Everton face January transfer dilemma as Friedkin ownership uncertainty continues
Everton are enjoying an encouraging run of form under David Moyes, but uncertainty over the club’s ownership has left supporters wondering what January might bring.
Three successive wins in all competitions have lifted the Blues towards the European places, while a Carabao Cup quarter-final offers another reason for optimism. With The Friedkin Group considering a possible sale, however, Evertonians will want to know whether Moyes can strengthen a squad that already looks short of depth.
Armstrong saga remains fresh in the memory
Those concerns have not come from nowhere. During the summer, Everton accepted a reported £40m offer from Nottingham Forest for promising midfielder Harrison Armstrong before the proposed transfer was abandoned. The decision caused considerable frustration among supporters, who were understandably reluctant to see one of the club’s brightest young players leave.
As we reported during the summer, the prospect of losing Armstrong raised wider questions about Everton’s transfer priorities. Those questions have taken on greater significance since Everton confirmed on 9 October that TFG was exploring new investment options, including the possible sale of a controlling stake.
The owners have stressed that they will continue supporting the club throughout the process, and no sale has been agreed.
Advertisement
Will Moyes get the backing he needs?
Moyes has already played down expectations of January arrivals, saying there were no plans for the transfer window at present. That does not necessarily rule out business if circumstances change, particularly given the manager’s concerns about the size of his squad.
There is also no confirmed evidence that TFG plans to sell Armstrong, Jarrad Branthwaite or other first-team players in January as part of its ownership strategy. For Evertonians, the real issue is whether the progress on the pitch can be sustained while decisions about the club’s future remain unresolved.
Moyes has given supporters something to look forward to. The hope now is that whatever happens in the boardroom, Everton’s January decisions give him the best possible chance of building on it.
For all the latest Everton news, reaction and analysis, visit our Everton news page.**
Advertisement
Gary Gowers is a sports journalist and the editor of Read Everton, where he leads daily coverage of Everton news, transfers and analysis. He also writes about Manchester City for Read Man City and motorsport for Read Motorsport. A former accountant, he became a freelance writer in 2011 and has written for BBC Sport and Metro.
View all articles →