Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall says it was an ‘easy decision’ to join Everton after completing move from Chelsea | OneFootball

Everton have signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea on a five-year contract until June 2030. He becomes the fifth signing of the summer for the Blues.

The midfielder has signed for Everton for an initial fee of £25m, potentially rising by a further £4m in add-ons.

Dewsbury-Hall formed part of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League-winning side last season and lifted the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. However, he struggled for regular minutes in the Premier League after joining Chelsea from Leicester City in 2024.

The 26-year-old is delighted to take on a new challenge at Everton, citing the exciting move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium as a major factor in his move to the club.

"I'm so, so excited to get started. Just sitting here in the stadium, it's unbelievable,” he said, speaking to evertontv.

"I'm honestly very excited, my family's excited. There's a real buzz about this. It feels right for me. So just that alone gives me the motivation and the extra determination to show everybody, to prove a point and have a really successful time here.

"Everton's one of the biggest clubs in the country, and I think that in the next couple of years, the future is going to be bright. It was an easy decision in the end to come here and play for this club.

"You look at the stadium – it's incredible. Obviously, I've played in all of the Premier League stadiums, and this is one of, if not the most impressive, so that in itself is a major, major exciting factor for wanting to join.

"Then the fan base is one of the most passionate in the country, so I know if we start playing well and I start showing the fans what I'm about, it's going to be a big, big bonus to help me and the team show our best. So that's what I want."

Reader Comments (61)

Sean Kelly 3 Posted 06/08/2025 at 15:22:04

Decent player welcome to the real blues

Frank Thomas 4 Posted 06/08/2025 at 15:22:40

Are you aware of this video about Everton.

Link

Telling the rest of Europe who is coming soon...

Edward Rogers 5 Posted 06/08/2025 at 15:25:22

Now please sign a pacey right sided player, someone who can go past a defender.

Jack Convery 7 Posted 06/08/2025 at 15:27:25

Good luck and welcome to the best team on Merseyside. You have chosen wisely.

Ian Wilkins 8 Posted 06/08/2025 at 15:29:46

Solid addition. No problems with this.Still hoping for one or two who will take us forwards and get us off our seats.

Si Cooper 9 Posted 06/08/2025 at 15:39:47

I only have vague impressions from a couple of games where he seemed to be very attack minded and creative around the box.Hopefully another piece of the puzzle for a significantly improved squad.

Neil Lawson 10 Posted 06/08/2025 at 15:55:01

I think that he is precisely the type of player we should be signing. Very hopeful that he will be a real success.

David West 11 Posted 06/08/2025 at 16:02:09

Excited for this one.Would of paid an extra £500,000 if we could have got him without that silly facial hair !

Ajay Gopal 12 Posted 06/08/2025 at 16:08:03

I genuinely believe that he improves our starting XI - if, as I assume, he is the guy that replaces Doucoure. My only apprehension is that he and James Garner are very similar players. And Gueye also goes hunting for the ball, so a midfield 3 of Garner, Gueye and KDH may leave our defence exposed. I wish him all the best and I am already looking forward to the new season.

Dermot O'Brien 13 Posted 06/08/2025 at 16:10:05

It’s me, Flash! Flash by name, Flash by nature. Hurrah!

James Marshall 14 Posted 06/08/2025 at 16:20:29

I hope he gets a health & safety induction at some point and stops standing backwards on escalators.

David West 15 Posted 06/08/2025 at 16:24:59

Ajay. He's a lot more dynamic than Garner, more forward thinking and I'd hope he gets us more goals. I'd imagine that's why he's been bought.

With a good pacey RW added a 451/433 with gana,Garner,KDH, Ndiaye is better. Charly to play his part too.

I'd still like another in the middle of the park because inevitably we will have injuries & suspensions.

Jeff Armstrong 17 Posted 06/08/2025 at 16:44:24

Just a RW, RFB, and another striker to go then.

Danny O'Neill 18 Posted 06/08/2025 at 16:48:29

Ryan @16, I appreciate it's difficult for us to get our head around after year living with a seriously thin squad, but all the named players, those we've signed and those we may, will be part of a squad with more depth, quality and options.

Barry Williams 19 Posted 06/08/2025 at 16:59:50

James Marshall @14,

And here's hoping he ain't wearing his boots!

Ashley Krotosky 20 Posted 06/08/2025 at 19:04:38

Does this terminate the interest in Douglas Luiz - which still seems be active, as is interest in Dion Lopy?(And of course we still have to attend to right back and right wing)

Bobby Mallon 21 Posted 06/08/2025 at 20:31:28

We need a striker

Olalekan Taofik 22 Posted 06/08/2025 at 20:59:02

Good signing,but @16,I just hope injury won't affect, Grealish if he signs eventually.

