Everton and Liverpool could be set to complete their first transfer deal in 23 years this summer, according to reports.
Despite being fierce rivals and sharing a close proximity—just a mile apart and divided by Stanley Park—the two Merseyside clubs have rarely conducted direct transfers.
LFC History notes that only 29 players have transferred between the two sides since 1892, including notable names like Peter Beardsley, Gary Ablett, and Nick Barmby, who made a £6 million switch in 2000. Two years later, Abel Xavier also crossed the divide, joining Liverpool from Everton for around £800,000 and making 21 appearances over two seasons.
Now, a 30th player could be set to join that exclusive list, with reports suggesting Everton are monitoring Liverpool winger Ben Doak. The 19-year-old, who came through Celtic’s academy, joined Liverpool in 2022 and debuted on Boxing Day of that year. However, with strong competition in Liverpool’s attack, he has only made five senior appearances and spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Middlesbrough.
Doak, a Scotland international, is reportedly attracting interest from several Premier League sides, including Crystal Palace and Bournemouth. According to The Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele, Everton are also in the race, although Doak is under a long-term contract and is valued at around £30 million.
Meanwhile, Everton manager David Moyes is also targeting Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who scored 12 goals in 36 Premier League games last season. The 22-year-old has a reported £30 million release clause and is being tracked by Manchester United, Chelsea, and Newcastle.
Moyes, keen to have Delap lead the line at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, revealed, “He’s spoken to three or four clubs and has given us the chance to make our case. We might be a bit behind, but you never know what could happen.”