Rumour Mill — Week of 20 July 2025

More speculation. It's that time of year.

The Telegraph reporting that Man City have allegedly slapped a £35M price on McAtee, with supposed interest from West Ham and Eintracht Frankfurt.

And in brighter news, Jordan Pickford looks set to sign a new 4 year contract.

I think even NewsNow Everton has given up trying to make up stories about us being linked to players.

Just read somewhere that David Luiz is delaying his decision where to move to see if he gets a better offer.

If true, shows his desire to play for Everton then!!

Apparently we are not even in negotiations for Luiz, according to Alan Myers.

He thinks that Soucek is the preferred option. If so, it’s disappointing.

McAtee’s fee has been set at £35M.

West Ham and Eintracht Frankfurt the only ones associated as confirmed interested parties.

Yes Jake,

It was reported in the Telegraph yesterday and I posted it somewhere.

Am I the only one not wholly sold on Luiz?

He has ability but seemed sporadic to me on the occasions I saw him.

Why did Villa let him go and why was he peripheral at Juve?

I agree, Si. I don't think we'd be getting the player who commanded the big price tag Juve paid. I think you're getting a talented player who has peaked and is now on a downward trajectory light on motivation to work hard. It's just about money now.

And let's be honest, if he was still something special, why isn't there a queue of richer clubs courting his signature?

I think Luiz could fit the bill if no-one else wants him.

I wouldn't mind going toe-to-toe with West Ham, as they have little to offer.

Eintracht could be the biggest challenge. Champions League next season and flush having just skimmed the neighbours for €80M.

The obvious, if the rumours are to be believed are we were believed to looking at €20M for Luiz, a player Juventus signed for €50M last year.

All these players linked every week, really? And we have signed?

Very very frustrating for fans hoping for big things in the window. I am sure David Moyes feels the same way.

Those across the Park (that once was) seem to only have to smile at a player and they sign… but Everton?

It's the same every season: protracted waiting, false dawns. Thankfully we have the new stadium to look forward to, but please let's have a squad worthy of gracing its pitch.

I saw where Alan Myers said we're not in discussions for Luiz.

I'm disappointed because he's a lot more mobile than Soucek. Villa sold him because of PSR.

There are a few rumours on Twitter that Gibbs-White is off to Man City, with McAtee going to Forest as part of the deal.

It'll be very worrying if we don't bring in defensive cover, midfielders and a winger before we head to the US.

There are more rumours that Armstrong could be going out on loan again, yet he looked our best player against Blackburn?

Armstrong suggested to go on loan to a Premier League club whereas Chermiti suggested to a Championship club.

Yes, we all want them to stay but it says a lot in terms of the expected career ceiling. It says a lot about a player when you look at the level of loan they have.

Whether Armstrong would get many minutes at the Premier League clubs mentioned is a moot point or whether the loan will be ended at Christmas as he would be better sitting on our bench than theirs.

On the other hand, if he has played 75% of their games and his learnings make him a better player in 2026-27 for us, while at the same time his errors (he is only a teenager) are hurting another club and he is not getting abuse from our fans.

Many minutes for Chermiti would be good and, if he gets 15-20 goals over the season, it will do wonders for his confidence and a good way to find out if he will make it. If he scores 5, then we know that we need to find another exciting young striker who we hope will develop.

Swapping one Harrison (bags of potential and will cost us nothing, then sending him out on loan) for another one who did virtually nothing in 2 years and will cost north of £60k a week.

If it happens, would someone explain how that would be good business???

I am becoming increasingly alarmed by the lack of new players brought in. Surely the games in USA are intended to bed in the new signings but, Travers and Barry apart, there's nothing going on — notwithstanding ridiculous links to Jack Harrison.

I understand it's not an easy task but time is passing. These potential new players should ideally have been in place by now. While I'd hesitate to call it dithering, it's starting to look unprofessional.

How old is Chermiti now? He seems to have been lurking around forever.

Have him in the squad or get shut... getting a little jaded with "one for the future"…

Keep in mind there is an African Nations Cup in December so Gueye and Ndyiae will be off.

Exactly 4 weeks until our first Premier League game, so more than likely that Saturday's team will be the one that trots out at Elland Road.

Even if we get a few in before then, Moyes rarely tends to put new signings straight in the starting XI.

Alan, he was 21 a couple of months ago.

Bear in mind he was injured for most of last season. He has only been here 2 years. Give the lad a chance.