Sam Hoare 23 Posted 06/08/2025 at 21:00:38

I’ve had some doubts about this move but it’s growing on me. I’m not sure I see it as great value for a player almost 27 who’s yet to make a notable impact in the PL but I think his dynamism will prove useful and he should link well with Ndiaye and (hopefully) Grealish or Dibling.

I’m curious as to where Moyes sees him playing. I suspect him and Gueye would make for a less than watertight midfield two and traditionally KDH has done better in games where his team bosses possession but he should help us keep the ball better and transition quickly. Hopefully he plays as a 10 but could play left or right too. Quite versatile and should help us get up the pitch. The new Leon Osman?

Daniel A Johnson 24 Posted 06/08/2025 at 21:05:59

Welcome lad and now in the right shade of blue and white. Welcome to a proper football club.

Andy Crooks 25 Posted 06/08/2025 at 21:09:23

Sam, until the window closes, I forbid you from using the word "value" in any post.Oh, how liberated you will feel!

Brendan Fox 26 Posted 06/08/2025 at 21:13:12

Kiernan will add creativity, trickery and more goal threat from the midfield which has been sorely lacking for too long.

Everyone is hoping we get a tricky 1st 11 ready right winger in the next few days who offers a genuine goal threat.

If that happens then things would then start to look a lot better for the squad, 1st 11 and the options to be able to change shape and formation in a match when needed.

Robert Tressell 27 Posted 06/08/2025 at 21:15:31

My guess is that our first choice midfield trio is Gueye, Garner and KDH. The latter pushes Alcaraz to the bench?

Colin Glassar 28 Posted 06/08/2025 at 21:16:55

Welcome aboard, Wing Commander Dewsbury-Hall. He’d look great in RAF Blue.

Ged Simpson 29 Posted 06/08/2025 at 21:58:05

Great signing

Rob Hooton 30 Posted 06/08/2025 at 22:20:15

Welcome aboard lad, best of luck for a long and successful Everton career! Another positive signing IMO, players that can be improved and with potential. Strategy seems ok so far.

Derek Knox 31 Posted 06/08/2025 at 22:25:18

Chocks Away Colin, Bunny, Carruthers and Ginger must be gushing over this one ! :-)

I too am cock-a-hoop ! Great signing, which should have happened a couple of years back, better late than never eh Old Chap ?

Paul Kossoff 32 Posted 06/08/2025 at 22:37:27

Dibling back on?Southampton have withdrawn midfielder Tyler Dibling from full contact training amid talks over a potential move to Premier League side Everton.

The 19-year-old England Under-21 international has been the subject of three offers from the Toffees this summer, including a recent bid of £40m plus £5m in add-ons.

They have all been rejected by Saints, who are preparing for their Championship opener at home to Wrexham on Saturday after their relegation from the top flight last season.

It is understood Southampton have pulled the teenager out of full training to ensure an unexpected injury does not scupper a transfer.

Dibling has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs after scoring twice in 33 appearances during the previous campaign.

He also scored a double against Swansea City in an FA Cup third-round tie in January.

Everton have struggled to strengthen their squad this summer, with manager David Moyes saying last week the club are "running out" of time to sign players despite having money to spend.

They have brought in French striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal for £27m, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea for about £28m, young left-back Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich and reserve keeper Mark Travers.

Five experienced starters, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Ashley Young, left the Merseyside club at the end of the season.

Ashley Roberts 34 Posted 06/08/2025 at 23:39:32

Maybe Moyes will play a 3-4-3 system? So O’Brien, Tarki and Branthwaite at the back. Gana the holding midfielder with KDH, Garner and Alcaraz playing the # 10 role and then Dibling Beto and N’diaye up front. That seems a pretty strong 11 for me. Not sure where Grealish would fit other than to take Alcaraz’s position but that would also be a great signing.Would only then need a right back if we went back to the 4-3-2-1 structure. Still we would have lots of permutations with some quality to come from the bench.

Lester Yip 35 Posted 06/08/2025 at 23:51:13

Good signing. Solid track record, good experience, right price and age profile. Excitied to see him joining. He will be replacing Doucoure. Probably less coverage but better vision and skill.

Welcome KDH!

Bob Parrington 36 Posted 07/08/2025 at 02:03:18

Welcome to Everton KDH! You should fit in really well. Great to have you in the team.

