Everton transfer news: Why TFG called off last-gasp Tom Fellows signing
Everton looked to get business done in the winter transfer window but it wound up a quiet market at Goodison Park.
Carlos Alcaraz was the sole signing for David Moyes before last Monday’s deadline (3 February), as several linked-away stars also remained on Merseyside.
The Toffees were touted to bring in several stars, including West Brom winger Tom Fellows – whom had one point been suggested to be close with the two clubs agreeing a fee (Alan Nixon, 3 February), though this was later denied.
Friedkin pulled Everton out of Fellows deal
The Friedkin Group made a strong call on Fellows according to Alan Nixon (9 February), who has claimed via his Patreon page the ownership consortium pulled Everton out of a deal to sign him.
Nixon’s report claims the 21-year-old was apparently turned down due to a desire to save transfer funds for the summer.
Fellows has shown excellent figures in the Championship this season, smashing double figures for assists at The Hawthorns as West Brom look to return to the Premier League after four years away.
Moyes will be doing everything in his power to ensure there remains no threat of Everton being one of the sides the Baggies replace should they achieve that feat come May.
It is uncertain whether a bid will be launched in the summer to bring Fellows, an England Under-21 international, to the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium and away from his boyhood club.
Everton should go back in for Fellows
The move from the ownership to save funds for the summer indicates two major factors.
The first is that they have enough trust in Moyes to steer Everton away from relegation fear with the squad he has at his disposal, mindful of the fact no major funds were recouped on players in January.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is among those who could walk away for nothing in the summer, with the Friedkins knowing any spending spree in January could come back to bite them in terms of resources.
The second and more exciting reason for Toffees fans is that they can now take the hint that the board intend to supply Moyes with plenty to elevate themselves in the direction of a new chapter with fresh ambitions.
Fellows ticks many boxes for Everton and could provide the attacking spark next season for Moyes in the wide areas, where the Blues have largely struggled this season.
All signs point towards a potentially exciting summer of recruitment on the blue half of Merseyside.