Everton enter the new Premier League season with a clear priority: finding a dynamic winger capable of slotting straight into David Moyes’ starting lineup.
The club’s summer so far has been a mix of arrivals and departures as Moyes attempts to reshape the squad after a campaign that saw the team rise to mid-table after a tough start.
Already this summer, Everton have strengthened multiple positions.
Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers has arrived to act as a back-up to England No.1 Jordan Pickford, while Carlos Alcaraz’s loan from Flamengo was made permanent.
Forward Thierno Barry joins with the potential to develop into a key attacking contributor.
However, undoubtedly the most high-profile arrival is Jack Grealish, the England international acquired on loan from Manchester City, whose creativity could immediately influence games at Goodison Park.
Everton assessing Dibling alternative
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucouré, and Ashley Young have all departed on free transfers after their contracts expired, leaving gaps in the squad that need addressing.
This, coupled with Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom returning to their parent clubs, leaves the wide areas somewhat thin.
This has made Moyes’ pursuit of a new wide attacker an urgent priority, especially one capable of taking defenders on, creating scoring opportunities, and contributing goals himself.
According to BBC Reporter Giulia Bould, Everton are “now looking” at 21-year-old England U21 international Omari Hutchinson, following their unsuccessful pursuit of Southampton’s Tyler Dibling.
Hutchinson, described by Chelsea insider Felix Johnstone as a “special talent,” made 31 Premier League appearances last season, scoring three goals and registering two assists in 2,593 minutes of action.
Hutchinson moved to Ipswich on a permanent deal in 2024 for around £20m and has quickly emerged as one of the most promising young attacking talents in England, now valued at £35m by his club.
Capped ten times at U21 level, he was part of the England squad that won a second consecutive U21 European Championship in Slovakia, highlighting his pedigree on the international stage.
This interest in Hutchinson comes after Everton’s protracted and ultimately stalled negotiations with Southampton over Tyler Dibling.
The 19-year-old English winger, highly rated for his ability to take defenders on and create opportunities, has attracted attention from Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich.
Southampton’s valuation of £45m plus £5m in add-ons and a 25% sell-on clause, however, has proven prohibitive.
Dibling has been training away from the first team and is expected to hold talks with the club regarding his future imminently.
Hutchinson provides Everton with a potential alternative who offers many of the same attributes that made Dibling so appealing.
Comparing the two: Dibling vs Hutchinson
Versatile across multiple positions, Hutchinson combines technical ability and creativity, making him a constant threat.
Statistically, Dibling and Hutchinson offer intriguing points of comparison.
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Dibling vs Hutchinson – PL 2024/24 |
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|---|---|---|---|
|
Player |
Overall G/A |
Goals |
Assists |
|
Dibling |
5 |
2 |
3 |
|
Hutchinson |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
Source: FBref |
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While both operate primarily as wingers, their playing profiles differ slightly.
Dibling is more defensively engaged, drawing 2.44 fouls per 90 minutes compared to Hutchinson’s 1.54 and recording more tackles in the midfield third (0.91 versus 0.56).
He also successfully tackles a higher percentage of dribblers (63% versus 28.7%) and blocks more shots per 90 minutes (0.24 versus 0.09).
These numbers suggest a player more willing to contribute defensively, capable of pressing and disrupting opposition attacks.
Hutchinson, in contrast, shows a slightly stronger attacking output in certain areas.
He attempts 4.77 take-ons per 90 minutes, completing 1.89, compared with Dibling’s 5.36 attempts and 2.20 successes.
While Dibling may be more aggressive in duels, Hutchinson’s dribbling style is composed and creative, often unlocking defences with skilful movement rather than sheer physicality.
He brings vision and a sharp understanding of space, traits that could complement Everton’s midfield and forward lines.
Beyond the statistics, both players offer flexibility.
Hutchinson’s ability to operate on either wing, as an inverted winger or in more central attacking roles, mirrors Dibling’s versatility and makes him a valuable asset in Moyes’ tactical system.
Everton’s desire for a winger capable of contributing immediately, both in terms of goals and creativity, makes Hutchinson a compelling alternative after the club’s inability to secure Dibling.
Ultimately, Everton appear to have identified Hutchinson as a player who combines, albeit limited Premier League experience, youth international credentials, and attacking quality within a budget-friendly framework.
With departures leaving the wide areas depleted, Moyes’ pursuit of a winger who can replicate Dibling’s potential impact is logical, offering the team a creative spark capable of changing games in the early stages of the season.
Everton’s opening fixture against Leeds at Elland Road offers an early opportunity for Moyes to integrate any new wide attacker and immediately benefit from a player capable of stretching defences, creating chances, and contributing directly to goals.
As the transfer window continues, Hutchinson’s arrival could signal Everton’s intent to compete more aggressively, restore attacking dynamism, and provide Moyes with the tactical options required to challenge for higher Premier League positions.
