Everton have enjoyed a pleasant start to the season and could look to the January transfer window to further strengthen their fight for European football
David Moyes during Everton's win over Coventry City
David Moyes is working under a shroud of uncertainty at Everton(Image: (Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images))
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Everton have exceeded expectations in their promising start to the Premier League season.
Their strong showings in the opening 10 games are even more impressive when their ongoing ownership struggles are taken into account. The club's owners, The Friedkin Group, have put the Toffees up for sale for £800million only 22 months after completing their takeover to secure Farhad Moshiri’s 99.5% controlling stake.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Toffees, it certainly hasn't hampered them much on the pitch. David Moyes has led the club to sixth in the league and are currently on their first two-match winning streak of the campaign.
After consecutive defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal, the Scotsman's side responded with victories over Newcastle and Coventry City before the international break. The club have 16 points and sit narrowly outside the European places.
While Everton have so far performed admirably, there are gaps in Moyes' squad that the manager may hope to plug if the club are subject to a takeover prior to the winter window and make funds available for transfers.
As January edges closer, the ECHOtakes a look at what Everton's dream transfer window could look like…
Seeking striker option
David Moyes was handed a nightmare scenario at the beginning of the season when it came to his striker options. After selling Beto, the club attempted to clinch the signing of Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, only for the deal to fall apart on transfer deadline day.
The failed acquisition of the United States international left Thierno Barry as the club's sole senior striker. The Frenchman has carried the goalscoring responsibility immensely with six goals in 10 games, but could do with help shouldering that load.
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Club's Italian Nicolo Tresoldi reacts
Nicolo Tresoldi has been a consistent goalscorer for Club Brugge(Image: ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
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In comes Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi. The German star was reportedly watched by Toffees scouts in the Belgian side's Champions League win over Lille in October. Tresoldi, 22, has scored nine goals in 12 games for Brugge this season and possesses the physical presence and finishing ability that could help the club in front of goal.
Right-back change made
Alistair Johnston of Canada in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Canada and Morocco
Alistair Johnston was previously a target for Everton(Image: Getty Images)
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Right-back has been a problem position for Moyes and one that he actively tried to solve earlier in the summer. One potential target was Celtic's Alistair Johnston, who starred for Canada in the World Cup 2026.
The 27-year-old has played 125 times for the Scottish champions and his willingness to consistently make overlapping runs would give Everton the width they require in tight games. Johnston - who is said to be valued at £15m - is a natural full-back and could be better suited on the right flank than Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Merlin Rohl.
Brazilian star clinched
Samuel Lino of Flamengo celebrates
Samuel Lino has been on fire for Flamengo(Image: Andre Ricardo/Sports Press Photo/Shutterstock)
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Manchester City's Rayan Ait-Nouri
Rayan Ait-Nouri has yet to play in the Premier League this season (Image: Getty)
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Everton are one Vitaliy Mykolenko injury away from facing a crisis at left-back. The Ukraine international is the club's only first-team player in that position after allowing Adam Aznou to leave on loan to Malaga this past summer.
While the likes of Maitland-Niles or Rohl could fill in at left-back, it's a situation Moyes would surely like to avoid. One way to bypass a potential crisis would be to target Manchester City's Rayan Ait-Nouri.
The Toffees have not registered interest in the Algeria international, but would easily slot in at Hill Dickinson Stadium given his experience in England and overall quality. A deal would be costly for Everton as the 25-year-old is valued at £30m, but his age and desire for playing time could play a deciding role if a move was to progress.