Everton’s recruitment strategy appears to have entered a new phase. Possibly. Hopefully.
With David Moyes in charge and financial discipline likely to remain a key consideration under The Friedkin Group (for obvious reasons), identifying value has become just as important as identifying quality.
The club’s move for Hayden Hackney is another reminder that the Championship remains one of the richest markets for emerging talent.
Moyes has built successful Everton sides this way before. Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines all arrived from outside the Premier League’s established elite before becoming key figures at Goodison Park.
The names below are not transfer rumours, nor is there any suggestion Everton are actively pursuing them. Instead, they are players whose age, profile and attributes closely match the type of recruitment Moyes has consistently favoured throughout his managerial career.
Tyler Bindon (Sheffield Utd – loan 2025-26)
Few young defenders have enhanced their reputation in England as quickly as Tyler Bindon.
After impressing at Reading, the New Zealand international earned a move to Nottingham Forest before continuing his development with regular Championship football at Sheffield United. At just 21, he already looks comfortable against experienced forwards and possesses the physical attributes required to make the step into the Premier League.
Standing at over six feet tall, Bindon is dominant in the air, aggressive in one-on-ones and naturally left-sided — a combination that remains difficult to find. He is equally composed with the ball at his feet, showing the confidence to play through pressure rather than simply clearing his lines.
Perhaps most impressive is his maturity. Despite his age, Bindon plays with the authority of a far more experienced defender, organising those around him and displaying the leadership qualities Moyes has always valued in central defenders.
Sydie Peck (Sheffield United)
Every successful Moyes team has been built around midfielders who understand the balance between industry and intelligence.
Peck fits that mould perfectly.
The 21-year-old has quietly become one of the Championship’s most dependable holding midfielders, combining relentless work rate with impressive tactical discipline. He rarely overcomplicates possession, instead making sensible decisions that allow those around him to flourish.
While he may not produce spectacular highlights every weekend, Peck consistently does the difficult things well. He breaks up attacks, protects his back four and covers ground.
Those qualities rarely dominate headlines, but they have formed the foundation of many of Moyes’ best teams.
Zak Sturge (Millwall)
Finding young full-backs capable of defending first and attacking second has become increasingly difficult.
Zak Sturge offers exactly that.
Following his move from Chelsea to Millwall, the 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign of regular senior football that accelerated his development. Strong in the tackle, athletic across the ground and comfortable defending one-on-one, he has all the tools required for Premier League football.
His attacking game continues to evolve, but that is unlikely to concern Moyes. Throughout his managerial career, defensive reliability has always taken precedence over flair from his full-backs.
Sturge’s willingness to compete, tactical discipline and professionalism make him an intriguing long-term prospect.
Zan Vipotnik (Swansea City)
Goals inevitably attract attention, but Vipotnik offers far more than finishing alone.
The Slovenia international enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Swansea City, developing into one of the Championship’s most complete centre-forwards. Strong enough to occupy defenders, intelligent in his movement and clinical inside the penalty area, he possesses many of the characteristics Moyes has traditionally looked for in a striker.
Equally important is his work without the ball. Vipotnik presses willingly, competes aerially and provides a focal point capable of bringing teammates into the game.
Swansea’s decision to commit him to a long-term contract reflects his growing importance, meaning any future move would command a significant fee. Nevertheless, he remains exactly the type of player Premier League recruitment departments should be monitoring.
Eiran Cashin (Blackburn – loan 2025-26)
Few defenders have built their reputation more steadily than Cashin.
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international established himself as one of Derby County’s standout performers before earning a move to Brighton, underlining the progress he has made over the past three seasons, albeit he ended last season on loan at Blackburn.
Cashin’s strengths are immediately obvious. Left-footed, physically commanding and comfortable defending one-on-one, he combines traditional defensive qualities with the composure in possession demanded by the modern game.
Leadership has also become an important part of his game. Trusted with responsibility from a young age, he has consistently demonstrated the mentality required to thrive under pressure.
Brighton have earned a reputation for identifying talent before its value peaks, so Cashin may ultimately prove difficult to prise away. Even so, he represents the type of defender Everton should continue monitoring as they reshape their squad with younger players capable of developing into Premier League regulars.
Recruitment is rarely about identifying the obvious names… especially at Everton.
More often, it is about recognising tomorrow’s Premier League players before everybody else does.
Whether Everton pursues any of these remains to be seen (I highly doubt it), but each fits the profile Moyes has consistently trusted throughout his career: young, physically capable, tactically intelligent and possessing room for growth.
If Everton are to build another successful side without competing with the Premier League’s biggest spenders, finding the next Jagielka or Baines may once again begin with looking beyond the obvious.
