Everton

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Where to start? David Moyes has expressed his frustration at the lack of signings this summer and his mood would not have been helped by an awful display in the defeat at Leeds United.

Moyes has prioritised a right-sided attacker all summer. Negotiations for Southampton's talented teenager Tyler Dibling are dragging on, while a move for Lyon's Malick Fofana was placed on ice as he weighs up his options.

Leicester City's Abdul Fatawu is another of interest, but Moyes simply has to get a deal over the line in that position to inject pace and creation.

Everton will also look at right-back - where they thought they had Fulham's Kenny Tete only for him to decide to stay at Craven Cottage – and Leicester City's James Justin is of interest, although Leeds United also want the talented defender.

Norwich City's Kellen Fisher has also caught the eye. A defensive midfielder will also be on the agenda to give help to 36-year-old Idrissa Gueye.

A fairly full "in tray" for Moyes.

Read Phil's analysis on every Premier League club here

Everton still want to sign new players before the deadline - especially a winger - and could make another bid for Southampton's English forward Tyler Dibling, 19. (Sky Sports), external

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Ian Kennedy
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

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David Moyes would clearly like to see some new faces bolster the ranks before the transfer deadline closes.

The team selection for the Leeds United game wasn't helped by injury problems, but it is not ideal to have players playing out of position and that also left the bench short of options.

The right-hand side is the hot topic at the moment, and we will wait and see whether that can be addressed or not, but it would would be good for the Blues to have some reinforcements there.

On the plus side, we saw the introduction of Jack Grealish for the last 20 minutes at Elland Road.

Perhaps patience will be needed in terms of getting him fully up to speed, but once he is, he could make a real difference – a player of undoubted quality who will surely now get regular game time.

Grealish has got the touch, vision and guile to give Everton an extra dimension - but they will then need someone to get on the end of that guile and convert the chances.

Moyes' side had precious few on Monday, so it wasn't an easy night for Beto, and we wait to see what threat Thierno Barry can provide on a regular basis.

But a fresh chapter begins on Sunday at Hill Dickinson - and Everton will hope it inspires a first win of the new season.

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Nottingham Forest have joined Everton in the hunt for Norwich right-back Kellen Fisher, 21. (Pete O'Rourke, external)

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Giulia Bould
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

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The James Tarkowski penalty debate is still raging and while David Moyes was furious with the decision, I know it is unlikely to have been that which kept him up last night. He will be more concerned with his side's performance after just one shot on target.

A serious rebuild is needed at Everton after 12 players went out the exit door over the summer. Many, it can be argued, were not good enough to launch an assault on the European places this season but, even so, it has left the squad threadbare.

It was obvious the transfer window would be a slow burner for the Toffees during their trip to America last month. The squad for the Premier League Summer Series was padded out with under-21 players and the manager himself announced he was looking to bringin "nine or 10" more in the coming weeks.

The arrival of Jack Grealish on loan last week did create a buzz. It has been a good while since the Blue half of Merseyside made a marquee signing. You could argue the England star is the first big name since the arrival of James Rodriguez in 2020 - though it should be said no fans got to see the Columbia winger play in the flesh because of the pandemic!

However, that good feeling Grealish created driving into Finch Farm disappeared as fast as the travelling Blues left Elland Road on Monday night. It is very clear the club needs numbers - and quickly.

Central midfielder James Garner was forced to play at left-back while Jake O'Brien, who has made his desires to return to being a centre-back clear, has been the first-choice right-back since Moyes returned last term. Just two examples of how lacking Everton are right now.

It is my understand that deals are likely to go to the wire on deadline day simply because, while Everton are within the profit and sustainability rules threshold, they are not allowed to spend big so it means there is competition for the players they are looking at.

The only consolation for fans is the window shuts at 19:00 BST so at least it will not be a late night waiting for news.

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Without early recruitment "you are always trying to play catch-up", says David Moyes' former assistant Steve Round.

Everton's season got off to a difficult start on Monday as they lost 1-0 away to promoted Leeds.

The side were out-played in the first-half as manager Moyes tries to contend with a high turnover of players this summer.

"The most important thing to a good start to a season is early recruitment," Round told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"You get the chance to work for six weeks of pre-season with your team - getting them in shape, in the way you want to play and with your identity, that stature and structurer you want to get in place.

"But, if you don't get new recruits in until the last week [of the transfer window] - and you saw that with Jack Grealish against Leeds - you can't really embed them into the way you want to play. You are always trying to play catch up and it's very, very difficult."

The Toffees have brought in seven new faces so far this transfer window, but that comes off the back of a campaign where a starting XI's worth of players left the club.

Moyes had been vocal during pre-season about the need to bolster the a thin squad, saying after a 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth that they needed at least six more players.

