Everton weigh £4.3m move for Häcken's Doumbia

Everton, currently 14th after eight Premier League matches with ten points, are weighing a £4.3 million signing of BK Häcken midfielder Abdoulaye Doumbia, a decision that manager David Moyes must take amid his midfield rebuild and hopes the 19‑year‑old can add depth and allow the existing midfield to press higher.

Since the summer, Moyes has added Hayden Hackney, Christian Nørgaard and Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall, while Merlin Röhl’s loan was made permanent.

James Garner has started every league game and Harrison Armstrong has featured in all eight, giving Moyes reliable options despite uneven results.

Hackney is contracted until 2031, offering long‑term value, and Garner’s deal runs to 2030; Nørgaard has only made one league appearance so far.

Midfield depth and tactical needs

Everton have a settled core but seek another young defensive midfielder to strengthen depth and provide a longer‑term option behind the starters. Moyes wants midfielders who can protect the defence, cover ground and help the team transition quickly after winning possession. Garner and Hackney already supply energy and technical quality, while Armstrong’s emergence adds another youthful option. A defensive specialist could free these players to press higher without exposing the back four during transitions.

Doumbia emerges as potential £4.3m signing

The search has reportedly taken the club to Sweden, where Everton are among several British sides tracking BK Häcken midfielder Abdoulaye Doumbia, alongside Celtic, Sunderland and Coventry City.

Bayer Leverkusen, Nice, Lens, Freiburg and Club Brugge are also monitoring the 19‑year‑old, while Wolves, Strasbourg and Rennes showed interest earlier this year.

The Ivorian joined Häcken from ASEC Mimosas in January and has made a strong impression.

Across 28 matches he has played 2,389 minutes, scored twice and provided three assists.

His Transfermarkt valuation has risen from roughly £600,000 in June to £4.3 million, reflecting his progress in Sweden.

A January move could attract serious competition, and Everton must decide whether to risk £4.3 million on Doumbia.

On 11 October 2026, David Moyes was seen before the Premier League match against Hull City at MKM Stadium, and the club should only proceed with a clear development plan.

Doumbia’s defensive work and energy could complement Garner and Hackney, and his age gives Everton room to improve him before demanding regular starts; his ambition to play for Real Madrid, Barcelona or Liverpool should not deter the club.

Everton must avoid treating his rising valuation as proof of readiness, assess his ability to cope with Premier League pace and physical pressure, and at around £4.3 million the risk appears manageable if he is viewed as a developing asset rather than an instant solution.