Everton may not have much to play for with Premier League safety secured – but these final games are still opportunities for players with points to prove.
Everton are facing a huge summer, with a number of players set to leave.
Many are out of contract. Some will not return after loan spells. And then other players will be sold.
The Friedkin Group have conducted themselves well so far, and been methodical in everything they have done.
But the new owners will be tested in a few months, and fans hope they’ll be able to set David Moyes up nicely ahead of the 2025/26 season.
One big decision Everton will need to make involves Carlos Alcaraz, who joined the club on loan in January.
And Moyes was left pleased by the Argentine following his latest display against Fulham.
David Moyes hails Carlos Alcaraz after Everton’s win over Fulham
Alcaraz was Everton’s only signing in the mid-season window.
Everton had been looking for new recruits. But money was still tight due to concerns about PSR, and Moyes did not want to spend just for the sake of spending.
But Alcaraz came in on loan from Flamengo, with Everton holding an option to buy the player at the end of the season.
There was also an obligation clause, but Alcaraz has not started enough games to force that clause to be triggered.
Some have wondered whether Alcaraz will be signed permanently, due to the way Moyes has used him. It was claimed Everton were dodging Alcaraz’s option to buy, to allow the club to renegotiate the £15 million clause (Liverpool Echo).
But the Scot sang his praises after the win over Fulham, which bodes well for a potential permanent move.
He said: “I was impressed with Charly. I thought he did a lot of good things.
“I wasn’t so sure in the first half, for the best part of the first half. But he helped win the corner which led to the goal. He obviously made the pass for Beto as well, the final pass for Beto for the third goal. Yeah, it was good.”
Everton fans sang Alcaraz’s name as he was taken off against Fulham in the late stages of the game, and many of those will certainly hope to see him at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Moyes has been increasingly positive about Alcaraz recently, so a deal is reasonably likely.
Everton must sign Alcaraz permanently
Alcaraz has probably not ripped up trees since he came to Everton, but there is no doubting that he’s made an impression.
The South American has scored one goal and made three assists so far in the Premier League for the Toffees with limited opportunities, and fans have taken to him.
He’s got that creativity and work-rate, and it does just feel like he’s worth the money.
Apparently Alcaraz has interest from other clubs ahead of the summer.
So with that in mind, Everton cannot fumble the deal.
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