I don't see the sense in sending a 21-year-old forward we already have on loan to sign another.

I know others disagree, but I wouldn't be sending Armstrong anywhere. Develop him here. He will get opportunities.

Re Chermiti and Armmstrong going on loan to get match minutes.

My preference for young players on the verge of possibly breaking into or contributing to the first team is for them to stay and train with the players they will be playing with or replacing as substitutes etc so they can participate in activities like learning patterns of play – when to press, when to drop, who to mark, dead ball situations, building team spirit.

I understand loans benefit very young players starting out but these two can have a part to play for us this season so test them and see if they can make it for us. I want them bedding in Everton tactics, Everton training and coaching – not some other club's.

I think with Chermitti and Armstrong it just depends on how long they are likely to play. If Moyes plans to use them and believes he can give either of them 1000+ minutes, then keep them around.

Obviously these things are difficult to predict but, unless he can offer them significant minutes, their development may stall and their value might decrease.

The biggest talent on our books kicked on massively through the loan system - playing stylish confident football at PSV and even playing in the Champions League. Had he stayed at Everton that season, he would have struggled to start more than 10 games as he still had plenty of learning to do (as exemplified by his error against Brentford late in the previous season), and the Premier League is a tough place to learn. He might even have left for about £15m to get first team football somewhere.

Realistically, Chermiti and Armstrong will only start early stage Cup games for us. If we take the cups seriously (as I hope we do) then they won't be starters after that. Then what would it be? Last 5 minutes here or there and a few dead rubbers at the end of the season.

Is it because Moyes doesn't trust youth or other such bollocks? Nope. It's because Beto and Barry are currently better than Chermiti, and Barry in particular needs minutes to acclimatise. Armstrong is rightly behind Iroegbunam still - and Iroegbunam doesn't start ahead of Garner and Gueye.

As for saying things like, I hope Moyes gives Armstrong a run in the team – against what opposition are we supposed to be doing this?

Even crappy Sunderland have a midfield of Diarra (€31.50M), Sadiki (€17.00M) LoFee (€23.00M), Neil and Rigg – the latter two (who will now struggle to start for Sunderland) have been linked recently as improvements on our current midfield. There are no mugs in the Premier League.

Armstrong was good last season in a League Cup game for us against a third tier side that had lost 5 games on the bounce - and then for Derby. Why not give him a chance to kick on and be brilliant by playing more games?

I think loan would be the best option for both.

However, it wont be an option without 5/6 first team signings? The squads too thin atm to let anyone go. Probably won't be decided until late in the window.

I like what Ray Said Said (sorry for the possible tautology there). Everton tend not to blood promising. It would be disappointing to see both Armstrong and Chermiti put out on loan.

71 million for Mbuemo.

It cheers me up that Man Utd never learn when it comes to recruitment!

The Chermiti & Armstrong loan / no loan will rumble on through the summer, with most on either side of opinions unlikely to change theirs.

My view is clear. I'm a "remainer" (not a reference to the B-word).

I think it was said somewhere, it could depend on how many incoming signings we make. If we need them, they stay.

I don't see us signing another striker, so why let one go? And Armstrong is ready to play for us in whatever capacity we use him.

Although defying his years, Gana won't play every minute of every match and will be away for the African Nations come January.

And although he stayed fit when he came back, James Garner spent quite a bit of time out last season and the season before.

The opportunities will be there.

As it stands, with the very limited amount of wingers, Alcaraz could easily be played on the left when it comes to AFCON, injuries, suspensions, etc.

This is a position Moyes has deployed him in a few times already, personally I don't rate him there, but this would free up another midfield position for Armstrong to occupy. We can't possibly consider loaning him out yet, the squad is far too thin.

But, there's still plenty of time left yet so we all live in hope.

I'd say there is close to 0% chance of us not adding more players before the window closes. It's the quality of those players that remains to be seen.

Phil...exactly. I'd love us to give him a chance. But in a blue shirt, not at Chesterfield or Rotherham

Lee, I'd agree with you on Alcaraz. He can play wide, and there is a temptation to play him there, but he is less effective. His best position is in the number 10 / supporting striker role.

I'd go with that Sam. There will be signings. It's who, when and do they improve us?

Seriously does anyone doubt we’ll have between 3 and 6 new players arriving in the next six weeks?

If it's 3, then I will be worried, Robert.

