Rochdale are set to bid farewell to one of their talented youngsters, following an agreement between themselves and Premier League side Everton, ahead of this week’s transfer deadline.
Ian Watson’s side have had a disappointing start to life back in the EFL, squeezing past Tranmere Rovers on penalties in the EFL Cup – but have since suffered four straight defeats across all competitions and find themselves bottom of the table.
With the summer transfer window coming to a close this week, clubs across the EFL continue working hard to piece together the final touches of their squads – including both arrivals and departures and Rochdale are no different.
Rochdale accept Premier League offer for talented midfielder
Though a lot of fans will be focussing on Rochdale’s disappointing start on the pitch, off it – the club have a successful history when it comes to their development of younger talent, whether that’s Academy graduates like Fabio Tavares who played in an FA Cup semi-final or loanees like Oliver Whatmuff.
Since becoming one of their youngest ever players back in 2024, midfielder Corey Edwards has continued to attract interest and show flashes of quality in his limited first-team outings, spending the 2025/26 season on loan with League One side Stockport County to further develop himself.
However, despite featuring just five times last season – his development has attracted the interest of the Premier League, with a move now set to take place.
According to a report from journalist Pete O’Rourke, Everton have reached an agreement with Rochdale for the permanent transfer of midfielder Corey Edwards, with the 19-year-old set to link up with the clubs Academy side.
Everton’s U21s currently compete in the Premier League 2 and are also EFL Trophy, National League Cup and the Premier League International Cup, increasing the likely minutes that Edwards would receive this season.
What could this transfer mean for Rochdale?
Edwards’ permanent departure is likely to come with a transfer package, increasing Rochdale’s budget short-term whilst also ensuring future payments should certain clauses be triggered later down the line.
Everton meanwhile would be welcoming a talented young midfielder, with whom has already had first-team exposure and is likely arriving on a low-risk, high-reward deal.
The midfielder may be contracted to the League Two side, but he hasn’t played for the club competitively since May 2025 and hasn’t made their match squad for any of their matches so far this season, suggesting he wasn’t in the managers plans.
A move to the Premier League will aid Edwards’ development further, surrounding him with better coaches and crucially a better quality of player – which will naturally allow him to improve as a player, whilst challenging himself against stronger opposition than the one’s he’d face with Rochdale’s youth side.
Meanwhile, Rochdale find themselves bottom of League Two and could use the funds to dive back into the market and recruit at least one new addition that’s going to spark life back into the side, following on from their promotion last season.
