DEAL AGREED – Everton ‘AGREE’ first STATEMENT SIGNING of what’s being called a TRANSFORMATIONAL summer window since Friedkin Group Took over — Everton have had a bid accepted and Player has Agreed terms on a deal

Everton have reportedly secured a deal to bring in Hearts’ young centre-back John Dodds, marking what could be the first permanent acquisition under The Friedkin Group’s ownership of the Merseyside club.

The Friedkin Group, who also control Serie A powerhouse Roma, plan to support Everton manager David Moyes in the transfer market, with a strong emphasis on strengthening the club’s youth system, as outlined during their official takeover in December.

With eight first-team players’ contracts expiring this summer and decisions pending on five loanees, Everton’s senior squad could undergo significant changes next season. However, nurturing top-tier youth talent remains a key focus.

Football Insider reports that Everton have “agreed a deal to sign Hearts sensation John Dodds.”

The 16-year-old defender has yet to debut for Hearts’ senior side, but his standout performances at the youth level have attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.

The report notes: “Dodds has agreed terms with Everton and will now head south of the border to complete a move to the Premier League big guns, as David Moyes‘ side prepare for a transformational summer window.”

“Dodds has caught the attention of a number of clubs in England after impressing for Hearts at youth level, and Everton have made a statement by winning the race for his signature.”

Everton’s academy needs reinforcement this summer
While Everton must prioritize first-team signings this summer, securing a promising talent like Dodds is a positive move.

In recent years, financial pressures have forced the Toffees to sell young prospects such as Lewis Dobbin, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Tom Cannon, and Ellis Simms to stabilize their finances.

Former Everton player and coach David Unsworth, who spoke exclusively to TEAMtalk on April 11th, will likely welcome the agreement for a high-potential youngster, having stressed the importance of revitalizing the academy.

“The academy needs to be improved and invested in. It’s been decimated to help balance the books,” Unsworth told TEAMtalk.

“Selling the likes of Lewis Dobbin and Ishe Samuels-Smith for around £15m combined is incredible business in a way – but the academy will always suffer when there’s issues at a football club.

“Getting Everton back to being the top academy in the country again is possible. We’ve dropped off a touch, but the infrastructure is still there. All it takes is good investment, in staff and recruitment.”