Liam, I'd expect 3 starters and maybe 3 squads. Just on the grounds that we might not be in the position to afford more than 3 starters.
I'd look to bring in an RB as a priority, a speedy right footed rw and a strong mid-fielder (I like McGin, no nonsense, has a great shot).

Liam - if it’s just 3 but they are really good then I wouldn’t be too worried.

Good shout Bob
I think we need at the very least 6.
I’m sure the manager knows this,but the concern I have is will they have the qualities we need, and you point out, or will too many of them be just making up the numbers?
No one knows,so we are left,frustratingly,hoping for the best.

Some reliable links to Adam Aznou today, a promising young left Back at Bayern who would offer a more attacking option to Mykolenko.

Sam that seems very encouraging to me. Along with the links to Kusogi it seems like we might be trying get a modern quality LB in to develop - who can inherit the spot from Mykolenko in a season or two.

Much better than signing a has been like Tagliofico just because he’s free - in my book at least

Robert, yes I have doubts we will get 6 players within the next 6 weeks and even 3 in who would be clear first choices and thus improve the team.

However I could see us getting pointless fillers epitomised by the likes of Harrison.I think it is entirely possible we end pre season without a better team than last season, and very like much thinner. I hope I'm wrong, not least because you rightly point out that our rivals, even in the lower parts of the league, are adding quality at a faster rate than we do, which does not bode well for us.

People often say, well so many other clubs are more attractive than us but if football is a global game, with a mass of talent playing all around the world that just needs some careful sifting, then given the EPL is the richest league in the world, we are surely attractive enough. I took a look at the wage bills for quite sizeable clubs in Europe, sort of our level, the likes of Betis, Villareal, Real Sociedad, Atalanta, Lyon, Porto, Sporting. All tend to be in the £35-50m range, considerably less than ours. Yet I suspect we would struggle to beat any of these teams very often.

I can see we are not in the market for the 'cherries' like Etitike or Wirz, but we are surely at a level to be in the market for the 'icing'. And we surely now have enough wiggle room on PSR.

Robert@41, yes I agree broadly though I guess it all comes down to fees and the whole picture. As in I’d be happy to get Tagliafico on a free as cover if it meant being able to get that exciting RW to start we badly need. Not sure how much Aznou would cost, presumably not loads though he seems highly rated.

But yes. We both want to see young talent with big upside coming in!

It doesn't help that the players we released get a month's redundancy if they don't sign with new clubs by 1 August.

So Calvert-Lewin and Young are still getting paid by us.

And doucoure

So that’s over 200k we’re still paying

I would assume that will have been considered in the budget Ryan.

The financial year runs until next summer, from a footballing perspective. It's quite common in a lot of businesses to pay a severance fee, unless it's a something like a disciplinary dismissal. It will have been in their contracts.

£200k is hardly a huge amount in the bigger scheme of things when we're speculating over anywhere between £15 - £30M plus wages for new players.

Still money we’re paying out.

But contracted and accounted for.

Probably 2 or 3 weeks wages for a couple of decent players.

I don't think that is our biggest concern and will be irrelevant next week.

So players that turn down a new contract get an extra month's pay if they haven't signed for another club, Ryan?

I know the players have got a lot of power nowadays but I didn't know it stretched so far.

Apparently, Tony, yes.

It doesn't Tony. I'm not saying I agree, but it tends to be how contracts can work.

In my own line of non-football work, I can hand in my 3-month notice to switch jobs.

After a month, they put me on Gardening Leave, as it's best for both parties. I still get full pay for the 3 months, as that is what was in the contract.

It does beg the question of why any club would sign an out of contract player before the end of July (just let the other clubs pay) or why the player would sign before July unless they were getting a big wage hike.

Probably explains why those who left haven't signed for anyone yet.

No Everton players have been made redundant, they are not entitled to any redundancy money.

Can't believe a player gets paid beyond the end of a contract.

Gardening leave is paid to take you up to the end of a contract – not beyond it.

This is where I got it from:

https://x.com/AndyJudge/status/1947386645545660591

Andy Judge is wrong.

It all depends what was written into their contact.

My understanding is that, if a contract comes to an end unless there is an option to extend... the player will be entitled to a payment.

Even if there is an option to extend if the club seek to vary the terms... the player can opt to leave and will still be entitled to a payment.

I’ll trust Andy over you Josh. Sorry

I'm obviously devastated by that, Ryan.

However, a contractually agreed payment is not redundancy money. Do you understand what being made redundant means?

