Ainsley Maitland-Niles celebrating for Everton
Ainsley Maitland-Niles celebrating for Everton
Everton may already be preparing for January after a bitter end to the summer transfer window.
Fans in L3 were left confused as the Toffees left it late to get some crucial deals over the line.
In the end, the Blues have arguably left themselves short in several areas of the pitch, with the failed move for Folarin Balogun epitomising the disaster.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was signed on deadline day to bolster the right-back area.
The former Arsenal ace had a dream debut at Hill Dickinson Stadium after scoring a sensational equaliser against Manchester United in the 2-2 draw.
David Moyes has also relied heavily on Merlin Rohl at right-back this season, and it seems like the Merseyside club are satisfied with their options.
How Everton feel about right-back options after transfer window
Everton wanted Alistair Johnston from Celtic before his injury and it was a priority position for them to strengthen.
In the end, the Toffees signed Maitland-Niles for £4million from Olympique Lyon.
According to The Athletic on 10 September, with the 29-year-old Englishman and Rohl competing for the right-back spot, and James Garner and Jake O'Brien also capable of providing cover, the Blues believe they have enough for now in the position.
The Merseyside outfit also see Maitland-Nile as an option at left-back, like Garner and Jarrad Branthwaite, to provide adequate cover for Vitalii Mykolenko.
"That is something SPECIAL!"
Ainsley Maitland-Niles earns a draw for Everton on his debut with an unbelievable 96th minute strike! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/HNdx9PxrUP
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 6, 2026
It looks like the Hill Dickinson Stadium's hierarchy now probably think there would be no need for additional reinforcements in the backline in January.
Why Friedkin Group are under scrutiny at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton fans have been left apathetic after what they saw from the ownership towards the end of the transfer window.
A large section of the fanbase has started to lose faith in The Friedkin Group and Angus Kinnear after they failed to address evident issues in the squad.
If the Toffees' hierarchy truly believe they should be competing for Europe, then they need to show their commitment in the transfer windows.
The investment in the team since the American takeover has been underwhelming and supporters will now be watching closely in January.
If another window goes by without encouraging signs in L3, then TFG could possibly face the full wrath of the fanbase.