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David Moyes has been clear about the scale of the problem facing Everton right now. With the summer window closed, the manager has only one senior striker on the books in Thierno Barry. That reality has left the club scouring the free agent market in search of immediate reinforcements, and Mauro Icardi has emerged as the name generating the most attention among supporters.

The 33-year-old Argentine forward became available after his contract with Galatasaray expired at the end of last season. Reports from ESPN journalist Luiz Carlos Largo suggested Everton were considering him as an option following the collapse of a move for Folarin Balogun. Icardi has a proven record, having scored 77 goals in his time at Inter Milan before moving to Turkey, and sources indicate he would be open to a Premier League switch.

Moyes himself confirmed last week that the squad is “really small” and that the club is looking at free agents to plug gaps. The situation stems from a chaotic deadline day where Beto departed for Fiorentina and the Balogun deal fell through despite significant interest. Everton now head into the early weeks of the season with limited attacking options up front.

The Icardi Option

While some outlets have linked the veteran with a possible move to Goodison Park, recent updates from inside the club suggest caution. BBC gossip columns reported that Everton sources have played down any imminent deal for Icardi or fellow free agent Anthony Martial. This reflects the club’s careful approach to post-window signings, where wages and squad registration rules add extra layers of complexity.

For Everton fans, the debate centres on whether a short-term fix like Icardi would truly address the underlying issue. The forward has not played in England before and would need time to adapt, yet his goal-scoring pedigree offers an appealing contrast to the current thin resources. Supporters are acutely aware that the club cannot afford another season hampered by a lack of firepower.

The broader context is one of frustration after a transfer window that promised progress but delivered disappointment. New signings arrived in other areas, including Ainsley Maitland-Niles and a loan return for Jack Grealish, but the failure to secure a reliable centre-forward has left Moyes with difficult decisions ahead of upcoming fixtures.

Everton sit eighth in the Premier League table after three games, but the squad depth concerns are real. With only 18 first-team outfield players available in some counts, any injury or suspension could quickly expose the limitations. The manager has been candid about the need for more bodies, and the free agent route remains the most realistic path in the coming weeks.

What makes this particularly significant is the timing. Everton face a run of games that will test their resources, and the lack of a proven goal threat up front risks undermining the positive elements of the summer recruitment. Fans will be watching closely for any further developments on Icardi or alternative targets, hoping the club can resolve the striker issue before it becomes a major problem.

Everton supporters have endured a summer of frustration, but the latest development from the club’s American owners cuts deeper than any failed transfer. The Friedkin Group is actively seeking fresh investment into the club, according to multiple reports from well-placed sources.

The Athletic broke the story on September 3, confirming that TFG aims to bring in strategic partners rather than pursue a full sale. Investment bank Moelis has been engaged to test the market, with a valuation of around £1 billion floated in some quarters. This follows a transfer window that saw Everton generate significant funds through sales but left the squad dangerously thin.

Ownership Background and Recent Sales

TFG completed their takeover of Everton in late 2024, stepping in after years of financial uncertainty under previous owner Farhad Moshiri. Their early moves included refinancing expensive debt and securing better terms against the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Yet the summer of 2026 exposed ongoing challenges.

The club offloaded talent including Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City for a reported £60-70 million, alongside Nathan Patterson and Tim Iroegbunam, raising around £80 million in total. A proposed £40 million sale of homegrown midfielder Harrison Armstrong was scrapped amid fan backlash. The window closed with only Ainsley Maitland-Niles arriving permanently, while a high-profile move for Folarin Balogun collapsed at the final hurdle.

David Moyes has been candid about the consequences. He described the squad as “really small” and admitted he would say “no” when asked if it had enough depth for the Premier League season. Everton sit eighth after three games but possess just one senior striker in Thierno Barry.

Why This Matters to Supporters

For fans, this news signals that the ownership may need external help to match ambitions. The 1878s supporter group has already stood down from organising displays, citing a misalignment between fan expectations and club direction. Protests over potential player sales highlighted the tension.

A minority stake sale could inject capital for January reinforcements without ceding control. It might also ease concerns over financial regulations, particularly liquidity tests in the Premier League. Everton’s position remains stable on the pitch for now, but a threadbare squad risks further unrest if results falter.

Sources close to the situation emphasise that player trading will remain central to future plans. The focus is on long-term sustainability rather than short-term spending sprees. Whether new investors materialise quickly or the process drags on will shape the mood around Goodison Park in the months ahead.