"Everton are starting to get one or two better players through the door, and I think they'll get two or three more before the end of the window. But, it will have been really frustrating for David not having them at the start of the transfer window so they can work with the team," Round added.

"They need cover at left-back. Probably need a right-back to cover Seamus Coleman there. They also probably need a really good central midfielder and another centre forward. A quality striker to be the real number nine."

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Briony Bragg
Fan writer

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After such a disappointing performance it is hard not to overreact.

Indeed, I can't really decide whether to be angrier at the terrible penalty decision or the inability to create anything on the pitch.

Leeds fully deserved the win. Everton had no flair, creativity or drive going forward.

The season has approached with a fair amount of promise. Very rarely has a signing excited the Everton fans the way Jack Grealish has, and unlike his predecessor's talk of an impending relegation battle last year, David Moyes has refreshingly spoken of wanting to challenge the top end of the table - not the bottom.

With a new ground that looks fit for challengers for European football, there really are some reasons to be optimistic.

And yet, the gaps in the squad are glaringly obvious. This is the biggest rebuild in the league. In all fairness to him, the manager has made that very clear.

Everton began the game at Leeds with no recognised left or right-back (and the left-back they did buy was not even in the squad).

On paper, the team lacks serious firepower and depth compared with Premier League rivals.

A right-winger, right-back, a defensive midfielder and, to some extent, even a striker are what this team needs as a bare minimum to move forward.

The transfer window continues to be a major source of anxiety for the fanbase, with a new recruitment team failing to inspire confidence in their first real test.

Time is ticking before the window shuts. The Friedkin Group asked fans to judge them on their actions. Over to them.

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Everton defender Jake O'Brien has described Monday's defeat at Leeds United as "very frustrating and very disappointing".

The towering centre-back was critical of the penalty award that led to the hosts' winner, but also said, even without that call, his team simply were not performing well enough to secure a result.

"I don't know where he is supposed to put his arm. He is tucked in as much as he can, and it's as behind as much as he can put it," O'Brien told BBC Radio Merseyside.

I don't know what the referee wanted him to do, but there is nothing he can do. It is very harsh.

"It's natural that he has put his body on the line, and it's literally behind him in a natural position. They took five minutes to look at it, and they still couldn't see that it was in a natural position.

"But penalty or no penalty, we weren't good enough and we didn't create enough. There were times we didn't look up to it, but the next game is coming up fast."

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The Monday Night Club was on air during Everton's opening game of the season at Leeds United - but after seeing the late penalty decision, talk soon turned to the referee's decision.

"That's absolutely not a penalty," said former Premier League striker Chris Sutton. "James Tarkowski's arm is down by his side so it is a genuine attempt to block a shot.

"That's a scandal! With the way the directive is towards handballs, I think that that is really, really harsh."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer at Elland Road

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Everton manager David Moyes cut a frustrated figure throughout a difficult evening for his side at Elland Road, often seen with his head in his hands as the Blues conceded possession frequently and adopted a passive approach.

It took Everton 53 minutes to have a shot, a wild effort off target from Idrissa Gueye, and it was a tough assignment to ask substitute Jack Grealish to breathe life into this dismal display in 20 minutes.

Moyes has expressed his concerns about the lack of signings this summer and the mediocre, undercooked fare served up at Elland Road could be used as exhibit A to support his argument.

Everton barely mustered an attack worthy of the name and there will surely be renewed urgency to strengthen a squad which desperately needs a new right-back, a wide-right player and another defensive midfielder - just for starters.

An opening game against a newly promoted club is always hazardous, especially if that club is Leeds United at Elland Road, but Everton did not help themselves with such a conservative strategy.

Moyes was complaining to referee Chris Kavanagh after the final whistle - but he can have no complaints about leaving empty-handed.

Did you know?

• Everton failed to have a shot in the first half of a Premier League match for the first time since February 2024 against Brighton.

• The Toffees have lost their opening league game in four consecutive seasons, having been unbeaten on matchday one in the 10 previous campaigns.

We asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Leeds United and Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

Leeds fans

Andy: A work in progress. A really good performance, perhaps deserving a slice of luck with the goal. Looked solid against a rather blunt Everton attack. Definitely needs a little more magic up front. But these are matches to take points from, Leeds must be on the right side of results in matches like this if they are to stay in the division.

Robert: We were a little fortunate with the penalty but we will be "unfortunate" many more times as the season progresses. Better team won. Period. Onwards & upwards!

Gary: As a Leeds fan I think it was harsh but I will take it. I'm sure over the course of the season we will have decisions go against us.

Mark: A solid performance particularly in the first half. Lacked some quality in the final third which is what needs to be sorted in the next few weeks.

Paul: It was a decent performance, particularly in the first half. Both teams struggled to create much and it wasn't always the best of quality but we proved that we can compete and this will build confidence.

