Everton’s 11th-Hour Transfer Bombshell: Inside the Deal That Could Save Their Season

Everton are counting down to a landmark moment in the club’s 147-year history as the Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock moves into its final construction phase on Liverpool’s waterfront. The 52,769-seat arena is scheduled to host its first Premier League fixture on 24 August 2025 against Brighton & Hove Albion, ushering in a new era after more than a century at Goodison Park. Naming-rights powerhouse In May the club confirmed a long-term naming-rights agreement with Liverpool-based law firm Hill Dickinson, reported to be worth about £10 million a year—one of the biggest deals of its kind in European football. The partnership locks in fresh commercial income just as Everton prepare for significant match-day and hospitality revenue uplifts at their new home. What supporters can expect on opening day • Seamless rail and bus links from Liverpool city centre and a purpose-built cruise-liner berth for fans arriving by river • 13,000 more seats than Goodison, including 5,000 safe-standing places • A single-tier south stand designed to generate the same intimidating atmosphere as the Gwladys Street End • 12 fan zones featuring live music, local street food and a club museum showcasing Everton’s nine-time league-champion history Ticket demand already soaring Season tickets for 2025/26 have sold out, and Everton’s waiting list has passed 35,000. The club advises non-season-ticket holders to purchase an Official Membership to access any ballot for the opening fixture once safety-certificate test events are completed early next year. Economic jolt for the Mersey waterfront Local authorities forecast that the stadium will inject more than £1 billion into the regional economy over the next decade, supporting 15,000 jobs during construction and another 1,000 permanent roles on match days. Hotels and restaurants along the redeveloped docks have already reported a spike in advance bookings for the opening weekend. What happens to Goodison Park? Everton’s legacy project will see the historic ground transformed into affordable homes, a health centre, community football pitches and a dementia care facility, ensuring L4 retains a tangible link to the club’s roots even after the gates close for the final time. Key dates ahead • December 2024 – Construction reaches practical completion • February 2025 – Two reduced-capacity test events required for safety certification • 24 August 2025 – Everton v Brighton, first competitive match at Hill Dickinson Stadium • Summer 2028 – Stadium to be one of ten host venues for UEFA Euro 2028, pending final tournament confirmation As the cranes come down and the cladding goes up, Evertonians can already picture the first roar rolling off the banks of the Royal Blue Mersey. The countdown to a new chapter is well and truly under way.