‘We’re up against it’… David Moyes explains the real reason why Everton have only signed three players

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton manager David Moyes has come out and explained why there have only been three signings so far this summer transfer window.

Everton have a lot of work to do in the transfer market after several first-teamers departed Finch Farm earlier this month upon the expiry of their contracts.

But, with the 2025/26 Premier League season rapidly approaching, David Moyes and his chiefs have only been able to bring in three players.

• Carlos Alcaraz
• Thierno Barry
• Mark Travers

The Toffees are close to signing Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich, however, Malick Fofana isn’t convinced about moving to the Hill Dickinson.

Moyes has now shared exactly why the club have struggled to bring new players in.

• READ MORE: Everton once refused to pay £10m to sign striker who ended up scoring 106 Premier League goals

David Moyes shares real reason behind lack of signings at Everton

Speaking to the Athletic, Moyes admitted that he’s found the window really tough due to many of their targets preferring a move to clubs with European football.

“The club are trying really hard to get the players I want and I’ve found it really difficult because in my last few years (in his previous job at West Ham United), I’ve been involved in European competition,” the 62-year-old said.

“It’s a bit easier when you’re a club in Europe. You get a better chance of attracting a lot of players. We’ve been in for a lot of really good players. Unfortunately, a lot them have said no at the moment.

“If we’re going for players, we’re not going for bad players. Our attraction is maybe to some younger ones who are up and coming, or also those from lower leagues. In those cases, it is not a problem. But if you’re trying to take players who have had European experience or playing at the top end, they’re the ones where the ones we will find it harder to attract.

“We need them to want to come. They have to come and buy in a wee bit to what Everton have got, the culture here. There’s a strong, hard-working ethic and we want to build on it and bring in more quality.”

Moyes says he wants 10 new signings

Moyes also added that he would like 10 new signings before the window slams shut on the 1st of September.

We’re a long way away just now,” the Scotsman said.

“I would have hoped it would have been much further down the line than we are. I would hope by the time we get to the end of the window, we’d be closer to 10 (new players). So you can imagine the amount of work we’ve got to do.”

If Moyes gets his wish, that’d see seven new players arrive at Finch Farm in the space of five weeks, which seems unlikely.

But, as is always the case in August, if Everton make a good start to the new season, there could be a late influx of arrivals keen to join the project.