Everton spent no money on any permanent signings during the winter transfer window.
David Moyes will expect The Friedkin Group to invest heavily this summer after the mid-season window only saw Tyrique George arrive on loan from Chelsea, but it was not for the want of trying.
Everton wanted Brennan Johnson after Tottenham put the Wales international up for sale – according to the Daily Mail and Fabrizio Romano on YouTube – but ultimately lost out to Crystal Palace, who sealed a £35m agreement.
While that was a sore blow for Everton at the time, Moyes may have actually dodged a bullet.
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Brennan Johnson yet to score or assist a goal in first eight games for Crystal Palace
It has been an incredibly brutal start for the 24-year-old at Selhurst Park.
Not only has Johnson failed to score or assist a goal in eight appearances so far – even in 45 minutes against Macclesfield – but he also saw his new captain, Marc Guehi, depart for Manchester City just days after his move from Spurs.
Oliver Glasner also announced he would be leaving at the end of the season, while Jean-Philippe Mateta pushed for an exit too as chaos ensued at Crystal Palace.
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Following the arrivals of Evann Guessand and Jorgen Strand Larsen, Johnson was even named on the bench for the last two Premier League outings against Brighton and Burnley.
With all things considered, the Nottingham Forest academy graduate could hardly have imagined a worse start at Crystal Palace since turning down Everton.
Jorgen Strand Larsen has, however, made a blistering start since Everton missed out
The Daily Mail added that Everton also held talks about signing Strand Larsen during the winter window, as Thierno Barry and Beto struggle to deliver for Moyes.
Again, Crystal Palace blew Everton out of the water when agreeing a £48m deal with Wolves for the Norwegian, and he did what Barry could not against Bournemouth by netting two fantastic goals against Burnley on Wednesday night.
Winter window now shut, what striker do you want signed in the summer for Everton? 💥
No excuses can be made when the window opens again 😫
Troy Parrott lined up for the Republic of Ireland. Ivan Toney playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. Richarlison playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Credit: Getty Images/Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile/Yasser Bakhsh/Molly Darlington/Copa.
Crystal Palace did somehow manage to throw away the 2-0 lead Larsen gave them as Burnley fought back to seal a 3-2 win, but the Norway international looked every bit the striker Moyes badly needs at Everton right now.
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