-team players on international duty — including Jordan Pickford, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Garner with England — and 11 more staying behind at Finch Farm, Moyes said he was not convinced the lengthy pause would benefit a side already in good form. On a positive note, 19-year-old midfielder Harrison Armstrong received a call-up to England Under-21s during the break, a reward for his impressive early-season form.

Transfer talk

RUMOUR: The biggest transfer story doing the rounds concerns Jarrad Branthwaite, with reports linking the 24-year-old centre-back with interest from both Manchester United and, more recently, Merseyside rivals Liverpool. However, according to The Times, Everton have no intention of selling their prized defender. Manchester City are also said to be monitoring his situation. Everton insist Branthwaite is not for sale. Separately, Barcelona are reported to have contacted Everton regarding left-back Alejandro Balde, apparently seeking to arrange his departure in a deal that would free up funds at the Nou Camp — though nothing concrete has emerged. On the incoming side, Everton are said to be among several Premier League clubs tracking 17-year-old Granada winger Owen Emeka, though that remains an early-stage rumour. The club is also reportedly being offered a route to sign Tyler Morton, with TEAMtalk suggesting Everton have been watching the Liverpool midfielder. All transfer links should be treated as speculation at this stage.

Sources

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