David Moyes has spoken openly about the frustrations of a summer transfer window that ended in disappointment for Everton. The manager admitted the club must now look to the free agent market to bolster a squad he described as very small.
The window closed with just 18 senior outfield players available until January. Only one recognised striker remains on the books after Beto departed for Fiorentina and a late move for Folarin Balogun collapsed.
Balogun had agreed terms with Everton on a deal worth an initial £40 million plus add-ons from Monaco. The 25-year-old American international even travelled to Finch Farm for what should have been the final stages. Instead, concerns emerged during his medical and the deal fell through at the eleventh hour.
Moyes was clear that it was not down to any single party. He told reporters the situation was simply one of those things that happens in football. Balogun himself pulled out after the medical doubts surfaced.
The timing proved particularly painful. Everton had already sanctioned Beto’s exit in anticipation of the incoming striker. That left Thierno Barry as the sole senior centre forward. Fans had hoped for greater depth after a summer that saw significant sales generate around £100 million.
Iliman Ndiaye’s £65 million move to Manchester City was another major outgoing. The Senegal international had been a key creative force and his departure further thinned the attacking options. Moyes made it clear the club did not want to lose him but could not stand in the way of such an opportunity.
Squad depth under pressure
The lack of numbers leaves Moyes with limited flexibility. Vitalii Mykolenko is the only recognised left-back. The right-back position has been addressed with the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon on a three-year deal, but overall balance remains a concern.
Moyes emphasised the need to challenge at the top end of the table despite the setbacks. He stressed that everyone will have to muck in and that opportunities will arise for younger players or those previously on the fringes. The manager remains determined to keep pushing forward.
Everton have confirmed they are now exploring free agents. Reports have linked the club with experienced options such as Jamie Vardy, though no deals have been completed. The priority is to add quality without further disrupting the wage structure.
Supporters will be anxious about how the squad copes with a demanding fixture list. A thin squad increases the risk of injuries derailing the season before it truly begins. Moyes has shown resilience in the past and will look to instil belief that the group can still deliver.
The Friedkin Group ownership has faced questions over ambition following the window’s outcome. Moyes revealed he has never spoken directly to Dan Friedkin in his time back at the club, highlighting a disconnect at the top. Yet the manager stayed positive, insisting the players and fans can achieve something special with what they have.
Everton’s summer was meant to build on recent stability. Instead it has left the club facing familiar challenges of limited resources and the need to overachieve. Moyes and his team must now find solutions quickly if they are to meet expectations in the new campaign.