Everton supporters have had plenty to digest since the summer transfer window slammed shut. The biggest talking point right now centres on the club’s American owners, The Friedkin Group, actively seeking new investors.

The Athletic reported on September 3 that TFG is exploring fresh investment, most likely through the sale of a minority stake. Sources close to the situation indicated the move aims to bring in strategic partners who can help drive the club forward.

This development arrives against the backdrop of a summer window that left many fans frustrated. Everton generated significant income, selling Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City for around £65 million and Beto to Fiorentina for approximately £15 million. Yet the club failed to land a new striker after a proposed £40 million deal for Folarin Balogun collapsed late on deadline day due to medical concerns.

Ownership under scrutiny

TFG completed its takeover of Everton in December 2024, ending Farhad Moshiri’s turbulent reign. The group, which also owns AS Roma, has since refinanced debt and provided stability. However, the recent transfer activity and squad depth issues have reignited questions about long-term plans.

Manager David Moyes has been candid about the challenges. He described the squad as “really small,” noting just one senior striker in Thierno Barry and only 18 outfield players available. Moyes confirmed the club is now scouring the free-agent market while preparing for the January window.

The timing of the investment search matters. Everton sit eighth in the Premier League after a mixed start, and supporters had hoped the new ownership would accelerate progress. Instead, the threadbare squad and failed deals have fuelled discontent, including protests over a proposed sale of homegrown midfielder Harrison Armstrong that was ultimately scrapped.

Why does this story resonate so strongly? Everton fans have endured years of financial uncertainty. Any move involving ownership raises hopes of greater ambition but also fears of further upheaval. A minority stake sale could inject funds without ceding control, yet it signals TFG may not be fully committed to sole ownership long-term.

Reliable journalists at The Athletic have tracked these developments closely, drawing on sources with direct knowledge. Their reporting aligns with comments from Moyes and chief executive Angus Kinnear, who have both acknowledged the squad’s limitations.

For supporters, the coming weeks will be telling. January offers a chance to strengthen, but the ownership situation will dominate conversation until clarity emerges. Everton’s history shows that stability off the pitch is essential for on-pitch success, and this latest development keeps that debate very much alive.

Everton Owners Eye New Investors

Everton supporters have plenty on their minds after another chaotic summer, but fresh reports from The Athletic suggest the Friedkin Group is now actively seeking new investment.

The American owners, who took control in 2024, appear open to bringing in partners. The move is most likely aimed at selling a minority stake rather than a full sale of the club.

This development comes hot on the heels of a transfer window that left manager David Moyes with a threadbare squad. Everton ended up with just one senior striker and only 18 outfield players after several deals collapsed at the last minute.

Ownership pressures mount

The Friedkin Group’s approach follows weeks of supporter frustration. A fan group known as the 1878s announced they would stand down from organising displays, citing a misalignment between fan ambitions and club direction.

Moyes himself was blunt when asked about squad depth ahead of the season. He stated plainly that he did not have enough players.

The timing of the investment search is telling. Everton have faced ongoing financial scrutiny since the new ownership era began, and the latest window exposed clear limitations in the club’s spending power.

Sources close to the situation indicate the owners want to strengthen the club’s position without ceding full control. A minority stake sale could inject capital for future windows while keeping decision-making in American hands.

Why this matters to fans

For Evertonians, any ownership change brings mixed emotions. The club has endured years of uncertainty, from previous regime issues to the current push for stability under the Friedkins.

A successful minority investment might ease transfer frustrations and help build a more competitive squad. Yet it also raises questions about long-term vision and whether the current owners are fully committed to the level of spending needed to challenge higher up the Premier League table.

The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland and Matt Slater have led the reporting on this story, drawing from well-placed sources. Their work highlights how the post-window reality is forcing difficult conversations at board level.

Everton sit eighth in the early Premier League standings after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester United. Ainsley Maitland-Niles provided a memorable late equaliser, but off-field matters continue to dominate headlines.

Supporters will watch closely for any updates on potential new investors. The club needs clarity and direction more than ever if it is to move forward positively this season.

Friedkin Group Eyes New Everton Investors

The Friedkin Group has begun exploring options to bring in new strategic investors for Everton, a move that signals potential changes at the top of the club following a turbulent summer transfer window.

