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Everton actually missed out on their 'top target' in summer after setting bar too high - report

Everton manager David Moyes and Dan Friedkin in circular inset

Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Tue 2 September 2025 18:10, UK

Everton’s summer transfer window has no doubt been a success, with the squad’s overall quality vastly improving.

Jack Grealish’s loan move to Everton from Manchester City appears to be inspiring early on, with the winger already picking up four assists in three Premier League matches.

On top of this, signings such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have already made an impact, with the attacking midfielder netting against Wolves.

However, there was also plenty that went wrong, particularly at the start of the window, which left the Toffees in a tricky situation on the eve of the new campaign.

Everton star Jack Grealish looking confused.

Credit: Imago

Everton ‘set bar too high’ for transfer targets

While Everton did eventually bring quality players with a big reputation into the club, it wasn’t always smooth sailing.

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According to The Athletic on 2 September, some people in the game believed that the Toffees set the bar “too high” in terms of the players they hoped to bring in.

While this ambition eventually paid off in some areas, it proved to be tricky in others, particularly on the right wing.

Everton signed nine players throughout the transfer window

Jack Grealish and Tyler Dibling are the highlights

Merlin Rohl was also brought in on deadline day

The report states that Francisco Conceicao, who had been linked to Everton, was actually their “top target” before Juventus picked up the winger.

On top of this, Everton also missed out on Johan Bakayoko, who went to RB Leipzig, and Malick Fofana, who held out for Champions League football before eventually staying at Lyon.

Johan Bakayoko

Credit: Imago

Everton could fight for European football this season

While it is early in the campaign, given the improvements to Everton’s squad, there is no reason why they can’t be in the race for Europe.

Many teams that finished the Toffees last season, notably Brentford, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, are significantly weaker.

On top of this, Fulham and Aston Villa arguably had a poor transfer window, which gives Everton a chance to push up the table.

European football could do wonders for the Merseyside club, as it could help them attract better players next season.

With Moyes also having a great track record of achieving this at West Ham, it cannot be ruled out this campaign.

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