Everton and Liverpool have not been involved in a direct transfer since 2002 but that could be about to change this summer.
Despite their historic stadiums being less than a mile part and separated by Stanley Park, the pair of bitter rivals have rarely been involved in direct transfers over the years.
According to LFC History, just 29 players who have moved between the Merseyside clubs over the years – the very first being in 1892.
Notable names to have gone directly between Everton and Liverpool include Peter Beardsley, Gary Ablett and Nick Barmby – who signed in a £6 million deal in 2000.
Two years later and he was joined by Abel Xavier, who left Everton for Liverpool in a move worth around £800,000 and played just 21 times across two seasons.
But a 30th member of the exclusive club could arrive this summer, with recent reports claiming that Everton are keeping tabs on Liverpool winger Ben Doak.
The former Celtic academy player joined Liverpool in 2022 and made his first-team debut for the club later that year on Boxing Day.
With Liverpool well-stocked for attacking players, the 19-year-old has only managed five appearances for Liverpool and spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship.
But the Scotland international is not short of suitors in the Premier League, with Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail reporting that Everton are in the race alongside Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
Doak signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool in 2023 and it’s believed that the Reds value him at around £30 million.
Compatriot David Moyes is an admirer of Doak and the Everton boss has also revealed the club have held discussions with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who is set to be a man in demand this summer after scoring 12 times in 36 appearances in the Premier League.
With a reported £30 million release clause, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle have all expressed an interested in the 22-year-old.
But Moyes wants him to spearhead his attack in the first season at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“He’s spoken to three or four clubs and you know, he’s given us the opportunity to pitch our case,” Moyes revealed.
“We’re probably a little bit behind the black ball, but you never know what happens.”