This development comes as supporters continue to voice frustration over the club’s recruitment failures. The American owners, who took control in 2024, are understood to be seeking partners who can provide additional resources without a full sale of the club. The timing is telling, arriving just days after Everton’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Transfer Window Scars Run Deep

Everton ended the summer window with a threadbare squad. Only one senior striker, Thierno Barry, remains after Beto departed for Fiorentina and a proposed deal for Folarin Balogun from Monaco collapsed in the final hours. The Balogun move, valued around £40m plus add-ons, fell apart over medical concerns, leaving the club short in attack and with just 18 outfield players overall.

Manager David Moyes has been candid about the lack of depth, stating bluntly that he does not have enough players for a Premier League campaign. The loss of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City for a reported £60m further depleted attacking options, while fan backlash forced the club to scrap plans to sell young midfielder Harrison Armstrong.

These events have fuelled supporter anger, with groups like the 1878s stepping back from organising displays. Petitions calling for changes in leadership have circulated, highlighting a disconnect between the board and the fanbase.

Why This Matters Now

For Everton supporters, ownership stability has been a long-standing concern. The search for new investors suggests The Friedkin Group recognises the need for more financial firepower to compete effectively. It could bring fresh capital for the January window, where reinforcements will be essential if the squad is to avoid another season of struggle.

The recent match against Manchester United offered a glimpse of resilience, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles scoring a stunning late equaliser in the sixth minute of added time. Yet the underlying squad issues remain. With Everton sitting eighth in the Premier League after three games, the owners’ next steps will be scrutinised closely. Any investment must translate into meaningful squad improvements to restore trust among the faithful.

Everton supporters have been left reeling once again after reports emerged that the club’s American owners are actively seeking fresh investment. The Friedkin Group, who took control of the club in 2024, are understood to be exploring options that could involve selling a minority stake.

This development follows a summer transfer window that many fans viewed as a major disappointment. Everton sold players worth around £100 million but added just one senior outfield player on deadline day in the form of Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon. The collapse of a proposed deal for Folarin Balogun left the squad desperately short in key areas.

Squad concerns mount under Moyes

Manager David Moyes has not shied away from highlighting the issues. He described the squad as “really small” and admitted it lacks the depth needed for a full Premier League campaign. With only 18 senior outfield players and a single experienced striker in Thierno Barry, the scale of the challenge is clear.

The situation has already sparked unrest among the fanbase. The 1878s supporter group announced they would stand down from organising displays, citing a misalignment between fan ambitions and those of the club. Protests over potential sales, including a pulled deal for Harrison Armstrong, added to the tension.

Why this matters now

Everton sit eighth in the Premier League after three matches, but the underlying picture is one of fragility. Selling a minority stake could bring much-needed funds, yet it also raises questions about long-term stability under The Friedkin Group. Fans will watch closely to see whether any new investors share their vision for progress on the pitch.

Sources close to the situation indicate the search is for strategic partners rather than a full sale. Still, the timing – coming so soon after the transfer window frustrations – has done little to ease supporter concerns heading into the new season.

Maitland-Niles Late Strike Saves Everton Against United

Everton produced a remarkable fightback to earn a 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Saturday evening, thanks to a stunning stoppage-time goal from new signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

The result came at the end of a week that tested the patience of supporters and players alike. A transfer window that promised progress ended with disappointment, leaving manager David Moyes with limited options in key areas.

Resilience shines through transfer frustration

Moyes had been blunt earlier in the week when asked about squad depth. His assessment that the group was not strong enough for a full Premier League campaign reflected the reality after several deals collapsed. The failure to land Folarin Balogun left the club with just one senior striker in Thierno Barry. Other targets slipped away too, adding to a sense of frustration that spilled over among fans.

The 1878s, the group responsible for organising matchday displays, announced they would stand down for the foreseeable future. Their statement highlighted a disconnect between fan ambitions and those of the club hierarchy. Reports also surfaced that owner TFG is exploring fresh investment, which could lead to changes at board level.

Yet the players showed they were not dwelling on the off-field issues. Moyes later revealed that the squad had agreed there would be no excuses. The message resonated, with the team refusing to let negativity affect their performance at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Maitland-Niles delivers instant impact

Maitland-Niles arrived from Lyon on deadline day on a three-year deal. The versatile defender had been close to joining earlier in the window but the move stalled before finally being completed. His introduction from the bench in the 77th minute, replacing James Garner who was struggling with cramp, proved decisive.