Jerome Shields 37 Posted 07/08/2025 at 06:00:55

KDH ticks all the boxes to add gloss to a Moyes's team;box to box, a playmaker. turns the midfield into a inter passing trio. can supply through balls to forwards.It was the one signing that was needed this Summer. Lindstrom was too light weight and Doucoure could not pass.This made a midfield trio not possible.last season.

Ian Jones 38 Posted 07/08/2025 at 06:35:29

A friend asked me if we’re

'assembling a property portfolio as opposed to a squad. Goodison Park, Bramley Moore Dock, Hill Dickinson Stadium, Dewsbury-Hall.

Tours of the west wing and formal gardens are by appointment only.'

Sam Hoare 39 Posted 07/08/2025 at 06:54:14

Andy@25, ha! I can’t help myself. Maybe I should have been an accountant or something. It will be easier when we actually have some proper matches to talk about.

Eddie Dunn 40 Posted 07/08/2025 at 08:51:54

Very pleased with this signing. We are increasing the number of our who have good technique. Hoping his arrival will encourage a few others to do the same.

Ray Jacques 41 Posted 07/08/2025 at 09:14:55

Very happy with this signing, a positive player who looks forward not sideways.

If we can sign Dibbling, a right back and cover at left back I reckon for once its been a good window.

I'm ambivalent about Grealish. It will be either a disaster or a massive success but I cannot make my mind up!!!

Fred Charters 42 Posted 07/08/2025 at 09:30:08

Ray (41) I’m more than ambivalent about Grealish! I think he is the most overrated/overpaid player in the Premier league. His £300,000 salary is obscene. He can’t go past a defender on the outside so only goes inside & invariably passes sideways. He is a poor man’s Ray Wilkins.

Ged Simpson 43 Posted 07/08/2025 at 09:41:29

What is "more than ambivalent" Fred 42 mate? God, the things TW gets me thinking about close season!

Ben King 44 Posted 07/08/2025 at 09:49:37

Pleased with KDH. But am hesitant about Grealish

If you’re getting the Villa version that was full of running, flair and verve then great

If you’re getting the City version that holds the ball only to play backwards then what’s the point?

Also, he plays same position as Ndiaye - why wouldn’t we prioritise a RB and spare RW winger and or primary RW in case Dibbling doesn’t sign and a striker that can trap the bloody ball

Danny O'Neill 45 Posted 07/08/2025 at 09:59:19

Ben @44, there have been previous comments on a few threads (hard to keep track as several are similar), but maybe it was Pep's tactics and instructions that forced, not just Grealish, but other players to play that way.

For your last paragraph, that's something that having a better equipped squad. If we look at what could potentially happen, if it all materialises:

Midfield: Gana, Garner, Oroegbunham, Armstrong and Dewsbury-Hall.

Attacking Midfield: Ndiaye, Alcaraz, McNeil, Dibling and Grealish.

Options and ability to change and mix the line up, cope better with injuries and suspensions as well as the African Nations in January.

Moyes did well last season, but the team was picking itself most weeks.

Robert Tressell 46 Posted 07/08/2025 at 10:03:17

We will play a back 4 and we will surely sign a RB. That will presumably happen after the Dibling deal (or other RW) when we know what the remaining kitty is.

It will be a 433 / 4231 type formation.

As with any good side, some good players will not make the first XI. This is a positive and a huge step forward for us. We are not being forced by finances to operate like a small impoverished club any more.

If we could get Dibling, Grealish (loan) and a quality RB then we probably leapfrog Brighton as 9th best squad and close the gap on deteriorating Villa in 8th.

That is a massive jump from the shocking state of the squad at the end of June.

Brian Harrison 47 Posted 07/08/2025 at 10:10:22

There is definitely more optimism about the coming season than any of the last 5 or 6 seasons. I think we will go right to the wire in bringing players in, and I wouldn't be surprised if we sold Beto to Leeds after we play them next week. I think his lack of ability to hold the ball up is frustrating the hell out of Moyes, while he is a willing runner if we hope to push on for a European spot then we will need somebody better than Beto. I think Barry will need time to get used to the Premier league and clearly Chermetti isn't ready yet either.

Ian Jones 48 Posted 07/08/2025 at 10:45:33

Brian, agreed. Holding the ball up isn’t really one of Beto’s strong points. His main threat seems to be running onto balls played through the defence – like onto that pass from Garner, not sure which match, and Branthwaite’s free kick in the derby, both of which led to goals.

