Anjishnu Roy 07/02/2025 9comments  |  Jump to last

The 2025 winter transfer window was one of little movement for Everton. There was little to speak about for the Toffees beyond the late loan deal for Argentine midfielder Carlos Alcaraz on Deadline Day. 

 

Going into the transfer window, the general feeling regarding the squad was that it was already light to begin with. Injuries to key players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja, Dwight McNeil and Orel Mangala have only made matters worse. Therefore, the addition of just a single midfielder in Alcaraz certainly seemed to be a risk, given that a lot of Premier League football is still to be played.

 

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New boss David Moyes hadn’t been shy of stressing the need to add reinforcements to the squad either. The situation in the forward line seems particularly concerning with Beto being the only fit senior striker for Everton following injuries to Calvert-Lewin, Broja and Youssef Chermiti.

 

Reports from the club suggested that there were no players of that profile who could come at the right price and improve the team immediately. The Friedkin Group, the new owners of the club, have laid the template that money will be used prudentially rather than for the sake of doing so.

 

While Calvert-Lewin suffered a hamstring blow and could be back before the end of the season, Broja is expected to return to action in a month. Chermiti is also looking at the same timeline for recovery as Broja.

 

Moyes certainly has reasons to feel frustrated by the lack of transfer activity, but it’s also clear that the market conditions as well as financial limitations left the Toffees without much room to manoeuver in the window.

 

The positive developments on the pitch, however, have eased the management’s concerns. Three wins on the bounce allowed Everton to put some distance between them and the relegation zone while the other teams hovering around the drop zone have struggled to build any kind of form.

 

Alcaraz also has a golden opportunity to impress fans during his loan spell and force Everton to trigger the option to buy. The Argentine has prior Premier League experience, having scored four league goals for Southampton in a previous stint. He has also featured in 11 games for Juventus and can play in a variety of positions.

 

Avoiding any unnecessary or rash signings is never a good idea for any long-term project. Buying for buying’s sake is a mantra that Everton fans are familiar with and believe should be consigned to the past. 

 

While the underlying feeling at Goodison Park is that the club took a swing with a lack of reinforcements this time, the Toffees will be in a much healthier position going into the summer transfer window.

 

 

Reader Comments (9)

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Jim Bennings
1 Posted 07/02/2025 at 14:33:29
I hope one day they do away with the January transfer window and just go back the way it used to be.

Its not like it is preventing the top money clubs from carrying on the crusade of millions being spent anyway.

John Chambers
2 Posted 07/02/2025 at 15:19:41
Jim, presumably you would also get rid of the summer window? The “old” way just used to ban transfers from about March to the end of the season.
My view is that once a squad of 25 is set in August, 2 for each position and 3 keepers, that should be it for the season and clubs should have to give the young players an opportunity to step up and fill gaps.
Mike Gaynes
3 Posted 07/02/2025 at 16:15:15
John and Jim, the "old system" was more than 20 years ago. Different world then. Nobody's going back to that.

Reportedly, however, the PL clubs are starting discussions about shortening both windows.

Jay Harris
4 Posted 07/02/2025 at 16:19:19
I think the transfer windows should be restricted to non playing times and 2 weeks maximum. Clubs have enough time to prepare and research as it is.

one further bugbear is the tapping up that goes on by agents. I would revoke their licence if they get caught doing this.

Ian Bennett
5 Posted 07/02/2025 at 16:33:45
I would have liked Tom Fellows from WBA. But the patient approach from a new manager & new owner is probably the right thing for a club that's been in chaos for the last 8 years odd.
Peter Moore
6 Posted 07/02/2025 at 16:42:53
Charly Alcaraz a modern day Alan Harper! Plays nearly everywhere! May be enjoy the same success here as Mr Harper!! UP THE TOFFEES.
Andrew Merrick
7 Posted 07/02/2025 at 17:19:31
A play everywhere guy huh, sounds good Peter, we need attack minded players with a good mix in their skill set.

O'brien is flexible in a defensive role and has slotted in seamlessly, if Charly can do the same up front we are in a better place.

Moyes will no doubt be looking at where the goals will come from, so a good spread should be expected from the attacking third outfield in open play, and the big lads we have now give us a good set piece threat.

This feels like a different everton, with only two additions, Charly and Davey...

Simon Harrison
8 Posted 07/02/2025 at 17:31:43
Mike G [3] I agree that we shouldn't go back to the old system, I.e. 1st July to March 31st. That would give the monied clubs far too much of an advantage, and widen the gap further between the competition and the also-rans.

I think John's [2] suggestion has some sort of merit, with maybe a little tweaking.

Maybe say an inclusive squad of 28 players, 2/position, 3 GK and four of the 28 must be U21/3.

Set a League squad of 25 as is now, and if someone gets injured, one of the three 'reserves' has to step in.

That's just off the top of my head, but if someone was willing to develop it, it could well work, and it may even start to slow the ever increasing transfer fees and associated player costs.

This off course would have to fit in with the SCR frame work, as I doubt we'd ever get into a wage-cap situation.

PS I still think the PL should introduce a winter break.

Anthony Hawkins
9 Posted 07/02/2025 at 17:45:54
Talking of Pl, City have submitted another legal challenge based on limitations of associated parties sponsorship deals.

I can help but think these are attempts to discredit the PL and find any way out of the charges, or to distract the legal team.

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