Summer Transfer Window 2026

[blueforyou]

Pick up the pieces

[Evertonfc15]

Pick up the pieces

lol
cut the cake

[Bluedylan1]

[blueforyou]

Let's go round again

[Gary1878]

Great video and analysis.

He is actually more similar to KDH than you would think, and it allows us much more flexibility in the centre. Either for KDH to drop in and HH to go into a forward role or vice versa.

He also looks like he could play in the 10 when KDH isnt available, adding squad depth. But then the default should be for him to playa alongside Garner.

It just feels like a fantastic signing before he has even played as you know he will fit in perfectly to the clubs style and Moyes system.

[Bornblue88]

If we add the DM then I think we’ll have a pretty solid midfield. Garner, KDH, Hackney, Röhl, new DM. Sell Tim, Charly, and loan Armstrong. It’ll give us lots of options for different setups. I think Garner-Hackney-KDH is an almost completely fluid interchangeable midfield on paper but would setup with Garner as the 6. Very creative.

[Bumble]

If we add the DM then I think we’ll have a pretty solid midfield. Garner, KDH, Hackney, Röhl, new DM. Sell Tim, Charly, and loan Armstrong. It’ll give us lots of options for different setups. I think Garner-Hackney-KDH is an almost completely fluid interchangeable midfield on paper but would setup with Garner as the 6. Very creative.

On paper yes.

We haven't seen much variation in either tactics or formation from our manager the past few years though.

[Bornblue88]

On paper yes.

We haven't seen much variation in either tactics or formation from our manager the past few years though.

I’d argue it comes down to reliable options though. Tim, Charly, Armstrong, Röhl have been very inconsistent leaving him with playing the same 3 players every week. We’re looking to have 2 new more experienced midfielders in by the end of the window which will completely change the outlook.

[AjaxAndy]

Paddy Boyland was saying the way Hackney drifts in to the half spaces is very similar to De Bruyne (albeit not that level, I mean who has been?), and that it suggests we might go 4-3-3 as this would be a lot more balanced than 4-2-3-1.

I'd absolutely love that, but I just don't see Moyes suddenly sprinting a 4-3-3 on us all unfortunately. It'd be very out of character!

[kramer]

Paddy Boyland was saying the way Hackney drifts in to the half spaces is very similar to De Bruyne (albeit not that level, I mean who has been?), and that it suggests we might go 4-3-3 as this would be a lot more balanced than 4-2-3-1.

I'd absolutely love that, but I just don't see Moyes suddenly sprinting a 4-3-3 on us all unfortunately. It'd be very out of character!

It’s always felt a bit odd to me that he has mostly resisted this tweak since returning.

Moyes loves wide overloads and using those triangles to create clean opportunities for cutbacks or dinked crosses into the box. A true 4-3-3 (or 4-1-4-1 depending on how advanced the wingers are) gives you a central midfielder on each side who can easily slide over to help create that.

He also loves a central midfielder arriving late into the box to feast on those crosses. The midfielder on the other side is free for that purpose.

If he doesn’t want us to be open, the DM at the base helps protect the space in front of the CBs and play midfield sweeper and the fullback on the side opposite the attack can hang a bit deeper as well.

That 4-1-4-1 shape served the side so well when Carsley was in the squad so it’s not like he doesn’t have any form for playing that way. I really don’t like the rigidity of the double pivot, it only works well if you have a baller with outstanding passing range like Arteta or Gibson as one of the two.

[Paddockoldie]

It could be a great midfield, but without proper FB's overall the team would remain weak

[Bluebridge]

It could be a great midfield, but without proper FB's overall the team would remain weak

I’m sure we’ll sort that out, same scenario, players we really want will wait to see if anyone better comes along, if we don’t secure them then on to the next tier, which we will get as Seamus has left the building and Aznou will follow suit one way or another.

[Cereal Killer]

I’m sure we’ll sort that out, same scenario, players we really want will wait to see if anyone better comes along, if we don’t secure them then on to the next tier, which we will get as Seamus has left the building and Aznou will follow suit one way or another.

We’ve got Mykolenko and O’Brien, we could just go with what we’ve got

[Bluebridge]

We’ve got Mykolenko and O’Brien, we could just go with what we’ve got

[Surax]

If we add the DM then I think we’ll have a pretty solid midfield. Garner, KDH, Hackney, Röhl, new DM. Sell Tim, Charly, and loan Armstrong. It’ll give us lots of options for different setups. I think Garner-Hackney-KDH is an almost completely fluid interchangeable midfield on paper but would setup with Garner as the 6. Very creative.

Unless we get a good offer, I'm not against keeping Tim and Armstrong around. Garner Hackney probably first choice CMs. KDH I'd assume will continue as first choice AM. Rohl comes in for KDH. Tim comes in for Garner or Hackney if we need to try and hold onto a lead or stifle an opposition's no. 10. Where Armstrong can come in and give us more of playmaking threat if we need that instead. Charly is the only one that's really expendable right now, I think the rest of them can have a role.

Might be tempted to let Armstrong on loan again, as you say, if we're to get someone else in. Would have to be the right club - don't think he needs more time down in lower half of the Championship, but if it was for a top side or maybe a promoted Prem team then I could be for it. Don't want to see him at Preston again.