Everton Face Newly Promoted Leeds in 25/26 Premier League Opener

Everton travel to face Leeds in both sides’ first fixture in the 25/26 Premier League season, and although Leeds and the Toffees have varying expectations for the campaign ahead, Daniel Farke’s side, alongside a packed-out Elland Road, will be bouncing, ready to fight for all three points. The question is whether Moyes’ experience will be able to overcome the pressure of the newly promoted side, or will Leeds United’s overwhelming and intimidating atmosphere be able to decompose a new Everton side?

The new additions Everton have made this summer have been top quality; however, there have been some obstacles in the way that could certainly impact what occurs this season if not resolved before the transfer window deadline. A priority for Blues this summer was a right wing. After Jack Harrison, who may play today, returned to Leeds from his loan deal, a huge hole was missing in that Everton side. Mentioning the tough situation frequently in various press conferences with the media, David Moyes has spoken about how finding the answer for that position has been extremely tough, with Everton currently within a stalemate transfer saga with Southampton winger Tyler Dibling. After 3 rejected bids, each improving in value until the region of £45m, Everton resigned from negotiations. Although the drama created on the player’s side, with Dibling leaving out the squad and reportedly training away from the first team, meant Southampton came back with a counteroffer, with Everton still believing the price tag to be too high. This was around a week ago now, and no news since. Everton have been tracking young alternatives like McAtee and Hutchinson; however, both players have joined Nottingham Forest for similar fees as Dibling would if the deal were to go through.

For Leeds, they have currently spent around €85m so far this summer, bringing in mostly defensive players such as 26-year-old defensive midfielder Anton Stach from Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim for €20m and Jaka Bijol, a 26-year-old centre back from Udinese in Italy for a fee of €18m. The money given to Farke to spend this summer has been used mainly on defensively minded players due to the fact that Leeds have managed to bring in 3 attacking players as free agents and returns from loan. Leeds confirmed the signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin the other day as a free agent. The 28-year-old striker ended his almost 10-year spell at Goodison Park last season, with the underwhelming threat in front of goal, as well as the lack of games played due to injury, meaning the club decided not to give a new contract out during the required revamp of the entire squad. Leeds also had Jack Harrison return from loan, who’s been at Everton for 2 years, both single-year loan deals, and who didn’t get the kindest reception coming onto the pitch after his return. Finally, Leeds signed Lukas Nmecha from VfL Wolfsburg on a free transfer too. However, the recruitment is not yet done for Leeds United, as just today it was revealed that they are close to signing Noah Okafor from AC Milan, with the proposal worth over €20m submitted today. The opportunity for a contract until June 2029, plus an option until 2030, is now up to Okafor.

For the Toffees, bad news that Jarrad Branthwaite has suffered a hamstring injury in training emerged the other day. Insider information was leaked from within Finch Farm, with Moyes far from happy with the leak, as revealed in his press conference: “We've got to find out who is giving that news out. I am unhappy with it, and I think all managers don't like it. "It's coming from inside the building, and we will find out." Furthermore, Moyes was asked about the overall summer the Blues have had in terms of transfers, especially getting the loan deal for Jack Grealish over the line too, with the Scottish manager explaining that, "We are pleased with the players we have added, but I am not pleased because I think I still need more. We want to continue to add to what we have because we are short in certain areas. I think Jack can play in several positions, as a midfielder and winger. My aim is to get Jack in a creative position 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."

On the other hand, there have been questions on Leeds' recruitment so far this summer. Writing in the matchdayprogramme, manager Daniel Farke stated, “Overall I'm really happy with the recruitment we have made to date. We have a really solid base, and the new signings have really integrated well into the group and strengthened us. We know there is still more to be done, and we certainly won't fall asleep in the market."

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Thank you for reading my pre-match article!