Of course you are, Josh.

I'm well aware of redundancy you condescending prick

I think most people would think at the end of a player's contract in July, they wouldn't then get a payment for August

Surely the contract went until 30 June. At which point, the contract is finished. Not sure any other industry has it that you are paid your monthly salary after the contract has finished.

AI gives the following (so Andy is probably correct !!)

Professional footballers are generally not paid by a club after their contract with that club has ended. Their contracts stipulate a specific period of time, and upon expiration, the payment obligations cease.

End of Contract:

Once the contract expires, the club's obligation to pay the player's salary ends, unless there are specific clauses addressing severance or other post-contractual payments. There might be instances where the contract has clauses regarding deferred payments or bonuses.

Any payment is likely to NOT be their weekly salary except where they are paid in arrears (so up to Sunday 29 June) paid in the following week or bonuses paid after the season closes or the contract ends.

My view, for what it's worth (very little) - players' contracts in the modern game are an anachronism. Many of the conditions and clauses are throwbacks to a time when they weren't paid a fortune; were a lot more disposable or tradeable as commodities, and at the end of their playing days would likely have to get a "proper job". Same applies to managers.

But with a strong players union, the ubiquitous agents, compliant or complicit clubs and governing bodies looking the other way, it is what it is. Can't see it changing anytime soon.

I looked it up, and it stated that a Premier League player whose contract finished on 30 June 2025 (or any other month) becomes a free agent and is no longer paid by the club.

Isn't that the purpose of a contract?

She used to play for Everton women

Can a footballer file for unemployment insurance if he can't find a club?

He can Mike, if he has less than £16k in savings 🤣

I would keep Armstrong to develop with the first team. Chermiti has lost the plot a little through niggling injuries, so maybe a loan would give him a fresh start. Iroegbunam also needs a restart at a good level. Three very good young players there.

We need a fast right-winger in the worst way.

They certainly wouldn't be able to claim social benefits Mike!!

On the contract thing, yes, it comes to an end on the day it expires, but it depends what is written. Call it a severance payment or agreement to pay a month's extra wages; dress it up however we want, but that is what has been agreed, then that's what happens.

Again, I'm not overly concerned by the figures. In the bigger picture, it's hardly breaking the bank if it is the £200k mentioned.

Georgios Vagiannidis, the right-back at Panathinaikos we have been strongly linked with was sent off against Rangers last night in the first leg.

Very good of him to make himself available for transfer to us a match early!

My optimism from the ending to last season is starting to fade with the lack of signings.

It looks like we will have the usual slow start and be languishing at or near the bottom after five games as per usual.

Hope I am wrong

Apparently Woltemade is back in the frame as Bayern look elsewhere???

Any mileage in this?

Tony # 73, no mileage at all I would have thought. We’ve bought Barry - so the striker position is sorted and we move to RW and RB and CM.

Point taken Robert but can you ever too many strikers particularly ones who have proved their ability already as per Woltemade ?

Danny @ 70, why wouldn’t they be able to claim JSA if playing football had been their only job?
They will have paid NICs and therefore qualify for the statutory period of contribution based JSA. At the end of that period their savings and/or spousal income would be taken into account so, presumably, they would not qualify.

No idea Geoff.

I took a career break last year for personal reasons. I didn't even look into it, but I think if you've got a certain amount in the bank, you won't get benefits.

I'm no expert, as I've never claimed a benefit in my life.

I think the question would be why would they want or need to?

I’ve never claimed either Danny but when I make people redundant I always get one of my HR team who knows about these things to advise them. Everybody who has paid NICs for a certain period qualifies for contributions based JSA for a while (6 months?).
After that period savings and/or spousal income comes into play.

Geoff, I just think that for these people, with the money and assets they have, they wouldn't qualify.

I'm nowhere near their scale, but I don't think I would have, even though I didn't look into it.

I had a comfortable amount in the bank, could pay the mortgage and get my military pension, worth £1,700 every month, which is on top of my salary since I resumed work in the New Year.

I've paid National Insurance and Tax since I was 17 years old. Even if I had qualified, I would rather leave benefits to those who actually need them.

I don't think Premier League footballers fall into that category.

Well said Danny. I qualify for PIP and a blue badge but don't claim either as there are more needy people than myself. I work and have never claimed

Danny #79/ Bobby #80

First world problems..eh?

Meanwhile a genocide continues...

