Speaking from Chicago, David Moyes says Everton are “nowhere near ready” for the Premier League season and urgently need five to six signings.
David Moyes has admitted Everton are in danger of starting the season underprepared — claiming his squad needs major reinforcements before facing Leeds on the opening weekend.
The newly re-appointed Everton manager made the stark comments during their U.S. pre-season tour, following a 2–1 defeat to West Ham United in the Premier League Summer Series. Moyes told Sky Sports that he’s “never had to do so many” transfers in a single window.
The pressure is building fast. With only four arrivals so far — and several key players still sidelined — Moyes now faces a race against time to make Everton competitive before August 18.
Why Moyes Says Everton Are “Miles Off” Premier League Standard
Everton’s pre-season form has raised red flags. A lack of cohesion, depth and fitness has been exposed against Premier League opponents. Their 3–0 loss to Bournemouth, coupled with a disjointed performance against West Ham, underlined just how far the team has to go.
Moyes has highlighted defensive issues and the club’s failure to replace key players. With Jarrad Branthwaite, Tarkowski and Keane all recovering from knocks, Everton are light at the back — and vulnerable heading into a packed August schedule.
“I’ve Never Had to Do So Many” — Moyes Admits Scale of Rebuild
“In the past I probably have had to sign a lot of players, but I’ve never had to do so many in one window as we need now. We’re way behind — and I can’t hide that.” — David Moyes (Sky Sports)
Moyes’s honesty has struck a chord with Everton fans — especially after two years of crisis, financial restraint and squad churn. The Scotsman is hoping the club’s new owners, the Friedkin Group, will back him with enough signings to avoid another relegation battle.
Who’s Joined — and What Everton Still Need
So far, Everton have brought in four players — including promising youth and cover in goal — but haven’t yet solved their core problems in midfield and defence.
| Player | Position | Signed From |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Aznou | Left-back | Bayern Munich |
| Thierno Barry | Striker | Villarreal (£27.5m) |
| Carlos Alcaraz | Midfield | Permanent deal |
| Mark Travers | Goalkeeper | Bournemouth |
Moyes is targeting at least five more signings — including a centre-back, central midfielder, and a wide forward. A striker remains on the wishlist if the budget allows.
Analyst Verdict
Moyes’s return to Everton was always going to be about stabilising the club — but this rebuild is proving more extreme than expected. With AFCON absentees looming and a half-fit squad, Everton risk starting the season flat-footed.
If reinforcements don’t arrive by mid-August, the Toffees could once again find themselves fighting for survival — not progress.
Key Insights
- Moyes says Everton are “nowhere near ready” for the Premier League
- Four signings so far — but five or six more still needed
- Defensive injuries and thin midfield depth are major concerns
- Club facing AFCON disruptions mid-season
- Friedkin Group must accelerate transfer backing
What’s Next for Everton?
Everton will round off their U.S. pre-season tour this weekend, before returning to Merseyside for a final friendly at Goodison Park on August 10.
David Moyes has just over two weeks to finalise his squad ahead of their Premier League opener against Leeds United on August 18 — followed by a landmark first league match at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium against Brighton on August 24.
Behind the scenes, recruitment is ongoing. Moyes has confirmed that Everton are actively pursuing “five or six” more additions, with defenders and midfielders the immediate priority. The Friedkin Group's backing — or lack of it — could define their start.
Should Everton fans be worried — or will Moyes fix this before opening day?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 31 Jul 2025 10:35
They'll go down, I dont see anything in this Everton squad nor in Moyes that could stay up in the Premier League even Sunderland have a better squad, good riddance.
By JamesLove 31 Jul 2025 10:37
could be, but even Bournemouth is very bad. Would be a close one but I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re one of the clubs that will go down next season.
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