Everton's Hopes Rest on Transfer Moves to Fill Gaping Holes

Guardian writers predict Everton will finish 10th this season, a significant improvement from last year's 13th place. However, the Toffees must first address glaring weaknesses in their squad.

Everton's Hopes Rest on Transfer Moves to Fill Gaping Holes

Manager David Moyes's side showed promise early in the 2022-23 campaign, dismantling Chelsea at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium and sitting just three points off the Champions League spots in March. But a dismal late-season collapse saw Everton plummet to 13th, mirroring their finish under Sean Dyche and Moyes the previous year.

While European qualification may have been ambitious given the club's transition to a new home and significant player turnover, Everton blew their chance. Now, with improved midfield resources and young players gaining Premier League experience, Moyes's team could realistically target a top-six finish this season – provided they fill key holes.

Upgrading their limited center-forward options, particularly Beto and Thierno Barry, is essential. Finding a suitable replacement for departed right-back Séamus Coleman is another pressing concern, alongside bolstering a suspect central defense.

Everton's off-field situation remains precarious, with the club ordered to pay £39.8m in compensation to Burnley over their 2021-22 relegation – a sum they are appealing. Season ticket holders face steep price hikes, and the team has extended a sponsorship deal with gambling firm Stake despite government efforts to curb such partnerships.

Despite the financial stability brought by new owner The Friedkin Group, Everton fans remain disconnected from the low-key ownership. The club must now focus on the pitch, where Moyes's ability to assemble a cohesive, well-rounded squad will be put to the test.