Brendan @81,

Just a response to a question about whether or why now former players should be paid until the end of this month and then someone asking if they could claim JSA / benefits.

No-one mentioned genocide.

We should mention it Danny...what's happening in the Darfur region of Sudan is an afront to humanity

I've mentioned the odd comment myself Alan, but I'm not sure this is the right forum for those debates. There are plenty on the internet and social media where that can take place.

Personally, I witnessed the impact and effects of genocide first hand.

Serbian rockets and shells being fired into market places and residential area in Sarajevo. The Srebrenica massacre, although the most infamous, wasn't alone. I was located in a destroyed town in Bosnia called Gornji Vakuf. More fresh tombstones than standing houses.

I cold go on about other parts of the world, including the Middle East, but I'll leave it there.

So yes, worth mentioning, but maybe this isn't the place.

It's a thread about Everton and football transfer rumours.

Laws have probably been changed since I partly studied law in the late sixties but I've always thought that footballers while on contract are not contractors.
I seem to recall that one of the differences between employees and contractors was that you can tell both what you want doing but can't tell contractors how you want them to do it albeit that would probably be agreed beforehand. I think in law it came under Master and Servant although it was a long time ago, Smith v The London Omnibus Co?

These days I can barely follow Perry Mason stories.

Alan @85. They are indeed on contract, effectively fixed term contract, and are not contractors. I don’t know about the late sixties, but these days IR35 (disguised employment) legislation would make sure of that!

Have we signed anyone yet?

That is what is driving the frustration amongst many Colin. I'm personally not getting over-excited yet.

There will be new additions. There could even be outgoings, although I don't see who at this stage other than late loans, which I personally don't think we should consider.

Alan @85. I've already said, it will depend on what was in their terms and conditions in the contract. The new owners wouldn't sanction payment if they didn't need to. And they proved with Dyche, that they were happy to barter down and pay less what he could have claimed as severance.

We don't yet know how they will be running Everton, but I don't think they are financial mugs.

I can only liken this to when I left the military. With resettlement leave, I was effectively off for the last 3 months. In my last month, I was still on the payroll, but could start another job and receive an additional salary. Maybe not the best example, but parallels.

I know Danny. It will probably be a last minute scramble (resembling Redknapp at QPR) then we’ll have the excuse that players need at least 3 months to settle in.

Like I’ve been saying, nothing really ever changes at Everton. New gear, old undies.

Maybe today we will get the details of the squad who have flown out to America. Seems it will likely include some young players with little or no first team experience. Perhaps this is a good thing ? Or will the small core of first team players feel the added pressure ? One way or another I cannot believe this is a healthy situation and I fear the outcome.

I doubt we'll sign anyone until they all return from the U.S.

Iain, I can't see why signings would be affected by where the club is playing.

The new CEO and chief negotiator aren't going to America. And if Moyes wants to talk to a prospect, there's always Zoom.

Toffee tv suggested that Kinnear was with Moyes, and Hammond was home.

I agree that shouldn't stop signing players, but we do seldom sign players when in the US.

With one game left after the tour, it will feel a missed opportunity by not having players in. I know its the same for all teams, but we must have the fewest numbers in the epl.

Does anyone know when the sky tv money is paid to clubs

RIP Hulk Hogan.

It won't matter that Moyes is in the US.

He can still talk and he won't have sole decisions on transfers like last time.

Not sure Ryan, but I don't think it matters. The club (and others) can still spend against it, because it is guaranteed income.

Chelsea managed to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton whilst they were in the US playing in the World Club Championship so I don't think it should hinder us.

It doesn't matter where they are in the world but face to face discussions are always more effective.

I don't have a clue who we are genuinely interested in and what discussion have taken place or are taking place but I do know time is ticking by and the squad is totally inadequate.

Every time I come on ToffeeWeb this week someone dies.

Liam the Grim Reaper

But Danny we won’t spend until the sky money is in place. The FSG, leveraged buy out chancers won’t spend any of their own money on transfers

I believe the Sky money goes in sometime in August which is a big reason why we always shop late.

Izzy, Hogan, Jones…. It’s been a bad week.

We've already spent over £30m Ryan. Over £40m if we include signing Alcaraz on a permanent.

I would think of it as credit that is there. Whenever it Is paid, it can be relied on.

Chancers and useless in 2 days?

