Everton's summer transfer window ended in chaos and a significantly weaker squad, despite CEO Angus Kinnear's recent declaration of financial stability. The club finished the period with a £25.35m profit but failed to secure several key targets on deadline day, leaving manager David Moyes with a thin squad as they sit 7th in the Premier League with 4 points from two games.
Kinnear had stated on 18 August that "the club were in a stable financial position heading towards the end of the transfer window." This statement preceded a frantic final day on 31 August that saw a £40m deal for striker Folarin Balogun collapse even after a deal sheet was submitted. The club also registered last-minute interest in forwards Joshua Zirkzee and Tammy Abraham, but no agreements were reached.
The exodus of talent was a defining feature of the window. Defender Nathan Patterson, midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, striker Beto, and forward Iliman Ndiaye all departed Goodison Park. Their replacements, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Jack Grealish, represent a significant shift in the squad's profile. Another potential major sale also fell through, as a £40m bid from Nottingham Forest for Harrison Armstrong collapsed following fan backlash against the move.
The failed business leaves David Moyes with a threadbare group for the immediate challenges. As the team prepares for its next fixture, a home match against Manchester United on 6 September, the squad contains just one recognised striker, one right-back, and one left-back. This lack of depth is a major concern for a side that has started the season solidly, conceding only one goal while scoring three for a +2 goal difference. Fans can assess the full roster on our squad page.
Angus Kinnear has spoken of a two-year recruitment strategy following the Friedkin Group's takeover in December 2024. The aim is to build a sustainable and competitive team over a longer horizon. However, the immediate outcome of this summer's window is a net spend profit of over £25m and a playing group that is objectively weaker than the one that started the summer nine weeks ago. The club's current league standing, just 2 points behind leaders Manchester City, shows potential that now risks being undermined by a lack of reinforcements.
The focus now shifts entirely to the pitch. The team must rely on its current personnel to maintain its early-season form, which reads DW from the opening two matches. All available resources will be needed for the upcoming clash with 10th-placed Manchester United. The full schedule for this busy period is available on our fixtures page. Everton's next match is at home against Manchester United on Sunday, 6 September 2026.
