Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Wed 20 May 2026 18:10, UK

Everton’s 2025 summer transfer window will go down as one where the Toffees got some things extremely right with others extremely wrong.

The arrivals of Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall were resounding successes despite the former being out injured since January.

Meanwhile, the acquisitions of Merlin Rohl, Tyler Dibling, Adam Aznou and Thierno Barry are yet to truly bear the fruit expected.

The summer window could have been much better had the Toffees pulled the trigger on now-Bournemouth defender Adrien Truffert.

Everton had strong transfer links to the 24-year-old but were too slow to react with the Cherries snapping him up.

Why David Moyes will have hurt to see Adrien Truffert success for Bournemouth

It might be said every transfer window, but the next for Everton may be their most monumental in modern history.

The actions of the Friedkin Group could define what type of side the Blues will become over the next few seasons. Will they compete for Europe or simply fade into mid-table?

The mistake to not sign Truffert may ultimately haunt David Moyes, who has had to stand back and watch as the former transfer target helped propel Bournemouth to a historic European qualification.

That will certainly hurt, as Everton had identified Truffert as a target in January 2025 but ultimately failed to pull the trigger on a move for the Frenchman.

The indecisiveness and lack of conviction ultimately meant Bournemouth swooped in to sign the former Rennes defender in a deal totalling to £14.4million.

As this season has proved, the scouts at Hill Dickinson had located an excellent asset that could have improved the Toffees’ performance.

Why hope still there for Everton despite Adrien Truffert mistake

While they did not land Truffert, it is clear that Everton are able to identify players that can propel the L3 outfit forward.

Those at Hill Dickinson must now show more grit and urgency when making transfer decisions going forward.

The Blues could have ended up with one of the best current left-backs in the Premier League but instead ended up with Adam Aznou, who has yet to feature in the league.

Despite the outcome being negative, the process is positive. Everton identified Truffert early as a profile that could fit into Moyes’ mould.

Recruitment is rarely flawless, and on this occasion, the Toffees may have got it wrong. But having the ability to recognise the top talents is something that matters.

Now, Everton have to show they learned their lesson and not stand still and watch rivals snap up their targets.

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