Everton’s transfer gamble begins to show signs of payoff | OneFootball

Everton’s Transfer Window Under Moyes Signals Ambition and Renewal

When David Moyes returned to Everton in January, the club were precariously placed — one point clear of the relegation zone and facing another turbulent season. Eight months later, the picture could not be more different. Everton have secured safety with comfort, climbed to fifth in the Premier League, and embarked on a recruitment drive that has transformed the squad.

Record Outlay to Strengthen Moyes’ Options

The scale of Everton’s summer business has been striking. With nine senior players departing, including Abdoulaye Doucouré, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ashley Young, the club were left threadbare. The response was emphatic: nine arrivals at a net spend of £97 million, the highest single-window figure in Everton’s Premier League history.

This represents more than the combined outlay of the previous seven summers (£71m), and should Merlin Röhl’s loan from Freiburg be made permanent for £17m, the figure would rise to £114m. For context, Everton’s notable 2020 window under Carlo Ancelotti saw a net spend of £77m, while the expensive 2017 summer spree was offset by Romelu Lukaku’s departure. This time, Moyes has built from a platform of stability and targeted areas of weakness.

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Financial Clarity and New Foundations

Everton’s ability to invest has been underpinned by a reset in financial planning. Between 2021 and 2025, significant transfer activity was paused, generating £86m in profit from player sales and helping stabilise the accounts. The takeover by the Friedkin Group has further eased debt pressures, converting liabilities into equity and improving repayment terms.

Timing has also played its part. Most transfers were finalised after 30 June, ensuring they fell into the next financial year and reducing immediate Profit and Sustainability Regulation (PSR) implications. Added to this, the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium — a 52,769-capacity venue offering increased commercial opportunities compared with Goodison Park — is expected to boost long-term revenues.

Smarter Recruitment and Greater Leadership

Moyes and his recruitment team sought to avoid mistakes of the past, where several high-value signings departed without generating a return. This summer has seen a shift towards players who combine ability with personality, bringing presence to a dressing room long in need of leadership.

Jack Grealish’s loan arrival has provided immediate impact, with two assists in each of his first two starts. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, signed from Chelsea for £24m, has quickly become Everton’s leading creator, while young striker Thierno Barry offers strength and potential. Tyler Dibling, the most expensive summer signing, is yet to feature but represents another option in attack.

Crucially, Seamus Coleman and Michael Keane have been retained. Their continuity has offered balance to a squad integrating new faces, with Keane in particular producing a strong run of form.

Moyes and the Prospect of Silverware

Despite spending heavily by Everton’s own standards, the club ranked only seventh in this summer’s net spend table, behind the likes of Manchester City. Yet performance data suggests Moyes’ team are exceeding expectations, with only Liverpool outperforming their expected points to a greater degree this season.

A trophy remains the ultimate target. Everton have not lifted silverware since the FA Cup in 1995, and Moyes has made no secret of his desire to change that narrative. While mid-table security would represent progress, the momentum generated by new signings, improved results and growing confidence in the stands has lifted ambitions.

For Moyes, this is both an opportunity and a challenge. Everton’s supporters crave success, but the groundwork laid in this transfer window could provide the manager with the tools to deliver it.