Godwin ObajeEverton Plot Ambitious Summer Overhaul as Friedkin Group Back Moyes
Everton are pressing ahead with bold summer transfer plans as the Friedkin Group throw their financial weight behind David Moyes in a bid to rebuild a squad that badly lacked goals last season.
The Toffees returned to pre-season training last Friday and, according to insiders, there is a fresh sense of focus around Finch Farm. While the club’s core is seen as strong enough to be competitive, there is no denying that the loss of two strikers and two wingers from a side that already struggled to score has left glaring holes.
A source close to the club admitted there is an acceptance that “there is nowhere near enough firepower” in the current squad. The plan is to address that urgently, with up to four attacking additions targeted before the window closes — a mixture of permanent deals and smart loan signings.
Key to Everton’s new strategy is a more “flatter” executive structure, following the departure of director of football Kevin Thelwell. Chief executive Angus Kinnear, head of player trading Nick Hammond and Moyes himself will now share responsibility for recruitment.
Thierno Barry is expected to be the first major signing under the Friedkin regime, with a £27.5m deal for the Villarreal forward likely to be wrapped up this week. One club insider said that bringing in Barry would be “their biggest statement of intent” since the group took over.
But the spending will not stop there. The club have around £100m available and want to spread it sensibly to strengthen across the pitch. “It’s something no other Premier League club has tried to do before,” a source told The i Paper. The idea is to avoid splurging the entire budget on one or two big names and instead build depth.
Among the more eye-catching names on Everton’s radar is James McAtee. The Manchester City attacking midfielder, valued at around £25m, is also wanted by Borussia Dortmund and several Bundesliga sides. Moyes is known to be a long-time admirer and talks have taken place with City.
Japan international Takefusa Kubo is another target, having impressed with Real Sociedad in La Liga. Valued at around £30m, the winger has been offered to various Premier League clubs by intermediaries. Landing him would be a coup, although Everton face competition from teams who can offer European football.
Closer to home, Ipswich Town’s Omari Hutchinson and West Brom’s Tom Fellows remain of interest. Both are fresh from winning the European Under-21 Championship with England and fit the club’s desire to invest in young, homegrown talent. But as ever with English prospects, there is a premium attached and Everton “know they have to box clever”.
Meanwhile, Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane have committed to another season at Goodison Park, with Gueye’s deal including the option of a further year if he plays enough games.
In an intriguing twist, the club are also weighing up whether to return for Jack Harrison. The Leeds United winger had two unspectacular but steady loan spells with Everton, and while some fans may question the logic, his familiarity could prove valuable in a window full of moving parts.
In the words of one club insider: “There may have to be compromises.” But with financial backing, fresh ideas, and a manager trusted to pull it together, Everton’s supporters finally have a summer worth watching.
admin
Godwin Obaje