Yes we have to see how they run Everton, but to date, they have refinanced the debt. They covered the remaining stadium costs. Improved marketing and corporate facilities that will generate more revenue in an area we've been lacking for decades. Overhauled the board, management and recruitment structure. Sanctioned the rapid opening of the new club store in the East Stand.

Of course, this has mostly been putting right the wrongs of the past and on the commercial side, which was needed. Now let's see what they do to back getting it right on the pitch.

Mike Gaynes, I just have a feeling that the club is waiting for the tranche of media money 1st August.

I think the TFG people are no mugs. The look at Everton being in the premier league since it started and see how little money was invest by Billy. Then we had Moshiri splashing cash on shite players. So if you or I were on that TFG board I think we would be told to take the cheap root. Grow from the young lads and get cheap loanees. I hope I’m wrong but there is no top grade player coming here and the Barry money is our ceiling. Billionaires or millionaires don’t like parting with their own dosh with Moshiri being the foolish exception. TFG will have seen the effect Moshiri’s money had but we still stayed in the league with Billy’s sofa money. I don’t believe TFG have any grandiose ideas of us playing in Europe

I think if TFG were serious they should have paid off all debts which would have allowed us another 25m plus to spend

We’re still hamstrung by debts and a stadium too small

Serious about what though, Ryan?

What do you think TFG expect Everton to achieve on the pitch this season?

Having just bought a club in a complete mess, with a tiny and low quality squad and lingering PSR issues - I think they will be serious about achieving a finish between 8th and 14th in season 2025 / 26.

They have certainly made no noises to the contrary.

I also expect they are serious about finishing between 6th and 10th in season 2026 / 27 - getting closer and closer to 6th spot for season 2027 / 28.

During all that time, I also expect they will get increasingly serious about cup silverware.

And to demonstrate their seriousness in all of this, I expect they will invest accordingly - dragging us up, this summer, from our current Transfermarkt squad ranking of 17th (but closer to Leeds and Burnley in 18th and 19th, than we are to Wolves in 16th) to about 12th or 13th when the window closes.

It doesn't sound like much but that would represent a huge improvement. Moyes is then capable of getting a tune out of the squad in what could be a very topsy-turvy season for a few clubs.

Ryan, your comments about TFG are just cracking me up.

Sean 106 - "Billionaires or millionaires don’t like parting with their own dosh with Moshiri being the foolish exception."

I think you'll find Moshiri wasn't the foolish exception here. If anything he was a shrewd accountant who used Usmanovs dosh.

About winning things Robert. I don’t think they’re serious about that.

They’d be buying Nelson dock and also knocking down that awful, LEGO North end stand’

They’d be buying players to take on this America tour

They wouldn’t if serious allow a football team to have zero right hand side players

This was supposed to be an unprecedented summer and the friedkin group have messed it big time

I suspect the model that they will follow is the one at Roma.

Top 6/7, occasional run at CL and the odd cup.

As Newcastle are proving, even with more money than anyone, you can't break into the upper echelons anymore. 'They' won't let you.

Not sure TFG are that bothered, myself. Increase turnover, income streams, maximise profit etc will be their priority?

TFG bought Everton for a pittance and then loaded £350m of debt onto the stadium.

They won’t be here to win

Ryan - you were preaching patience until today. What's changed? I think the possibility of Isak at the RS has finished you off?!

Whatever the case, I'm not sure where you got the idea that this was going to be an unprecedented summer from? TFG have never said anything of the sort. TFG hardly say anything (unlike the moronic chatterbox who used to own us, turning up on Talksport and talking shit to Jim White).

What TFG are really serious about is making money.

So initially, I think the situation Liam describes is about right - and that, sadly, is a huge improvement on basically everything since 1988. So not to be sniffed at. Roma under TFG haven't really improved at all - because they've occupied that sort of position or higher for about the last 25 years. They are doing it now, however, in much better financial health and that gives them something to build on (Italian football is in a complete mess which should give them hope).

However, If TFG can get the revenue up (something else they are good at) then our spending can increase (on the youth system as well as transfers) - and nice though it is to retain a romantic view of the game, you do need to be really rich to win things.

Meanwhile Rome burns.

Tbh yes - we’re just a nothing club who haven’t won a league in 40 years

This was supposed to be OUR ‘unprecedented’ summer and THEY have overshadowed us again.

“There's a huge restructure to be done in terms of the squad. I think it's pretty unprecedented at Premier League level. But I think David and I see that as an opportunity to take the team on to the next level, to build on all his good work and fundamentally to have a team which is looking up the table."