Everton fans

Glenn: Poor performance and a terrible penalty decision shouldn't hide that fact. Everton are notoriously slow starters and only one new face in the starting 11 shows the transfer window has been poor so far. Beto has been awful in pre-season and our new striker Thierno Barry should've started. A makeshift back four, no right-winger, no right-back, it's hard for Moyes to establish any kind of playing style. Lots to do before the window closes.

John: A poor performance, definitely second best. But battled hard and an awful penalty decision.

Graham: Poor display. Too many backwards passes. No intent to go forward. Obviously terrible penalty decision. Need more quality signed up ASAP!

Dave: Awful display, but it's not time to panic. Moyes' teams always start slow and this one still has some incomings to sort out and major defensive injury issues. We'll grow into the season and have a strong second half to finish top half I think. Also, never a pen.

Magnus: Never a penalty. We were lucky to be in the game after first half but unlucky not to get anything from the game after our second-half performance. We can do better and with signing of players for the right side of the pitch we can challenge for Europe.

Everton boss David Moyes does not believe James Tarkowski handled Anton Stach's shot and it was "a really poor decision" to reward Leeds with a penalty.

Lukas Nmecha slotted home from the spot six minutes from time and the Toffees' first game of the season ended in defeat.

Moyes told BBC Sport: "I'm really disappointed, and unless you cut the boy's hand off, I don't know where he goes.

"I don't know if the crowd plays a part in it - they got right behind their team. They played well and probably deserved the victory, in fairness.

"It's a really poor decision. VAR had a chance to undo it. They tried to say he was leaning to the ball. Surely you're allowed to lean with your hands by your sides?

On the referees: "That's a really bad one for us. The referees haven't had a great weekend.

"Leeds came out of the blocks and we expected it. We changed at half-time and we were much better in the second half, and if any team was going to win it, I thought it would be us."

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Leeds' performance

What did you make of Everton's display?

Come back to this page on Tuesday to find a selection of your replies

Daniel Farke has given goalkeeper, Lucas Perri his debut in the opening game at Elland Road.

Sean Longstaff starts from the bench alongside Jack Harrison, who was on loan at Everton last season

Leeds starting XI: Perri, Rodon, Struijk, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Tanaka, Stach, James, Gnonto, Piroe.

Substitutes: Darlow, Byram, Longstaff, Aaronson, Harrison, Ramazani, Nmecha, Bornauw and Gruev.

Jack Grealish starts tonight's game from the bench, whilst Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is named in the starting 11.

Everton starting XI: Pickford, Keane, Tarkowski, Beto, Ndiaye, O'Brien, Dewsbury-Hall, Alcaraz, Gueye, Garner, Iroegbunam.

Substitutes: Travers, Tyrer, McNeil, Barry, Chermiti, Grealish, Coleman, Armstrong, Onyango.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke is a very underrated manager and his teams always carry a threat, but it is their defence I'm worried about this season.

They will have a real go at Everton under the floodlights and Elland Road is going to be rocking, so this is a tough opening for the Toffees.

I feel sorry for Everton boss David Moyes because he overachieved so much when he took over in January.

That has increased expectation for this season but, although they have managed to bring in Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry, Moyes has not been able to strengthen his squad in the way he wanted.

One of the players who left Everton this summer, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, officially joined Leeds last week.

We know there is a talent in there, he has just had so many injuries. If Calvert-Lewin is able to play, it would not surprise me at all if he scores and gets his new team a point against his old one - wouldn't that be typical?

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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BBC Sport's TV and radio commentators have picked two Everton players who will be worth watching out for in the next few months.

Thierno Barry

Age: 22 Position: Striker Country: France

Guy Mowbray: Having checked his numbers and seen a few clips online, I'm really hoping he can make a big - and quick - impact for Everton.

He'll be raw certainly, but the talent is undoubtedly there for David Moyes to work with.

It's about time Everton had a strong centre-forward who can consistently deliver again. Dixie Dean, Tommy Lawton, Joe Royle, Bob Latchford, Andy Gray, Duncan Ferguson... Thierno Barry?

And if he doesn't fire - how about Beto to step up as a bit of a wildcard himself?!

Harrison Armstrong

Age: 18 Position: Midfield Country: England

Steve Bower: Given Everton's frustrations in the summer market, Blues fans are hoping one of their own has an opportunity to make an impact.

I saw Harrison Armstrong start at Goodison in the FA Cup win over Peterborough in January before a productive loan spell in the Championship with Derby County. Still only 18, he offers versatility in the attacking positions.

He'll have to be patient, but he'll be hoping to follow the likes of Ross Barkley and Anthony Gordon in taking his opportunity when it arises.

