Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Mon 25 May 2026 10:10, UK

David Moyes has been telling his Everton players all season that qualifying for Europe is their goal.

In the end, the Toffees failed to live up to the high expectations placed upon them, as they finished in 13th place and four points behind those coveted spots in eight and above.

It was a season marred by inconsistency and potentially Everton pushing beyond their means in terms of the quality they had in their squad.

Those same mistakes cannot be repeated, and the Friedkin Group must now deliver a transfer mandate that can spur the Blues into those positions.

However, ahead of Everton’s summer window, there is a perception from outside the club that has previously haunted their market movements.

What was the public perception of Everton before this season?

Everton were perhaps a couple of players away from securing European football this season.

In the end, a poor summer window has meant they failed to capitalise on the chance they had before them. But it may not have been Moyes’ fault behind that recruitment.

According to The Athletic, the Toffees had quite a tough summer due to their reputation over the previous seasons.

They state that targets still saw Everton as “perennial relegation battlers” rather than an ambitious outfit looking to push for those European places.

While pressure is on Moyes to deliver, his stability provided this campaign, as well as their push for Europe, could shift perception even slightly heading into this summer.

Yes, Everton ultimately fell at the final hurdle in their push for Europe, failing to win any of their last seven games – three draws and four losses – but the Toffees are not as far away from playing in Europe as many may have thought.

Two seasons where the Blues steered far away from the relegation battle should shift outside noise, and things in the summer will surely be easier now.

Why Everton may be patient in the transfer window

Fans will be impatient when it comes to the transfer window and will be demanding the Merseyside club get their business done early.

However, with the World Cup this summer, they may have to show some patience. If the Blues are targeting any players competing in this summer’s showcase, negotiations and talks will be more drawn out.

Meanwhile, any medicals will likely have to wait until the player is knocked out of the tournament.

Additionally, Moyes is taking on a punditry role during the World Cup, so the Toffees manager may also be distracted elsewhere.

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