The 15 players saying goodbye to Everton today

An overview of those players whose Everton deals expire today - including several who could return

Fifteen players will technically say goodbye to Everton today but the big question is - how many will soon return?

June 30 marks the end of most contracts in football, including loan deals, making the day a poignant one in the calendar.

Most of the emotion has already been spent by this point - with the players themselves off enjoying the final throes of their summer breaks, unless they are on international duty.

That is certainly the case with the most high-profile departure, club captain Seamus Coleman. His departure sparked an outpouring of affection as he played in the final two games of the Premier League season, ending a 17-year stint on Merseyside.

David Moyes made no secret that he would love to have his dressing room ally at the club in some capacity and, to some extent, it feels like a case of when, not if, the Republic of Ireland international returns in a behind-the-scenes role.

He is not the only one who could find himself back at Finch Farm. Everton have an interest in both loanees returning to the club for next season.

Talks with Chelsea are ongoing about a deal to make Tyrique George a permanent signing.

The 20-year-old impressed club chiefs during his loan spell to the point where, last month, the ECHO reported there was a desire to keep him if Chelsea were willing to negotiate the terms of their option to buy him.

That conversation is now ongoing and there is real potential that George could follow Hayden Hackney through the door, with the Middlesbrough midfielder on the verge of a move for an initial £16.5m.

The club will not trigger its option to make Jack Grealish's move permanent but is expected to engage with Manchester City over another loan switch. That is partly dependent on the success of his recovery from the stress fracture that ended his season in January.

A return would be no surprise given the ease with which Grealish settled in and the strength of the bond he built with Moyes, the supporters and the wider club.

That Grealish continued his rehabilitation with the Blues not just through the season but even after it ended is a telling sign of where he would like to be.

The other official departure shrouded in uncertainty is that of Idrissa Gueye. The club has been liaising with his representatives since the end of the season but his deal will expire with him at the World Cup with Senegal.

Everton want to reduce their reliance on the 36-year-old and so any talks over a new deal would require Gueye to be willing to accept reduced responsibilities next season.

Away from the first team, a slew of academy players who offered signs of real promise will also now leave. Roman Dixon, Reece Welch and Tyler Onyango all played for the first team but will now end their association with the club they rose through.

Welch shared a goodbye on his Instagram account this week, writing: “I’ve been proud to call this club home and it has been a massive part of my life. I’ve met many incredible people along the way and would like to wish everyone at the club all the best.”

Frankie Okoronkwo, who joined the Blues for £1m as a 16-year-old, has already joined League One side Doncaster Rovers, where he spent part of last term on loan.

Fellow Under-21s Jacob Beaumont-Clark, Kingsford Boakye and Bradley Moonan will also depart while from the U18s Goodness Gospel-Eze, Louis Poland, Charlie Stewart and Kean Wren will also say goodbye, as will Ademide Akarakiri, who turned down a contract offer.

Everton said earlier this month that the club will “offer ongoing support to help all players moving on with the next stages of their careers”.

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