Read about more players to watch here

Matthew Hobbs - BBC Sport Journalist

Leeds United return to the Premier League for the first time in three years to take on an Everton side hoping to kick on after an impressive end to last season following the return of David Moyes. BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes ahead of the opener.

Can Leeds play the same attacking football in Premier League?

Leeds begin the Premier League campaign facing the perennial challenge of a promoted club – will the style of play that earned them promotion from the Championship sustain their challenge in the Premier League?

Daniel Farke's side were attacking and aggressive in the second tier in 2024-25, scoring more goals than any other club.

They also boasted the most possession and were the most effective at pressing opponents high up the pitch, while only Burnley, with the boon of Manchester City signing James Trafford, kept more clean sheets.

Leeds gamble on Calvert-Lewin and Everton lose Branthwaite

Despite Leeds' success last season, Farke has spoken of the need for more Premier League quality in his squad. Everton fans may have afforded themselves a wry smile when Dominic Calvert-Lewin was announced as the Elland Road club's eighth summer signing earlier this week as a free agent, after turning down a contract extension with the Toffees.

The 28-year-old had reportedly been pushing for a move to Manchester United before sacking his agent and his signing is a fascinating one for Leeds.

The injury-plagued Patrick Bamford failed to start a Championship match last season, making 17 appearances as a substitute, and in Calvert-Lewin Leeds have recruited a similar profile of player with a similarly questionable fitness record.

He missed three months of last season and has not scored more than seven Premier League goals in any of the past four campaigns.

Statistically, Calvert-Lewin can be considered the worst finisher of any forward in the top flight. Since the start of 2022-23, he has scored just 12 goals in total from an xG of 25.7 – the biggest under performance of any player during this period (-13.7). Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is second on this list at -8.5.

However, the fact Calvert-Lewin was offered a new deal by Everton shows he retains value as an effective lone target man and he is capable of occupying defenders – particularly with Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite injured.

The Toffees have won just three of 13 Premier League fixtures (D3, L7) without Branthwaite starting since his debut in 2022-23.

Farke, though, must find a new way in the Premier League. Even if Leeds beat Everton on Monday night in his 50th match in the competition, he would have the lowest win rate of any manager to reach this milestone.

He has won only six of 49 so far.

Will Grealish make Everton debut?

Leeds may also have to contend with Everton's own new attacking threat should loanee Jack Grealish start.

The Blues' sixth summer signing is a marquee one following long-term discussions with Manchester City and such was Jordan Pickford's desire to help get the deal over the line, he was calling his England team-mate from the golf course to check if the move had gone through.

Indeed, Match of the Day commentator Jonathan Pearce picked Grealish as one of his players to watch this campaign. "He remains one of the gifted players and most intriguing personalities in a game that needs characters. It's unfathomable how badly his career stalled at Manchester City," Pearce told BBC Sport.

"But in David Moyes, he has a manager who will believe in his mercurial talents and Everton fans love a crowd pleaser. Whether he plays off the left or in the number 10 role, I believe he'll relish the chance to reignite his career in this loan spell and win his England place back."

Everton's biggest issue last season was scoring goals from open play – they managed just 25 in the Premier League in 2024-25, ranking them 18th of all clubs. Only relegated Southampton and Leicester City scored fewer.

Creativity could also be increased by the £24m signing of midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea, while Everton have also paid Villarreal £27.5m for Thierno Barry.

The 6ft 5in striker was in an elite group of players aged under 23 to score 10 or more goals in Europe's top five leagues last season, sitting alongside the likes of new Manchester United signing Benjamin Sesko, Paris St-Germain's Bradley Barcola and Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike.

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Four years ago, Jesse Lingard fell out of favour at Manchester United and was snapped up on loan by then-West Ham boss David Moyes.

The results were spectacular, nine goals and five assists in just 16 appearances for the Hammers.

At his opening news conference for the Premier League season, Moyes says he hopes new signing Jack Grealish can mirror that success.

"He looks the same - big calves!" Moyes said on the England international. "You will have to turn up on Monday [to see if he will be involved against Leeds].

"The best example I can think of is when I brought Jesse Lingard to West Ham. He was probably not expected to be too successful, and maybe a little bit worn down, but he got himself back into the England team.

"If Jack can do a bit of the Jesse Lingard, it will be a great story. It is a World Cup year and he is in good enough shape. I just need to get him enough time."

The 29 year-old arrives at the Hill Dickinson stadium on loan - with an option to make the move permanent next summer.

Moyes believes the forward can prove a solution in a number of areas on the pitch for his new side, as long as he is given the opportunity.

"I think Jack can play in several positions, as a midfielder [as well as a winger]," Moyes added.

"My aim is to get Jack in a creative postion where he can score and assist goals. It is a big challenge for Jack and I am looking forward to seeing how he responds to it."