After Manchester United had taken the lead through Benjamin Sesko, Everton responded with character. Tyrique George levelled the score with a superb strike that lifted the atmosphere. Then, deep into added time, Maitland-Niles collected the ball 25 yards out and unleashed a powerful drive that flew past the goalkeeper.

The former Arsenal man described the moment as feeling like a win. Moyes called it a brilliant goal with perfect technique, one that highlighted the new arrival’s quality on debut.

This point keeps Everton unbeaten in the early stages of the season and offers a timely boost. In a campaign where resources are stretched, moments of individual brilliance and collective determination will be vital. The draw against a side tipped for strong contention underlines what this group can achieve when they channel their frustrations into performance on the pitch.

Everton’s American owners The Friedkin Group are actively seeking fresh investment into the club. Sources close to the situation indicate the move is aimed at bringing in strategic partners, most likely through the sale of a minority stake.

This development comes in the wake of a turbulent summer transfer window that left supporters frustrated and the squad stretched thin. The Friedkin Group took full control last year, but early optimism has given way to questions about long-term plans and financial direction.

The timing is telling. Everton sold high-profile talents including Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City for £65 million on deadline day, alongside Beto’s move to Fiorentina and Nathan Patterson’s departure to Torino. Yet attempts to bolster the forward line faltered dramatically when Folarin Balogun walked away from a proposed £40 million deal with Monaco.

David Moyes has been left working with just 18 senior outfield players. Thierno Barry stands as the only recognised senior striker, while Vitalii Mykolenko remains the sole established left-back. The manager has spoken openly about the need to explore the free agent market to supplement what he described as a “really small” squad.

Fan groups have already voiced concerns over perceived lack of ambition. Protests erupted earlier in the window when reports emerged of a potential sale of homegrown midfielder Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest, prompting the club to pull the plug on those talks.

Ownership changes at Everton have rarely been straightforward. Previous regimes brought instability, and supporters are understandably wary of any process that could dilute control or signal further belt-tightening. The Friedkin Group’s search for partners suggests they see value in external input to drive the club forward, particularly with the new Hill Dickinson Stadium now in use.

For the playing side, the implications are immediate. Moyes faces Manchester United today knowing his options in attack are limited. Jack Grealish’s return on loan from City provides some creativity, but the absence of a proven goal threat beyond Barry will test the manager’s tactical ingenuity throughout the campaign.

The broader context is one of transition. Everton finished last season strongly under Moyes and began this campaign with a win and a draw. Yet the summer’s net profit of around £25 million, achieved through sales rather than sustained investment, has left many wondering whether the club can compete consistently without further resources.

Supporters will watch the coming weeks closely. Any announcement on new investors will be scrutinised for what it means for squad building in January and beyond. The Friedkin Group’s next steps could shape the club’s trajectory for years to come.

David Moyes has spoken openly about the frustrations of a summer transfer window that ended in disappointment for Everton. The manager admitted the club must now look to the free agent market to bolster a squad he described as very small.

The window closed with just 18 senior outfield players available until January. Only one recognised striker remains on the books after Beto departed for Fiorentina and a late move for Folarin Balogun collapsed.

Balogun had agreed terms with Everton on a deal worth an initial £40 million plus add-ons from Monaco. The 25-year-old American international even travelled to Finch Farm for what should have been the final stages. Instead, concerns emerged during his medical and the deal fell through at the eleventh hour.

Moyes was clear that it was not down to any single party. He told reporters the situation was simply one of those things that happens in football. Balogun himself pulled out after the medical doubts surfaced.

The timing proved particularly painful. Everton had already sanctioned Beto’s exit in anticipation of the incoming striker. That left Thierno Barry as the sole senior centre forward. Fans had hoped for greater depth after a summer that saw significant sales generate around £100 million.

Iliman Ndiaye’s £65 million move to Manchester City was another major outgoing. The Senegal international had been a key creative force and his departure further thinned the attacking options. Moyes made it clear the club did not want to lose him but could not stand in the way of such an opportunity.

Squad depth under pressure

The lack of numbers leaves Moyes with limited flexibility. Vitalii Mykolenko is the only recognised left-back. The right-back position has been addressed with the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon on a three-year deal, but overall balance remains a concern.

