Everton saw their summer interest in one midfielder rejected as he wanted to remain at his current club.
David Moyes finally landed his new midfielder in the dying hours of the summer transfer window, with the signing of Merlin Rohl.
Heading into deadline day, Everton were desperate to sign another midfielder, along with potentially two defenders.
Moyes admitted the market proved more difficult than he imagined it would have, having seen a number of players turn down the opportunity to play for Everton.
“It’s a bit easier when you’re a club in Europe. You get a better chance of attracting a lot of players,” said the 62-year-old during the summer.
“We’ve been in for a lot of really good players. Unfortunately, a lot them have said no at the moment.”
Harrison Armstrong left Everton on loan to join Preston North End for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.
However, there is one player who has admitted he rejected interest from Everton – among others – over the course of the window.
Everton manager David Moyes.
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Nicolas Raskin rejected Everton to stay at Rangers
Everton News’ transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey understands Everton were one of the clubs to show an interest in Nicolas Raskin.
As well as the Blues, Leeds United and Brentford also made contact with Rangers over a potential deal for the Belgian.
However, the player has now clarified his stance at Ibrox.
Speaking to Belgian outlet Walfoot, the 24-year-old midfielder admitted that he never wanted to leave Rangers this summer.
“My situation at the club is complicated. I will return, work hard, and try to get playing time again,” he said whilst away on international duty.
“But it’s not just up to me. I know this is an important year, and I absolutely want to be part of this campaign with Belgium.
“Football is simply a game of ups and downs. I absolutely love Rangers. I’ve had some great moments there and have a strong bond with the fans. I always try to give my all.
“A transfer? No, that’s out of the question. I want to continue to resolve this at the club.”
New Everton signing Merlin Rohl is already impressing
The Toffees may have missed out on a potential move for Raskin this summer, but the Blues have high hopes for Rohl.
Just days after making the move from SC Freiburg, it has been suggested that Rohl is impressing in Everton training.
Whether Rohl is quite ready to play from the start at the weekend against against Aston Villa remains another question.
However, what this does indicate is that Everton’s recruitment team were able to work well against the setback of being unable to land Raskin.
Moyes was delighted with Everton’s transfer business, in what was a huge summer of change for the Toffees.