David Moyes has dropped a strong hint that Everton could enter the transfer market for defensive reinforcements in the final days of the summer window.
Speaking after Everton’s 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Mansfield, the Toffees manager admitted his backline options are stretched to the limit, with injuries to Jarrad Branthwaite, Nathan Patterson, Seamus Coleman and Vitalii Mykolenko hampering preparations.
Moyes was forced to start senior duo James Tarkowski and Michael Keane against the League One side, unwilling to risk rotating his only fit centre-backs. “I’ve not got any defenders,” Moyes told reporters, underlining the depth issue.
With Everton sitting mid-table and facing a tricky Premier League trip to Wolves on 30 August, the situation is urgent. Can Moyes and the board pull off a late deal to shore up his injury-hit squad?
What Moyes Said on Everton’s Defensive Crisis
“We wanted to try and give as many players (as possible) a game. I’ve not got any defenders. I’m very limited to what I can choose defensive-wise.” — David Moyes
The Scot also reflected on how the situation mirrored last season’s struggles:
“It already has changed a lot of my plans because we’re without Jarrad and we have been without Myko for the first couple of games. We had this at the end of last season as well… we’ve just got to make sure that we’re not short again if we can help it.”
Everton’s Carabao Cup Win: Mansfield 0-2 Everton
While the evening ended in victory, Everton had to work for it. The breakthrough came in the 51st minute via a superb strike from Charly Alcaraz, before substitute Beto wrapped things up with a late tap-in.
Youngster Harrison Armstrong, just 18, caught the eye with two assists — a performance that may force Moyes to rethink plans to send him out on loan again.
Everton – 2025/26 Snapshot (Last 2 Games)
| Stat | Everton |
|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 3 |
| Goals Conceded | 2 |
| Shots on Target | 9 |
| Injured Defenders | 4 |
source: sofascore match data – 27 August 2025
The numbers tell the story: Everton have managed results, but a paper-thin defence leaves Moyes vulnerable to any further setbacks.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Everton must act fast in the window:
“Everton’s spine is fragile right now. Tarkowski and Keane can hold their own, but without Branthwaite, Patterson and Mykolenko, Moyes has no rotation or tactical flexibility. Relying on Coleman at 36 years old isn’t a sustainable option across a Premier League season.”
He added: “Even a short-term loan deal could make the difference. If Everton fail to bring in a defender, it could undo the promising strides Moyes has made in midfield with players like Alcaraz and the emergence of Harrison Armstrong.”
Key Insights
- Moyes admits: “I’ve not got any defenders” ahead of deadline day.
- Branthwaite, Patterson, Coleman and Mykolenko all injured.
- Everton beat Mansfield 2-0 in the Carabao Cup — Alcaraz & Beto scoring.
- 18-year-old Harrison Armstrong impressed with two assists.
- Defensive reinforcements expected before 1 September deadline.
What’s Next for Everton?
The immediate priority is Wolves away on 30 August — a test that could expose Everton’s lack of defensive depth. Moyes is expected to push the board for at least one loan signing before the deadline, with full-back and centre-half seen as priorities.
Armstrong’s future will also be decided in the coming days. Originally lined up for another loan spell after Derby success, his two-assist performance may have forced Moyes’ hand to keep him around Goodison Park.
Should Everton gamble on their current defence — or push hard for late-window reinforcements?
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