Everton set for transfer overhaul as perfect model emerges after PSR trouble
David Moyes has revitalised Everton since his return to Goodison Park earlier in the season.
Overseeing 12 Premier League games, the Blues are unbeaten in 10 of those, having climbed 15 points clear of the relegation zone.
After a 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Saturday, in controversial circumstances, Everton prepare for a trip to third-place Nottingham Forest on Saturday (12 April).
Everton target Nottingham Forest replica
Although Everton are all but mathematically safe from relegation to the Championship, it’s about finishing the season on a high at Goodison Park.
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost |
| 31 | 7 | 14 | 10 |
As the Blues look towards the summer transfer window, there will be a sense of optimism in the air about what’s to come ahead of the trip to Nottingham Forest.
The Friedkin Group have written off the debts of the previous ownership and will be prepared to invest in the squad in the hope of pushing further up the table next season.
Michael Ball has argued that the Toffees can take inspiration from their upcoming opponents, as he wrote in the Liverpool Echo (8 April): “They’re sitting in third place in the table and are still in the FA Cup.
“That’s where we want to aspire to and seeing Forest up there is great for us as it shows it’s possible.
“I think everyone was laughing at them when they bought 21 players in a single transfer window, wondering ‘how’s this going to work?’ Like us, they have been punished last season for a PSR breach, but now they’re reaping the benefits of their recruitment. Nuno Espirito Santo – who could be up there for Manager of the Year – was linked to Everton before they appointed Rafael Benitez, is doing really well.
“I don’t think we’re going to be bringing in over 20 new players this summer, but with so many of the current squad out of contract, there’s going to be a lot of work and we could be in a similar situation, when it comes to shaping things to what Moyes needs.”
Everton to aim high in the Premier League
It’s going to be a massive summer transfer window for Moyes and TFG, and, for now, the main focus is on stability and not competing in a relegation battle next season.
As Ball says, 21 new players may be a bit of a stretch in Merseyside, but with several players out of contract and improvements needed, there will have to be many transfers into Everton.
This season has certainly proved that any side can be battling at the top end of the Premier League if well-coached, and in his tenure so far, Moyes has suggested that he can get his side into a decent shape, meaning the possibilities are exciting.
Everything has to be taken slowly at Everton in order to ensure a long-term project is viable but there is no reason why the Blues couldn’t find themselves competing right up there next season and European football can be a realistic target.
As the move to Bramley-Moore Dock is also incoming at the end of the season, this is an opportunity for TFG to gain more revenue, which can then be reinvested and back a real Premier League push.