The worry is that defences might figure that out pretty quickly. These days, strikers need to offer a bit more all-round, and that could be where he struggles. I’d imagine David Moyes and the coaching staff are well aware and working on it.

With a few new faces in the mix who can bring something different, we might end up seeing a different side to Beto. And if it doesn’t work out, it won’t be for lack of effort on his part.

I live in hope.

Derek Knox 49 Posted 07/08/2025 at 10:53:48

Brian @ 47, I too have a sneaky feeling that Beto might move on, OR, be moved on, before the window closes, not necessarily to Leeds. He is still coveted by some Italian Clubs apparently. That is of course if we were to get another striker in.

I would go for Hoijland of Man U for £30M (allegedly), would like to get Jianlu Sanchez, and of course Tyler Dibling, and maybe Alice Band on loan from City. I think that could all be do-able within PSR. Then again, it isn't down to me, or any of us stalwarts is it ?

Danny O'Neill 50 Posted 07/08/2025 at 11:08:37

As Derek says, we won't decide.

There has been a lot of talk about Hojlund, but I've not seen anything solid regarding us being interested.

All I have read is that he stunk the place out at United last season, criticised for his lacklustre performances and attitude. And only scored 2 Premier League goals.

I know a new club can give a player a fresh lease of footballing life, but I'm a bit cautious with this one and can't see it, having just forked out nearly £30 for a striker in Barry.

A few twists and turns to go yet!

Michael Burke 51 Posted 07/08/2025 at 11:22:32

Earlier post mentioned about Grealish's play for City. Pep is meticulous with how he wants his players to play. He does not deviate and maverick players like Grealish have to fit his system if they want to play. Cole Palmer would be another good example of someone he let go as he is an instinctive player, not suited to to Pep's style.

Robert Tressell 52 Posted 07/08/2025 at 11:27:04

I thought Hojlund is more of a channel runner and ball in behind player like Beto and Barry. Might be wrong.

If you want a more technical player to hold on to the ball - that is probably Zirkzee. He hasn’t really shown it yet in the Prem but he’s very talented. Personally I think that’s because he operates best in the space Fernades occupies at Man Utd - rather than any major failing of the player.

Annika Herbert 53 Posted 07/08/2025 at 11:33:42

Ray @ 41, we already have cover at left back. The young lad Aznou we just bought from Bayern Munich.

Left back is not a priority any longer.

Robert Tressell 54 Posted 07/08/2025 at 11:39:45

lots of extraordinary talents have thrived under Guardiola. I don’t recall Iniesta and Messi etc being stifled by possession based tactics.

The big thing with Grealish is that he needs pace and movement around him. I think City have lacked that a bit with the attack having to revolve around one traditional striker rather than more versatile, technical forwards - and the fact they sacrificed flying full backs to accommodate that one traditional striker.

So it’s more that the formation / tactics have squeezed Grealish out / nullified him a bit - to optimise the contribution of other players.

A bit of a failing of the player too, to adapt and force a role for himself - perhaps centrally as a replacement for DeBruyne

Derek Taylor 56 Posted 07/08/2025 at 12:08:03

Blowing a fortune on Grealish would be very much in the mould of the last owner and un-Moyesish. He has been crap at City with much better players than ours around him. Now we have a whole army of 'transfer specialist' it should be possible to sign two or three very useful players for what that poser will cost -even as a loan !

Derek Taylor 57 Posted 07/08/2025 at 12:08:03

Blowing a fortune on Grealish would be very much in the mould of the last owner and un-Moyesish. He has been crap at City with much better players than ours around him. Now we have a whole army of 'transfer specialist' it should be possible to sign two or three very useful players for what that poser will cost -even as a loan !

Colin Malone 58 Posted 07/08/2025 at 13:32:39

70s porno movie man.We have enough defensive midfielders. So let's get a creative middle of the park player.

Derek Knox 59 Posted 07/08/2025 at 13:45:36

Frank @55, looks like West Ham have first dibs on him, and negotiations have been going on for a while !

Only going by the rumour mill, so could be wrong mate. How else do we find out about signings potential, or what have you ?

Justin Doone 60 Posted 07/08/2025 at 13:53:33

Good signing and I think KDH can play with or will replace Garner. Both have had a fair share of injuries which hasn't helped their development.

I think D.Luiz interest will now end due to KDH and other priorities but I hope I'm wrong. Luiz may not have wanted to play for a team often fighting relegation but I think he is a very good player and I'd be more than happy should he also come in.

Midfield for me has always been the most important position in terms of team discipline, hard work and balance. In general the best teams have the best midfield. They dictate play, defend, create and score goals.