Everton's Summer Transfer Difficulties: Is it About To Change?

Touted as the biggest summer transfer window the club would have had for years, Everton have had several recruitment problems they have had to navigate.

They have had by no means a poor window; bringing in the likes of Thierno Barry, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carlos Alcaraz, among many others. They've brought in some talented footballers, but has it been enough?

At the end of last season, a handful of key players left upon the expiry of their contracts. Two of these include Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure, who have been key pillars of their squad for many years. Losing them has meant they have had to replace these players, as well as improve in other areas of the pitch.

The squad currently sits at 22 players, which isn't really enough considering the physical demands of the Premier League. Depth is needed.

Moyes' Cry For Recruitment

Everton boss David Moyes has voiced his frustrations at the lack of recruitment that has occurred thus far. Before the recent signing of Dewsbury-Hall and whilst on Everton's preseason tour of the US, Moyes said this:

"We've got huge priorities as far as where we would like to try and buy the players if we could do. But also, we've got a numbers situation as well, we're short in numbers, so there's a bit of both. We're trying to get the pieces we really want first, and that's what we've been fighting to do. So hopefully we can, hopefully things will fall into place.

"But we're just beginning to think, my goodness, we're just not getting enough over the line. Because we are actively working to try and it's not as if we're a club who are saying that we're waiting to sell a player before we can bring one in. But it's not really the situation. We've got money to spend, and we'll have to try and spend it wisely.

"We're desperate to get things moving on. We know that time's running out. We've probably had since the last game of the season, and I don't know what, five weeks, six weeks, certainly, probably more than that. So we've got to start getting moving on, because it won't be long until it starts to become a bit close to the end of the window."

Since then, it seems that Everton have definitely been putting the gas down when it comes to player recruitment. They've brought in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and have reportedly been linked with many other talented players.

It's clear that Moyes knows who he wants, it's just the club are struggling to get deals over the line.

"We've signed 3, and we need 5 more."

David Moyes, on saying Everton needs 9 or 10 players pic.twitter.com/xBJBkoKw4O

— 𝐓𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐄 𝐓𝐕 (@ToffeeTVEFC) July 26, 2025

Why are Everton Having Problems Getting Players in?

Late last month; it was reported by multiple journalists, including Fabrizio Romano, that Everton were in for Lyon Winger Malick Fofana. After a back and forth between the two clubs, it was revealed that Fofana desired Champions League football, which Everton could not provide this season.

🚨🔵 EXCL: Everton keep waiting for Malick Fofana’s final decision on future as his priority is UCL football…

…meanwhile, #EFC management made enquiries for both Assane Diao (Como already turned down a bid this summer) and Takefusa Kubo. pic.twitter.com/vsioW23SsU

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 29, 2025

That factor is probably the biggest that is influencing their inability to get players through the door. Although the Club can offer the chance for players to play at a shiny new stadium, they don't have European competition which is what all the top talents want.

But for Everton to qualify for Europe in the coming seasons, they will need players who already have the ability to play in the elite competitions. This could mean paying huge fees for players, that are much higher than their real value. Will new owners The Friedkin Group be able to supply this financial support in the transfer market?

The Tyler Dibling Transfer Saga

One of the most interesting transfer stories of this summer, Everton have been trying to poach Southampton's 19-year-old Winger Tyler Dibling.

Dibling was one of Southampton's shining lights despite their relegation to the Championship. This has attracted the attention of Everton, as well as many other Premier League Clubs.

The English winger would be a fine addition to Everton's attack, especially considering their lack of depth in the right-winger position. He would add flair and pace to their attack, which is currently absent on the right flank. Iliman Ndiaye provides this on the left side.

However, their pursuit to get Dibling has been far from easy. The Toffees have reportedly had two bids rejected. Southampton are holding out for a larger fee closer to £50 million. This is obviously much higher than his true value, and Everton may just have to cough up and pay it. After all, the top talents are all costly and Everton need players with a high ceiling to get further up the Premier League table.

Dibling is another example of Everton's difficulties in this transfer window. But if they can get him in, their aspirations on the upcoming season may look a little bit brighter.

🚨🔵 Everton are confident to get Dewsbury Hall deal done very soon, it’s almost agreed with Chelsea.#EFC remain in talks with Southampton for Tyler Dibling, intentioned to get also this one done after two bids rejected. pic.twitter.com/hlhU7AT2O6

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 4, 2025

Are Everton's Fortunes About To Change?

Despite a panic from Manager David Moyes, Everton still have plenty of time to bring players in. The Premier League transfer window slams shut on 1st September.

If the Toffees can sign a winger, an attacking midfielder, a defensive midfielder and a right-back before the end of the window they should be looking good for the rest of the season.

Another recent rumour that could have big implications on their upcoming season is the possibility of getting Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City.

Although it seems that Everton would have to pay all of Grealish's astronomical £300,000 per week wages, it would be a huge coup for the club to have someone of his talent on the books.

🚨 NEW: While a deal is not advanced at this stage, initial discussions have begun, with Grealish surplus to requirements at City.

There is also the significant issue of his wages, which are in the region of £300,000 a week.

Read more ⬇️https://t.co/FAXdGmtjrs#EFC | #MCFC pic.twitter.com/4DBNAsmypT

— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) August 6, 2025

A possible attacking three of Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Grealish and Tyler Dibling would be incredible for Evertonians. These three under David Moyes would flourish and provide exciting attacking play in the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

You could also argue that if Grealish joined, it would also attract other players of a similar calibre to join the project at Everton. Similar to what James Rodriguez did when he joined under Carlo Ancelotti a few years ago.

It has been somewhat of a unconvincing window for Everton so far, but it may be soon kicking into place for the Merseyside club.