Everton fans have spent years looking over their shoulders. First at the relegation zone, then at the profit and sustainability books, and most recently at a construction site on the Mersey. But it's January 2026, and the vibe at the Hill Dickinson Stadium—that shiny new home at Bramley-Moore Dock—is finally starting to shift from anxiety to ambition.
Yet, the latest football transfer news Everton suggests that David Moyes and the Friedkin Group aren't interested in the reckless spending sprees of the Farhad Moshiri era.
Honestly, it’s about time.
The Friedkin Group (TFG) took the wheel back in December 2024, and since then, they’ve been performing a sort of financial open-heart surgery. We're seeing a move away from the "panic buy" culture that left the club with massive debt and a disjointed squad. Instead, they’re looking for "Moneyball" assets—young players with high resale value who actually fit a system.
The Right-Back Dilemma: Ben White and the January Reality
If you've been on social media lately, you've seen the links. Ben White.
The Arsenal man is reportedly at the top of the list to solve what everyone in the Gwladys Street knows is a "problematic" right-back situation. Nathan Patterson has struggled with fitness—most recently a hernia issue—and the legendary Seamus Coleman is, well, 37. He’s in the twilight of an incredible career, but he can’t play every minute of a Premier League season.
The link to White makes a ton of sense on paper. He’s 28, experienced, and has fallen behind Jurrien Timber in Mikel Arteta’s pecking order. Football Insider has been pushing the idea that Everton are "keeping close tabs" on a potential loan-to-buy deal.
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But here’s the kicker. Arsenal aren’t exactly in a rush to help out a Premier League rival mid-season, especially with their own injury concerns. While a €44m price tag has been mooted, Mikel Arteta is notoriously protective of his squad depth.
Other Defensive Options
If White doesn't happen, where do the Blues turn?
- Emil Holm: There was talk of a swap deal involving the Italian-based defender, but local sources like the Liverpool Echo have played that down as mere speculation.
- Jayden Bogle: The Leeds United man was mentioned, but he seems settled at Elland Road for now.
- Adam Aznou: Moyes is reportedly a fan of the young Bayern Munich talent, representing that "new era" profile—young, hungry, and technically gifted.
The Friedkin Factor: Stability Over Splurging
We need to talk about the money.
The takeover by The Friedkin Group wasn't just a change of name on the letterhead; it was a total restructuring. They’ve already refinanced about £350 million in stadium debt with "blue-chip institutional lenders." This is huge. It means Everton are no longer paying those eye-watering 15% interest rates that were bleeding the club dry during the 777 Partners saga.
But don't mistake "stable" for "rich."
The club’s net debt actually rose recently because of the stadium's final construction costs, which topped £737 million by mid-2025. This explains why we aren't seeing Everton drop £60 million on a striker on January 1st. They’re being careful.
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The recruitment strategy is now led by a desire to avoid "MCO swaps"—basically, they don't want to just shuffle players between Everton and AS Roma (which TFG also owns) because they want to stay on the right side of UEFA and Premier League regulators. They’re building a brand, not just a team.
Who’s Leaving Goodison... I Mean, Hill Dickinson?
You can't talk about incomings without the outgoings.
Nathan Patterson is the big name in the "maybe" pile. Sky Sports has linked him with Sevilla. It’s a bit of a weird one, right? Selling a right-back when you desperately need a right-back. But if Moyes feels he can upgrade or if the player needs a fresh start after his injury hell, a deal might be struck.
Then there’s the youth. Francis Okoronkwo has already headed out to Doncaster Rovers on loan to get some much-needed minutes. Expect more of that. The club is finally utilizing the loan market properly to develop assets rather than just letting them rot in the U21s.
The Striker "Problem"
Let’s be real: Thierno Barry and Beto aren't exactly lighting up the goalscoring charts. Fans are clamoring for a "proper No 9."
- Jack Grealish: He’s been a massive addition on loan from Man City, providing that creative spark, but he’s not a finisher.
- Iliman Ndiaye: He’s been linked with a £40m exit, but he’s basically come out and said he’s staying put. Good news, because without his flair, the attack looks a bit... pedestrian.
What Most People Get Wrong About Everton’s Current Position
The biggest misconception is that the new stadium automatically means a "War Chest."
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It doesn't.
What it means is revenue. More seats, better hospitality, and naming rights (like the current deal with Hill Dickinson) mean Everton can finally compete with the "Big Six" in terms of matchday income. But that takes time to filter through into the transfer budget.
The 2025/26 season is about consolidation. It’s about making sure the "new home" doesn't become a beautiful venue for Championship football. David Moyes knows this better than anyone. He’s a "safety first" manager by nature, which is exactly what the board wants right now.
Actionable Steps for the January Window
If you're following the football transfer news Everton this month, keep your eyes on three specific movements:
- The Loan Market: Look for a high-profile loan with an option to buy. This is the TFG specialty—testing the waters before committing the big cash.
- The "Homegrown" Clearance: If a player like Patterson or Mason Holgate (who’s had a nomadic few years) moves on, it’s to free up the wage bill for a specific target.
- The Right-Back Signature: If a new face arrives at right-back before the February 2nd deadline, consider it a successful window. Everything else is a bonus.
The days of "winning the transfer window" but losing on the pitch are hopefully over. Everton are playing the long game now. It might not be as flashy as a £100 million deadline day signing, but for a club that’s been on the brink of administration, boring is exactly what’s needed.
Keep an eye on the official club announcements and the local beats—the next few weeks will define whether Everton push for Europe or settle for a mid-table rebuild in their historic first full year at the docks.
Monitor the fitness updates of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish; their availability often dictates how aggressive the club feels it needs to be in the market. Check the Premier League’s official transfer tracker for confirmed movements, as the rumors often outpace the reality of the paperwork. Finally, look for any movement regarding the stadium's secondary commercial deals, as these small injections of liquidity are what will ultimately fund the summer 2026 overhaul.