Everton and Liverpool haven’t made a direct transfer since 2002, but that could soon change.
Historic rivalry could take a new turn
Despite the fact that their historic stadiums are less than two miles apart, separated only by Stanley Park, the two archrivals have rarely traded players directly.
Read: Napoli are already negotiating with replacement for Antonio Conte
According to LFC History, only 29 players have moved between the two Merseyside clubs over the years – the very first as early as 1892.
Famous names who crossed the border
Notable players who have gone direct between Everton and Liverpool include:
- Peter Beardsley
- Gary Ablett
- Nick Barmby (signed for £6 million in 2000)
Two years later, Abel Xavier followed up, leaving Everton for Liverpool in a transfer worth around £800,000 – he made just 21 appearances in two seasons.
Now, a player number 30 could be on his way to joining this exclusive club. Reports claim that Everton are keeping a close eye on Liverpool’s young winger Ben Doak. The former Celtic academy player was picked up by Liverpool in 2022 and made his debut for the first team that same year over the Christmas weekend.
With Liverpool’s abundance of attacking players, the 19-year-old Scot has only made five appearances for Liverpool. He spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship.
More clubs interested
The Scotland international is not short of interested parties in the Premier League. According to Lewis Steele in the Daily Mail, Everton are in the game alongside Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
Doak signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool in 2023, and it is believed that “The Reds” value him at around £30 million.
Read: Every reason for Kevin de Bruyne to jump on the offer that means massive pay cut!
Moyes shows interest
Everton manager David Moyes is an admirer of Doak. He has also revealed that the club have held talks with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who after 12 goals in 36 games in the Premier League is likely to be in demand this summer.
With an expiry clause of £30 million, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle have all shown interest in the 22-year-old striker.
But Moyes wants him as his new attacking weapon in his first season at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium:
- “He has spoken to three or four clubs and we have had the opportunity to present our case,” Moyes revealed.
- “We may be a little behind, but you never know what will happen.”
Potential milestone
If a transfer for Doak or Delap materialises, it will mark the first time in over two decades that the two Merseyside rivals have acted directly – an event that will undoubtedly make headlines.
