Everton Boss David Moyes Defends Arne Slot’s Summer of Spending but Can’t Resist Final Dig at Rivals Liverpool Ahead of Merseyside Derby

Slot Hits Out at Critics of Liverpool’s Spending Spree

In the buildup to yet another highly anticipated Merseyside derby, Everton boss David Moyes has found himself straddling a fine line between respect and rivalry. On one hand, Moyes openly defended Liverpool’s enormous outlay during the summer transfer window. On the other, he couldn’t help but land a cheeky jab at his cross-city rivals, reminding everyone that even in moments of praise, the rivalry between blue and red never really sleeps.

Liverpool’s spending was, in a word, eye-watering. Close to £450 million left the Anfield coffers, with £241m alone used to bring in Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz and Sweden international Alexander Isak. Manager Arne Slot, now in his first full season at Anfield, has been quick to defend those numbers, pointing out that the Reds also recouped around £200m through player sales. To Slot, it was less about extravagance and more about balance.

But Moyes wasn’t about to let Liverpool’s narrative completely go unchallenged. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash at Anfield, he noted: “Liverpool have earned the right to spend money. They’ve won, they’ve competed, they’ve brought in the resources. But I still think they’ve spent more on one player than we have on our whole squad.” It was a statement that simultaneously acknowledged Liverpool’s position at the top of the food chain while reminding fans of the financial gulf that defines this rivalry.

Everton FC v Liverpool FC – Premier League

What Moyes Said on Liverpool’s Summer Spending

Moyes has been around long enough to understand how money and football intertwine. During his time at West Ham, he saw firsthand how three successive years of European qualification provided both the resources and justification to spend big in the transfer market. For Liverpool, constant Champions League football and a recent Premier League crown have given them the same leverage, only on a far larger scale.

“You earn the right to spend money,” Moyes said. “At West Ham, being in Europe allowed us to invest. Liverpool are entitled to do the same because they’ve consistently been in big competitions and winning them. Arne Slot has defended it by pointing out how much they’ve brought in from sales — which is fair. But let’s be honest: they’ve spent more on one player than Everton have on our whole squad.”

For Everton fans, it was a dose of reality. The club spent around £113m this summer — a sizeable amount by their standards, but still dwarfed by Liverpool’s single-player deals. The numbers speak volumes about the different worlds these two clubs currently inhabit.

Liverpool Spending Dwarfs Everton’s

Liverpool’s approach in recent seasons has been fascinating. In the summer they won the Premier League title, the club made no first-team signings at all, instead relying on continuity and depth to carry them across the finish line. Fast forward to this summer, and it’s been the polar opposite: a lavish spending spree aimed at refreshing the squad and ensuring Slot has the tools to build his own dynasty.

Wirtz, widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest attacking talents, cost Liverpool more than Everton’s entire summer budget. Add Isak into the mix and the Reds’ attacking options look as dangerous as ever. With further reinforcements brought in across midfield and defense, Liverpool appear stacked in every department.

Everton, meanwhile, have had to operate with more restraint. Their £113m was spread across multiple signings, prioritizing depth and squad balance rather than marquee names. It’s a reflection of where the clubs currently sit — one chasing titles at the very top, the other fighting to establish stability and respectability in a fiercely competitive league.

A Familiar Moyes Dig Before the Derby

Anyone who has followed David Moyes over the years knows he rarely misses an opportunity to needle Liverpool. While he acknowledged their achievements and defended their spending, his “whole squad” remark carried the same mischievous undertone that has long colored his pre-derby comments.

Moyes understands the psychology of these matches. His words are aimed not only at the media but at his own players and fans. It’s about creating an “us versus them” mentality, reminding Evertonians of the underdog spirit that has always defined their side of the rivalry. The timing, just days before the Merseyside derby, is no coincidence.

What’s Next for Everton and Liverpool?

Liverpool FC v Everton FC – Premier League

The Merseyside derby remains one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in English football. No matter the league table, no matter the form book, the intensity rarely drops. Saturday’s clash at Anfield promises more of the same.

For Liverpool, the pressure is all about maintaining momentum. Slot’s men have won every game so far this season, and with their squad now deeper than ever, expectations are sky-high. The derby is a chance to underline their dominance on Merseyside and extend their flawless start.

For Everton, it’s about defiance. Moyes knows his squad doesn’t have the same resources or star power as their neighbors, but derbies are rarely decided on budgets. Spirit, resilience, and moments of inspiration often matter more. An upset at Anfield would not only boost Everton’s season but also give Moyes a priceless victory in his second spell at Goodison Park.

Slot’s Defense of the Reds’ Spending

Arne Slot, for his part, has handled the criticism of Liverpool’s spending with a calm but firm demeanor. He’s been keen to remind critics that football finances don’t exist in a vacuum. “We’ve brought in £200m through sales,” Slot pointed out, highlighting the exits of several fringe players and even one or two regulars.

He also noted the need for investment after a season in which Liverpool’s squad depth was tested to its limits. To Slot, this summer wasn’t about extravagance — it was about evolution. If the early results are anything to go by, his argument has weight. The Reds have looked slick, composed, and dangerous in every competition so far.

A Derby Defined by Contrasts

Saturday’s derby will pit not just two teams against each other but two footballing philosophies. Liverpool, with their £450m summer spend, represent the elite side of the game — stacked with internationals, dripping with talent, and built for trophies. Everton, with their £113m outlay, embody pragmatism, determination, and the fight for progress.

Moyes’ comments reflect that contrast perfectly. He respects Liverpool’s ability to operate at such a high level, but he also refuses to let the financial gap become an excuse. His message is clear: Everton may not have the same riches, but they have the spirit to compete.

Conclusion: Respect and Rivalry

As kickoff approaches, Moyes’ remarks have set the perfect stage. He has defended Arne Slot’s Liverpool spending spree, acknowledging that success brings financial rewards and the right to invest heavily. Yet he has also reminded everyone of Everton’s position — and thrown in a trademark dig at his rivals for good measure.

In truth, that’s what the Merseyside derby is all about. Respect where it’s due, rivalry where it matters, and just enough banter to spice things up. Whether Saturday ends in red joy or blue defiance, one thing is certain: the words of Moyes and Slot have already given this clash the edge it deserves.