Everton set to pay price for transfer decision after ‘too good to turn down’ offer accepted
David Moyes was left short in several areas of the pitch after the transfer window closed, despite Everton’s efforts to bring in nine new players.
Everton signed Merlin Rohl on transfer deadline day, and the midfielder made a strong impression on his debut against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The German was the last of several new signings to arrive and bolster the Toffees in the attacking end of the pitch, but the defence has remained a concern.
Luckily, Moyes confirmed that Jarrad Branthwaite is getting closer to a return, after the defender suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury in pre-season.
Vitalii Mykolenko looked to be walking freely as he returned to Everton training before the Villa game, after the Ukraine international was sent home early from his international camp.
Everton left short after bizarre transfer decision
Everton signed Thierno Barry from Villarreal in the summer, but the 22-year-old is yet to find his feet in the Premier League.
The Frenchman, along with inconsistent figure Beto, represents Moyes’ only natural options through the middle after Youssef Chermiti was sold to Rangers for £8million at the end of the window.
The Athletic reported on Monday that the fee offered for the 21-year-old was deemed too good to turn down.
Moyes had weighed up a move for a new striker, but decision-makers at the Hill Dickinson Stadium decided against replacing Chermiti in favour of focusing on defensive reinforcements.
But those defensive reinforcements never arrived, with Everton adding just 19-year-old Adam Aznou to their backline this summer.
Everton set to suffer from poor transfer planning
Everton have started the season well, with the form of summer arrivals Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, as well as Iliman Ndiaye, producing positive results for the Toffees.
But there are underlying issues that look as if they could re-emerge at any time to spoil the party.
On the defensive front, Everton are significantly lacking in depth. With several injuries already this season, just two poorly timed absences could create real issues at the back for Moyes.
And in attack, neither Beto or Barry have managed to prove their ability to lead the line, with the former missing several great chances against Villa.
| Thierno Barry | Everton’s strikers – Premier League 2025/26 | Beto |
| 0 | Goals | 1 |
| 4 | Shots | 7 |
| 0 | Shots on target | 1 |
| 0.46 | Expected goals | 1.81 |
| 0.02 | Expected assists | 0.09 |
Everton’s transfer business undoubtedly solved issues across the pitch, but it would not be unfair to say that, in some respects, their focus may have been misplaced.
Defensive reinforcements should have been at the top of the list for the Toffees, with decision-makers being well aware of the frequent injuries suffered by the likes of Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman.
They can be forgiven for not having a replacement lined up after Chermiti’s late move, but it was Everton who made the decision to let him go.
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