Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Thu 30 April 2026 7:10, UK

Everton have one of the lowest net spends on transfers over the last five years in the Premier League – and yet, they could still qualify for Europe.

Ahead of Everton’s first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, hopes were high of beating rivals Liverpool and crashing the European places.

Fast forward to the present, however, and Everton are now 11th after defeats to the Reds and West Ham – both of which came via stoppage-time winners.

All of a sudden, the narrative around David Moyes doing an excellent job is being increasingly questioned by Everton fans.

While some teams are higher in the table than them despite spending less over recent years, Everton’s net spend since 2021 may provide a bit more context on where they should be in the Premier League standings.

Everton not following Premier League trend

As the years go by, it seems that top teams are forking out bigger and bigger fees to strengthen their respective squads.

Everton, though, have not splashed the cash as some of their rivals, with their record signing still being Gylfi Sigurdsson from Swansea in 2017.

And in the last few years, Everton’s biggest buy has been Tyler Dibling for a fee that could rise to £40m.

While the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea’s net spend in the past five years is well north of £600m, Everton are at the opposite end of the scale.

According to recent figures, Everton’s net spend in that period is a mere £25m, with Brighton (-£89m) and Wolves (£-115m) bringing up the rear.

It is all the more remarkable that Brighton are sixth in the league and Brentford are also challenging for Europe despite having one of the smallest wage bills in the Premier League.

So while some fans will argue Everton should be higher up the table, this is part of a project that may take time. But they are certainly on the up under Moyes and The Friedkin Group.

Everton’s European hopes fade

After Everton’s loss to West Ham, they have now gone three games without a win.

But, they are just two points behind Bournemouth, who currently occupy the last European qualification spot.

However, next up, Everton host title-chasing Manchester City, in a game they are big underdogs in.

Pep Guardiola’s team are flying high and sense another Premier League trophy is within their grasp.

Everton may not get Europe but that should not define whether or not their season is a success.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.