Godwin ObajeDavid Moyes Facing Frustration as Everton Risk Missing Out on Key Summer Targets
Everton manager David Moyes is beginning to feel the pressure this summer as the club risks missing out on several high-profile transfer targets, despite entering the market with renewed financial flexibility.
Following the arrival of Thierno Barry from Villarreal, Everton’s transfer plans appeared to be gaining momentum. However, with multiple top targets now slipping away, concerns are beginning to mount at Finch Farm.
One of the most significant setbacks for Moyes comes in the pursuit of Manchester City midfielder James McAtee. The 22-year-old has long been linked with a move to Merseyside, with reports suggesting Everton were keen to push through a deal believed to be worth around £25 million.
City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly greenlit McAtee’s departure after omitting him from the club’s FIFA Club World Cup squad, increasing speculation that a transfer was imminent. Yet, Everton’s hopes now appear to be fading fast.
According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, McAtee is now closing in on a move to the Bundesliga.
“🚨🦅 EXCLUSIVE | A visit from James #McAtee to Eintracht Frankfurt is planned for next week to get to know the club and hold talks. It is not a medical, and there is no agreement in place yet. #SGE
Borussia Dortmund, as well as other Bundesliga clubs, are also interested,” Plettenberg reported.
While no final agreement has been reached, McAtee’s willingness to travel to Frankfurt for face-to-face discussions and a tour of the training facilities suggests Everton are no longer leading the race.
Elsewhere, Everton are also battling competition for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian international is available for around £34 million and has been strongly linked with a move to Goodison Park. But once again, Everton face a challenge from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.
Another blow comes in the form of PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko, who has agreed terms with Bayer Leverkusen. Like McAtee, Bakayoko was viewed as a primary target by Moyes, but the allure of German football continues to attract Europe’s most promising young players.
With the Bundesliga proving an increasingly appealing destination for talent development—echoing the success stories of Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens—it is becoming harder for Premier League clubs outside the top six to compete.
This summer’s difficulties follow a worrying trend for Everton, who have also failed to secure moves for Habib Diarra and Liam Delap, despite holding interest earlier in the window.
With Everton’s pre-season tour to the United States just weeks away, Moyes will be desperate to bolster his squad quickly. The Scotsman is understood to want the majority of his business completed before the club boards their flight for the U.S.
The club’s financial situation may have improved, but if Everton are to back Moyes and push forward next season, their recruitment strategy needs to shift gears—and fast.
Godwin Obaje
