Everton have had their fair share of transfer failures this window, but David Moyes will no doubt be disappointed with this most recent one.
Moyes and Everton are starting to move more effectively in the market, with The Friedkin Group hoping to make significant investment in August.
After a frustrating start to pre-season and Moyes’ desperate need for signings, the Toffees are keen to rectify what isn’t looking like a bright start to this campaign.
With the Scotsman knowing the task ahead won’t be easy, the squad going into the Premier League is not much different from last season’s, which raises concern.
To make matters worse, a potential target whom the Toffees manager knows well won’t be joining this summer.
Vladimir Coufal claps the fans after West Ham United v Celta Vigo.
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Vladimir Coufal won’t join Everton as Hoffenheim move in place
Signing a new right-back this summer is of utmost importance to what Everton need, and after Nathan Patterson suffered a potential hernia injury, this need has become urgent.
At the start of the window, Vladimir Coufal seemed likely for Everton, judging by the former West Ham star’s success under Moyes.
But Fabrizio Romano has reported that this will not be the case this window, and instead, the Czech Republic international will be moving to Hoffenheim on a free.
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🚨🔵⚪️ Hoffenheim agree deal to sign former West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal.
He’s already in Germany for medical tests and contract signing. pic.twitter.com/8WSy8rOas2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 4, 2025
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The Toffees’ desire for a new right-back is clear more than ever now, and it comes as a surprise Everton didn’t double down on a pursuit for the 32-year-old, as Moyes thought Coufal was ‘brilliant’ the first time he saw him play.
His form continued under the former Irons boss, but there will be no chance of a reunion now, to Moyes’ dismay, even despite Coufal demanding a Premier League move.
Everton could go for a younger option at right-back after transfer strategy
It might be a surprise that Coufal’s chance of moving to Merseyside didn’t increase as soon as Moyes walked through the door for the second time.
But The Friedkins have a strategy this summer, which has been shown through their early business in the market, as younger players are being targeted.
Carlos Alcaraz Age: 22
Thierno Barry Age: 22
Mark Travers Age: 26
Adam Aznou Age:19
Everton’s transfers so far this summer
Despite Coufal hinting at a Moyes reunion, it’s clear that the Everton hierarchy were never going to go in this direction.
Instead, a younger alternative will surely be looked at, for example, there is Juanlu Sanchez’s possible switch to Everton, but that is merely rumours.
Adding his Premier League experience would have been a strong addition, but for the direction Everton want to go, a deal never looked like happening for Coufal.