The Friedkin Group have helped to completely change Everton’s fortunes since arriving just under a year ago.
When the American investors arrived, Everton were staring down the barrel of a first-ever Premier League relegation and still had PSR issues to deal with.
Fast forward to the present day, and the Toffees are aiming to qualify for Europe this season, having spent over £100m in the summer transfer window.
David Moyes on Everton’s European hopes
“I really hope I can earn the opportunity to get back into European football here at Everton.”
Perhaps the Friedkin’s best decision up to now was bringing back David Moyes in January, with Sean Dyche departing.
But, they now have 18 months to make an even more important decision that will have a huge impact on the trajectory of the club for years to come.
David Moyes during Manchester City v Everton - Premier League
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The Friedkin Group must be ready to make crucial David Moyes decision
When the Friedkin Group re-appointed Moyes last winter, they only gave him a two-and-a-half-year contract.
That means the Scotsman’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the 2026/27 season, so the Everton owners have 18 months to prepare for his potential departure.
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At the moment, Moyes’ side are languishing in the bottom half of the table, and many of his summer signings haven’t been given an opportunity.
The Friedkin’s committed a whopping £40m to sign Tyler Dibling from Southampton, and yet the exciting teenager has been given just 62 minutes of league football.
Adam Aznou arrived with great fanfare from Bayern Munich, but he hasn’t even played a single minute in the first team.
Former Southampton manager Russell Martin on Tyler Dibling
“He’s the most talented player I’ve ever seen. Tyler has every capability to go and play for England and at a top level club for a very long time.”
Considering the Friedkin’s were keen to replicate Borussia Dortmund’s strategy in developing young players, they won’t be best pleased with the current situation.
So, with all that said, Moyes appears to have some convincing to do to earn a new deal.
David Moyes must now bed in the summer signings
Giving the summer signings time to bed in is understandable and a sensible approach, but Moyes’ treatment seems to be overly cautious.
Merlin Rohl’s cameo against Tottenham left Alan Myers blown away, but he was bizarrely an unused substitute against Sunderland the following game.
Everton may need to qualify for Europe to keep some of their top players next year!
Everton v Crystal Palace - Premier League
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That said, ahead of the Manchester United game on Monday, Moyes must take the handbrake off and seriously consider starting Rohl and Dibling.
Both will be itching to show what they’re about, and with the festive period approaching, the Scotsman has to start using his squad.
The games will be coming thick and fast from now on, and the Toffees can’t afford to fall behind in their push to challenge the top seven.
These next six weeks will also be pivotal in attracting transfer targets in the January window, too.