Everton transfer window graded after disastrous Deadline Day leaves Moyes short

Everton's summer transfer window ended in chaos, leaving David Moyes with a significantly weakened attack and serious questions over the club's recruitment strategy.

After years of financial restrictions, this was supposed to be the summer Everton established a clearer direction. Instead, Deadline Day brought failed striker deals, major departures and decisions that appeared increasingly reactive.

The biggest concern is straightforward: Everton allowed Beto and Iliman Ndiaye to leave without securing attacking replacements.

Beto completed a permanent move to Fiorentina, while Ndiaye departed for Manchester City.

Those exits leave 23-year-old Thierno Barry as Everton's only recognised senior striker. Barry scored eight times in 41 appearances last season and now carries considerably greater responsibility than Everton would have planned.

Moyes had already publicly warned about the squad's shortcomings.

“I still think we are short in the squad and I still think we are short in quality in some places,” he said following Everton's 4-0 Carabao Cup victory over Preston.

Deadline Day ultimately made those concerns even greater.

Everton appeared close to solving their striker problem with Folarin Balogun.

A deal with Monaco was approaching completion before Everton identified concerns during the American's medical and halted the transfer.

The club then switched towards Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, only to reconsider that move amid a negative reaction surrounding the potential signing.

Everton subsequently attempted to revive the Balogun deal, but the striker rejected the renewed approach and returned to Monaco.

That sequence left Moyes without either player.

Everton's handling of Harrison Armstrong also raised concerns.

A reported £40m agreement with Nottingham Forest for the academy midfielder was reversed following a furious supporter reaction.

Keeping a highly rated young player could prove beneficial, but the sudden reversal added to the impression that Everton lacked conviction in their decision-making.

Jack Grealish returned on another loan from Manchester City and Ainsley Maitland-Niles also arrived, but neither solves Everton's shortage at centre-forward.

For a club hoping to make progress, the window ultimately created as many problems as it solved.

Grade: D

Moyes must navigate the opening months with limited attacking depth and hope Barry can handle the increased responsibility.

Unless another internal solution emerges, striker and left-back should be major January priorities. Everton now face several months before they can properly address the weaknesses left unresolved by a chaotic summer window.