Angus Kinnear

Ryan@144. TFG paid off over £400 million worth of debt, hardly a pittance. Plus we basically have a £350 million mortgage on a £800 million stadium. That's seems like a great deal to me.

Where has this "unprecedent summer" phrase come from? I haven't heard anyone on here predict we would spend more than Ipswich spent last season.

They put £220m to buy shares and levered the £350m onto the stadium

Wherever Isak goes, it will be quite funny watching those Geordies crying with no tops on and punching donkeys in anger.

See my post @117 Robert

I see - Ryan.

But what Angus Kinnear is obviously pointing out is that the small crap squad that ended season 2024/25 then reduced to about 12 first team players at the end of June when contracts ended.

The unprecedented nature of our summer is building back up the numbers.

He was highlighting the challenge - albeit noting the opportunity too (getting rid of high earning crap) and improving on the low quality.

Until we generate big revenues from shirt sales, match days, TV in Asia etc and youth player development and trading, we won't be able to spend big (i.e. compete with net spending levels in excess of £250m in a single window).

I know you know all of this too - and that you're just fed up.

They paid off 777 Partners and Rights & Media Funding. Plus they're hardly going to pay off the stadium completely.

£350M for a new stadium seems cheap to me.

Yes, that's the £200 odd million I referred to.

Moshiri wrote off £400M at least.

I’m just fed up as you say Rob.

It’s the boring and pointless club to support.

Never win anything, hardly ever in Europe,

I think fans under estimated how close the club went to going to the wall, and under estimate how long it will take to put it back.

But is it possible over the long term? Of course it is. Man City, Aston Villa and Newcastle were relegated not so long ago, whilst Liverpool have been through their own struggles.

It needs some top leadership and vision. That has been in short supply since John Moores days.

The first 6 months I think gives hope. They've not gone for a quick fix or Hollywood bluster.

Whilst I didn't expect this new mob or Moyes to move mountains, you really have to hand it to them for doing the absolute Everton thing and making life more fucking difficult than it ever needs to be.

The likes of fucking Bournemouth, a poxy seaside town with an average gate of about 10k, make Everton Football Club look like rank amateurs. It's absolutely pitiful.

Fucking sort it out, Moyes, for fuck's sake

Owners whether billionaires or not can't spend anymore. It's all about club revenue... and ours is quite low. There is also a cap on how much a club can spend on wages, which we habitually break.

A billionaire owner with a bit of grey matter means we should be on a sound financial footing but it doesn't mean he can thrust his hand into his very deep pockets and pull out a huge wad of 500 euro notes.
Go back 2 seasons when our revenue was only £187m and over £150m of that went on wages. It was only £7m more than Fulham.

There won't be a marked difference until our revenue begins to push £250m - £300m. BMD should bring us that.

Are we in for Silva? No one knows but he failed to attend Juve's first day of training today, he's AWOL. Is this the attitude we want at our club?

Iain #133, I assume you mean Luiz?

You're right of course that increased revenues will make us more competitive in the player market, but BMD alone won't get us there. Only about 10% of Everton's revenue comes from game day sales. We need commercial/marketing revenue and lots of it.

Brazil international Douglas Luiz, 27, failed to report for the first day of pre-season training at Juventus on Thursday as West Ham, Everton and Liverpool all have interest in the midfielder. (Gazetta dello Sport - in Italian)
Seems a few players are trying this not turning up.
Far as Luiz goes, we better look elsewhere.

"fundamentally to have a team which is looking up the table"

Surely if we're looking up the table it's from a lower position? Don't we want to be looking down the table at those below us?

Not many new names circulating over last day or two. Hopefully we are doing business on the quiet with nothing known about the the transfers till almost done.

Douglas Luiz keeps cropping up but I'm never impressed by players missing training to force a move if that rumour is true. Good player but if that does turn out to be true I can't think such a lack of professionalism would impress Moyes.

Sam # 137, I think I'm right in saying that the Alcaraz deal came out of nowhere in January with no build up at all. Although it spoils the fun (sort of), I was quite impressed by that. There's presumably a lot of work being done behind the scenes on deals like that.

I see you've made the point about losing Thelwell though on the brink of this important window. That does seem like a risk. I'd have kept him on.

I guess it depends on the circumstances, Sam. Maybe Juventus have told him to stay away know his intent? From a lot of comments on here, he seems a player that would please a lot of supporters.