Moyes emphasised the need to challenge at the top end of the table despite the setbacks. He stressed that everyone will have to muck in and that opportunities will arise for younger players or those previously on the fringes. The manager remains determined to keep pushing forward.

Everton have confirmed they are now exploring free agents. Reports have linked the club with experienced options such as Jamie Vardy, though no deals have been completed. The priority is to add quality without further disrupting the wage structure.

Supporters will be anxious about how the squad copes with a demanding fixture list. A thin squad increases the risk of injuries derailing the season before it truly begins. Moyes has shown resilience in the past and will look to instil belief that the group can still deliver.

The Friedkin Group ownership has faced questions over ambition following the window’s outcome. Moyes revealed he has never spoken directly to Dan Friedkin in his time back at the club, highlighting a disconnect at the top. Yet the manager stayed positive, insisting the players and fans can achieve something special with what they have.

Everton’s summer was meant to build on recent stability. Instead it has left the club facing familiar challenges of limited resources and the need to overachieve. Moyes and his team must now find solutions quickly if they are to meet expectations in the new campaign.

Deadline Farce Leaves Everton Short-Handed

Everton supporters have every right to feel sick this week. What started as a summer of cautious optimism under The Friedkin Group has ended in familiar chaos, with the collapse of Folarin Balogun’s move from Monaco leaving David Moyes staring at a squad that looks thinner than it did in July.

The United States striker arrived at Finch Farm on deadline day after a £40 million agreement was reached the night before. Hours later he walked away. Issues flagged in his medical prompted Everton to restructure the deal, reducing the upfront payment and loading more onto add-ons. Both clubs signed a deal sheet to buy extra time after the 11pm deadline. Balogun still refused to put pen to paper. Monaco’s chief executive later said the player felt the club had raised unnecessary doubts about his health. Everton maintain they were simply doing due diligence. Either way, the Toffees are now left with Thierno Barry as their only senior striker until January at the earliest.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7561775/2026/09/03/inside-everton-transfer-window-balogun-ndiaye/)

That blow landed after they had already sanctioned Beto’s £15.5 million departure to Fiorentina, believing the Balogun deal was as good as done. Iliman Ndiaye’s £65 million move to Manchester City went through the same day. Jack Grealish’s season-long loan return from City and Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ arrival from Lyon offered some late cheer, but they cannot paper over the holes.

Moyes now has just 18 outfield players. Vitalii Mykolenko is the only recognised left-back. The right-back search that dragged on all summer ended with Maitland-Niles, a versatile but not specialist option. Christian Norgaard is injured. The squad Moyes described as needing more quality and numbers before the window even closed is now weaker in key areas.

Fan Anger Meets Ownership Questions

This is not just about one failed signing. It is about a pattern. Everton came close to selling Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest for around £35-40 million until supporters made their feelings clear at Bournemouth, chanting about a riot. The board pulled the plug. Then they sold two forwards without replacements lined up. The Fans’ Forum issued a statement questioning planning and decision-making. The 1878s group, responsible for the displays at Hill Dickinson Stadium, have stood down in protest, saying the club’s ambitions no longer match the supporters’. A petition targeting chief executive Angus Kinnear has circulated.[[2]](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c9861n79kepo)

The Friedkin Group, who completed their takeover in December 2024 and refinanced the club’s debt, are now seeking new investors less than two years in. Reports from The Athletic and the Financial Times describe an early-stage process that could see a minority stake sold. Sources suggest they view the club’s enterprise value at around £1 billion. Liverpool’s recent minority sale may have concentrated minds. For Everton fans who hoped American ownership would bring stability and ambition after the Moshiri years, this feels like another chapter of uncertainty.

Moyes has kept his public comments relatively measured, but his pre-deadline remarks about needing more players now look prophetic. Barry showed his quality with a hat-trick against Preston in the cup, yet relying on a 21-year-old as the sole centre-forward through a long Premier League winter is a gamble. Tyrique George or Brennan Johnson could be asked to fill in, but that is not a sustainable plan.

Everton sit seventh after two games with four points. The new stadium was supposed to mark a fresh start. Instead the window has left the club looking amateurish at the exact moment they needed to look professional. Kinnear’s recent comments that the squad was “in a good place” now ring hollow. The owners have some fences to mend, and quickly. Results will determine how loud the discontent becomes, but the damage from this window is already done.