Under David Moyes, Everton has undergone a major transformation, fueled by record spending and strategic signings. The club’s impressive league form and new stadium signal a promising future, with ambitions of challenging for a trophy.
David Moyes' return to Everton in January marked a pivotal moment for the club, then teetering precariously above the relegation zone. Fast forward eight months, and the transformation is palpable. Everton not only comfortably avoided relegation, finishing a remarkable 23 points clear, but also inaugurated their new, state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium and embarked on a summer spending spree that shattered previous records.
Since May, no team in the Premier League has amassed more points than Everton, a feat that has propelled them to an impressive fifth place in the league standings. This resurgence begs the question: what are the key factors underpinning Everton's remarkable revival?
Image source, Getty ImagesJack Grealish's loan move to Everton was part of an unprecedented summer of recruitment
A significant aspect of Everton's resurgence is their unprecedented investment in the squad. The departure of nine senior players, including key figures like Abdoulaye Doucoure, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jack Harrison and Ashley Young, necessitated a comprehensive overhaul.
The club responded decisively, bringing in nine new players at a net cost of £97 million. This figure represents Everton's highest net expenditure in a single summer transfer window, surpassing their combined spending over the previous seven seasons (£71 million). The potential for further additions in the January window signals a clear intent to build on this momentum.
Leon Osman, a former Everton midfielder, expressed his delight at the club's activity in the transfer market. "If you'd told me that this summer we'd do a net spend of that, I'd have been excited and delighted," he said. "Yes, we wouldn't mind another defender, due to injuries, and a 30-goal striker, but for one window it's outstanding. It's exciting times for everyone."
This transformation is particularly noteworthy considering Everton's recent history. The club has twice faced points deductions for breaching profit and sustainability regulations (PSR) and narrowly avoided relegation just two years ago. The financial turnaround has been facilitated by the Friedkin Group's takeover, which converted crippling debts into equity, and strategic management of PSR calculations by deferring most signings until after the end of the Premier League's financial year.
Looking ahead, Everton's financial prospects are further bolstered by increased revenue streams at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, boasting a significantly larger capacity and enhanced corporate hospitality offerings.
However, Everton's summer strategy extended beyond mere spending. The club seems to have learned from past transfer failings, focusing on a more sustainable and strategic approach. This is exemplified by the loan signing of Jack Grealish, who has made an immediate impact, providing two assists in each of his two Premier League starts. Osman hailed Grealish as "arguably the best signing by any club this summer," underscoring the perceived quality of Everton's recent acquisitions.
Beyond Grealish, new arrivals like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry have also impressed, adding depth and dynamism to the squad. Tyler Dibling, Everton's biggest summer signing, is yet to feature prominently but offers another exciting attacking option. The consensus is that Moyes has not just signed talented footballers but also players with the right character to enhance the dressing room atmosphere, which is also why retaining Seamus Coleman and Michael Keane was significant.
While Everton's spending has been substantial, they are not the league's biggest spenders. However, their performance this season suggests they are exceeding expectations, hinting at a team capable of challenging for honors. Osman believes Moyes will be targeting a first trophy for the club since 1995. The blend of strategic investment, shrewd loan acquisitions, and a renewed focus on team spirit has instilled a sense of optimism at Everton, making them a team to watch this season.
"This is what Premier League football is all about - you do a fantastic job and suddenly expectations are through the roof," Osman said. "But if you take a step back, mid-table would be a really good stride forward. David Moyes will manage those expectations.
"The team has to keep enjoying themselves. They've shown their quality; they've shown their levels of performance. They need to demand it from each other.
"It's a great opportunity. Everyone at Everton wants to win a trophy. Moyes would love to come back and do that for Everton."