For the first time since a chaotic Deadline Day, David Moyes had his say today.
And there was plenty to talk about.
The Everton manager admitted his disappointment at the way the transfer window ended, confirmed the club are now looking at free agents and revealed they did not want to lose Iliman Ndiaye.
There were also more questions around The Friedkin Group’s plans for Everton, while attention finally began to turn towards Sunday’s meeting with Manchester United.
Here are today’s main Everton stories and talking points.
Moyes finally has his say on Deadline Day
There was never much doubt about where the day’s main story would come from.
Moyes faced the media for the first time since a transfer window which ended with Beto leaving for Fiorentina and the proposed arrival of Folarin Balogun collapsing.
He admitted he was disappointed Everton had not managed to do more business, although he was keen not to pin the blame on any individual.
Moyes also acknowledged that some things had gone against Everton while accepting there were things the club could have done better.
Perhaps the most striking thing, though, was his demeanour.
After a difficult few days, Moyes was surprisingly upbeat, talking about moving forward and putting his faith in both his players and the supporters.
Everton are looking at free agents
There was an important development on the striker situation too.
Reports before today’s press conference had suggested Everton were not planning to turn to the free-agent market simply to add another body.
That position now looks rather less definitive. Moyes confirmed Everton are looking at the free-agent market, while stressing that his immediate focus remains on the players already at his disposal.
The timing is interesting after Jamie Vardy was linked with a move earlier today. Anthony Martial has also reportedly been offered to Everton.
There is no indication yet that a signing is imminent and Moyes did not name any targets. But the possibility of another addition is clearly alive.
Barry suddenly looks very important
Which brings us to Thierno Barry. The 23-year-old has emerged from the transfer window as Everton’s only recognised senior centre-forward.
As we argued this morning, Everton may have to wrap Barry in cotton wool if another striker cannot be found. Moyes did little to change that picture when discussing Braiden Graham.
The manager likes the highly-rated 18-year-old and had him involved during pre-season, but indicated that he does not currently view Graham as a centre-forward option for his first team.
Moyes acknowledged that academy players may have to help his small squad this season. Whether they are ready is another question.
Moyes didn’t want to lose Ndiaye
There was another revealing moment when Moyes discussed Iliman Ndiaye. “We didn’t want to lose Illy,” was his succinct assessment of the £65m Deadline Day move to City.
Moyes also said elsewhere in the press conference that Everton had needed to bring money in.
Those comments should not automatically be joined together as cause and effect. Moyes did not say Ndiaye was sold specifically because Everton needed the money. But his comments did make one thing clear: losing Ndiaye was not the manager’s preferred outcome.
That will hardly lessen the frustration among supporters who watched one of Everton’s most important attacking players leave on the final day of the window.
TFG investment story continues
The other major Everton story continues to develop away from the pitch. Reports yesterday revealed that TFG are working with advisers as they explore bringing new investment into Everton.
Today, a further report changed the picture. Several sources reportedly still believe the preferred outcome is a minority investor who can share some of the financial burden.
Others, however, believe TFG could ultimately be open to an exit. That does not mean Everton are up for sale and there is no guarantee any transaction will happen.
But less than two years after TFG completed their takeover, it is a development worth keeping an eye on.
Moyes may need his youngsters
The size of the squad was another theme running through today’s press conference. Moyes acknowledged that everyone may have to “muck in” and suggested some of Everton’s academy players could be used during the season.
Harrison Armstrong, Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George are among the young players available to the manager. But Moyes also sounded a note of caution.
Having talented youngsters available and having youngsters ready to solve Premier League problems are two different things. That could become increasingly relevant once the fixtures start piling up.
Finally, some football
After almost an entire week dominated by Deadline Day, failed deals, finances and ownership questions, there is actually a game to discuss.
Everton face Manchester United on Sunday at the Hill Dickinson. Moyes’s side are unbeaten in the Premier League, having taken four points from Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, and also beat Preston 4-0 in the Carabao Cup.
Jack Grealish could make his second Everton debut following his return on loan. There are still legitimate questions about the squad Moyes has been left with.
But the manager’s mood today suggested he has little interest in allowing Deadline Day to hang over his players. The supporters won’t forget what happened.
Judging by Moyes’s press conference, he trusts them to separate their frustration with the transfer window from their support for the team. Sunday would be a pretty good time to prove him right.
For updates on the Toffees throughout the season, take a look at our LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments page.
Everton made £45m striker move as Deadline Day scramble deepened
Everton made £45m striker move as Deadline Day scramble deepened
Moyes strikes surprisingly upbeat note after difficult few days at Everton
Moyes strikes surprisingly upbeat note after difficult few days at Everton