It's a bit like Isak at Newcastle. He didn't travel for their friendly with Celtic, forget the reason but it was hardly convincing and then he didn't travel to Asia with their squad due to a minor thigh injury.

It was obvious what was coming and then no surprise that he comes out this morning having informed Newcastle that he wants to explore transfer options this summer.

I'm not sure where he would go, but it has to be to a club in the Champions League. Although I wouldn't rule Liverpool out, I'm not sure but stranger things happen.

Other than that, I can't see past Tottenham or Chelsea if he remains in the Premier League. I doubt Levy would sanction that type of money and Chelsea have already signed several forwards, but aren't shy with their cheque book.

Maybe the continent?

Mike @134, Spot on.

Off the pitch, AI is the future of online marketing world wide. To grow the 'brand' the club needs to bring in experts in AI to get ahead of the game. The new owners are successful in business, it remains to be seen if they are competent in running a successful football club. This will take time.

On the pitch, we need innovation and to stop following the heard. We can't compete with the top 8 clubs financially. We don't need Douglas Luiz we need the new version of him 5 years younger.

During the summer there has been no sign of recruitment strategy which more or less means we will be picking up scraps near the end of the window yet again.

The timing in sacking Thelwell isn't looking too clever, is it?

We should immediately withdraw any interest in signing Luiz and look elsewhere.

No point in entering into a contract with a player when you know he will not respect it, atrocious behaviour.

Josh,

We are not in a position to be withdrawing interest unless the financials become out of our league.

Rob # 140, I think you could probably interpret our business so far as having this strategy:

- no vanity signings (old, broken stars etc);

- extract value / don't overpay;

- players with major European league experience;

- players who can be part of the first team / first team squad for more than 5 years.

I think we'll continue on those lines plus pick up a couple of younger, less-experienced players.

Rob @140, I said earlier on another thread, I would have personally liked to have kept Thelwell, but once it became apparent that he wasn't in the long-term plans, I am assuming that there was mutual consent that it was best to part ways.

There are two ways of looking at that. Oversight in the short-term, but would he have really been 100% focussed on Everton knowing he's on his way out?

The owners are focussed on a longer-term strategy and prepared to wait a few more weeks for it.

Take your pick.

As Robert says, we are still signing players and sorting out contracts.

Robert, we've signed on relatively untested player from Spain, a reserve goalkeeper from the Premier League and made a loan permanent.

To try and fathom a strategy out of that is hard work. That may change over the next month but, until it does, I'm going to guess that there's a lot of flapping about going on.

Alan Myers has said we’re not even in for Luiz

Andrew@142, why do you think we cannot withdraw?

We might even find a younger, better option. He's hardly been pulling up trees in Turin and his attitude stinks.

I'll have a go, Andrew.

We needed / wanted another striker. We needed a backup goalkeeper, and landed one who has played a fair few Premier League games. We signed Alcaraz and although we had first option on him, it wouldn't have been unfeasible for him to go elsewhere.

We know the priority, so not point me saying it again. Hopefully that is next and already being worked on.

Ryan # 146, good.

There are much better options out there for building a quality squad over a longer term.

'Might' is the key here, Josh.

If other targets haven't been identified, then it's going to be tough to get those through the door in time.

I liked Thelwell and thought he did a good job while he was here…

Why did he leave? Did he want to go or was he pushed out?

“I think if TFG were serious, they should have paid off all debts which would have allowed us another £25M plus to spend.”

Would it necessarily have been as straightforward as that?
I thought some lenders like the steady longer income stream, hence there may be financial penalties for paying the loan off early?

Perhaps TFG simply got the best deal they could overall?

And who was promised an unprecedented summer in terms of money splashed around? It was always likely to be a hard slog with the unprecedented thing being the numbers being lost and needing to be replaced somehow. There is plenty of time for some kind of reinforcements to be brought in. The important thing is that we end up more competitive when the season actually starts.

I wish all the work had been done by now but that was always unlikely.

I thought Thelwell did a tremendous job under severe circumstances; he will be missed in my opinion.

We need to bring players in soon, especially preseason.

Appreciate that Thewell was here during difficult circumstances.

But if the first ambition is a top 10 finish, what part of his time with us indicated he could fulfill this brief?

Nice guy and a name we know, doesn't qualify to do what is needed. Keeping Thewell, why not go the whole hog and keep Dyche?

My guess is we will go for U21 German international Rohl. 23 years of age, loads of potential.