The January transfer window at Everton used to feel like a desperate scramble for survival. You remember those days—panicked phone calls on deadline day and fans tracking private jets from across Europe. But things have changed under The Friedkin Group. The atmosphere at the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium is different now, but the pressure to fix a spluttering attack remains just as heavy.
Honestly, the current everton fc transfer news isn't about reckless spending. It’s about surgical precision. David Moyes is back in the dugout, and he’s facing the same old "Toffees" problem: we just can’t seem to put the ball in the net consistently.
The Striker Dilemma: Is En-Nesyri the Answer?
Most of the talk right now centers on Youssef En-Nesyri. The Fenerbahce man is currently away at AFCON with Morocco, but that hasn't stopped the links. Everton have reportedly put a loan offer on the table with a £20 million option to buy. It’s a classic Moyes move—looking for a "massive" presence up top who can lead the line.
But here’s the thing. Nottingham Forest are sniffing around too. Sky Germany suggests En-Nesyri prefers Merseyside, but in January, nothing is certain until the player is holding the shirt.
Why the rush? Because Thierno Barry, the £27 million summer arrival, is struggling. Three goals just isn't enough for a club that wants to push into the top half. Moyes has been vocal about Barry being a "long-term project," but projects don't win you games in the muddy winter months. Then there’s Beto. He’s still here, still running hard, but the clinical edge is missing.
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If En-Nesyri doesn't happen, keep an eye on Callum Wilson. He’s been linked with a move from West Ham. It feels a bit "short-term fix," doesn't it? But Wilson knows the league. He scores goals. For a team only six points off fourth place—yeah, you read that right—a reliable finisher could be the difference between a European charge and a mid-table fade-out.
The Right-Back Negligence
You can't talk about Everton transfers without mentioning the right-back spot. It’s been a glaring hole for years. Nathan Patterson might be headed for the exit, with Sevilla showing serious interest in a loan deal. If he goes, the club has to act.
The scouting department is looking at Serie A. Specifically:
- Brooke Norton-Cuffy (Genoa): A former Arsenal academy kid who’s been solid in Italy.
- Emil Holm (Bologna): A 25-year-old Swede with a decent engine and four assists this season.
Using Jake O'Brien out of position as a makeshift full-back has reached its expiration date. He’s a center-half. Playing him wide is like using a hammer to turn a screw—it sort of works, but it’s messy.
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Financial Reality and the Friedkin Factor
The takeover by The Friedkin Group on December 19, 2024, essentially saved the club from the brink. They’ve professionalized the board and cleared the "toxic" debt left behind by the Moshiri era.
However, don't expect them to just open the taps. CEO Angus Kinnear and the recruitment team are moving toward a "Moneyball" style. They want young assets with resale value. This is why they’re hesitant to overspend on veteran stop-gaps. The club is finally on the right side of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), and they aren't about to flush three years of hard work down the toilet for one desperate January signing.
It’s a balancing act. Moyes wants "new tools," but the hierarchy is looking at the "Phase Two" rebuild coming this summer.
What’s Actually Going to Happen?
Expect a quiet few days followed by a flurry of activity as the February 2nd deadline approaches. The priority is a striker—likely a loan with an option—to take the pressure off Barry.
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Harry Tyrer is already heading to Cardiff City once their embargo lifts, and we might see a few more youth prospects head out to get minutes. Braiden Graham is the one to watch in the academy; the club is desperate to keep him away from the vultures at Liverpool.
Actionable Insights for Evertonians:
- Watch AFCON results: Morocco’s progress will dictate when any potential En-Nesyri deal can actually be finalized.
- Monitor Nathan Patterson: If he leaves for Sevilla, a right-back signing becomes 100% mandatory.
- Don't expect "Done Deals" early: The Friedkins are negotiators. They’ll wait for the best price, even if it means a stressful deadline day.
The club is in its first full season at the new stadium. The foundations are solid. Now, it’s just about finding that one piece of the puzzle to make the Hill Dickinson Stadium a fortress for years to come.
Stay patient. The Moyes era 2.0 is about stability, not spectacles.