Everton’s New Era Stumbles as Recruitment Questions Mount

Everton entered the summer with the promise of a new dawn. A move to a state-of-the-art stadium, new ownership under The Friedkin Group (TFG), and greater financial flexibility had created optimism that the club could finally move beyond years of turbulence both on and off the pitch. Yet, as the season begins, the sense is that an opportunity to inject a lightning bolt of energy through the club is slipping away.

The Friedkin Group completed their takeover of Everton in December 2024, well aware of the scale of the challenge. An ‘unprecedented’ rebuild loomed, with 15 players out of contract and a squad in urgent need of restructuring. To meet that challenge, and opportunity – instead of evolution, Everton opted for revolution. The director of football model was dismantled, with Kevin Thelwell and Dan Purdy among let go, replaced by a broader sporting leadership team.

‘The Club will transition from a single Director of Football to a wider sporting leadership team. Planning for the summer transfer window is already under way, led by the sporting department and David Moyes, and senior appointments will be announced in due course’
Everton Football Club Statement

“There’s a huge restructuring to be done in terms of the squad. I think it’s pretty unprecedented at Premier League level”
Angus Kinnear

The problem is that such restructuring has raised fresh questions: who, ultimately, is accountable? And is the leadership in place capable of delivering the scale of recruitment required?

Early signs of disconnect have already emerged. On 26 July, Angus Kinnear assured supporters the club was “well on track” with its transfer business. On the very same day, David Moyes – still working with a threadbare squad – was openly laughing about the absurdity of needing so many players. Everton had begun pre-season with just 14 senior players, two of them already injured.

Despite assurances that “Actions > Words” would define the new ownership, Everton have begun the campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Leeds United, without a recognised full-back or a natural right winger. The lack of depth and balance was glaring, and has already fuelled scepticism among pundits, with the consensus on Sky Sports prior Everton’s opening fixture forecasting a difficult season ahead. So much for a new era.

With the transfer window closing on 1 September — just 13 days away — Everton’s margin for error is shrinking fast. Unless key areas are strengthened urgently, the optimism that accompanied the Friedkin takeover will be squandered and the cycle of missed opportunities will drag on.

The next two weeks will test whether words can finally be matched by actions. The next two weeks will not just shape Everton’s transfer window – they will define the club’s season.