£200m Written Off – Lessons Everton Must Learn in Pivotal Summer

£200m Written Off – Lessons Everton Must Learn in Pivotal Summer

After years of mismanagement, points deductions, and financial breaches, Everton are finally eyeing a new beginning.

With David Moyes returning to the helm, new ownership under the Friedkin Group, and a move to the state-of-the-art Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, the Toffees aim to rebuild — but only if they learn from the mistakes that have cost them over £200m in transfer write-offs.

£200m in Transfer Fees Lost – What Went Wrong?

Since Farhad Moshiri’s takeover in 2016, Everton’s scattergun recruitment strategy has seen eight players signed for over £20m leave for free. Among them are:

• Jean-Philippe Gbamin (£25m) – just two league starts

• Yannick Bolasie (£25m) – two league goals

• Cenk Tosun (£27m) – five goals in 14 initial games

Now, with Abdoulaye Doucoure opting not to renew, and Michael Keane also expected to leave, Everton’s wasted spending could surpass £200m in the last decade.

“That’s an awful lot of money to spend on players to see them walk away.”

— Leon Osman, former Everton midfielder

Fresh Start Under the Friedkin Group

Now owned by the Friedkin Group, Everton are operating with a £50m–£100m transfer budget this summer. The focus has shifted from panic buying to sustainable squad building — a must after breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Key points:

• Revenue in 2023-24 rose 9% to £187m

• Losses reduced to £53.2m

• The club now favors a sports leadership model over the director of football system

Squad Overhaul Underway

A mass exodus is unfolding:

• Confirmed exits: Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic, Joao Virginia, Abdoulaye Doucoure

• Loanees returned: Jack Harrison, Lindstrom, Mangala, Broja

• Key contract talks: Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gueye

• Star striker Calvert-Lewin could also depart

The £12.5m signing of Carlos Alcaraz is the only permanent arrival so far.

“This is where we build from. Moyes knows what Everton are.”

— Leon Osman

Rebuilding with a Clear Identity

Under Moyes, Everton aim to establish an identity rooted in discipline, structure, and efficiency. His successful spell with West Ham and his understanding of the club’s DNA makes him a natural fit for this pivotal rebuild.

Key needs in the summer window:

• Striker (following a failed pursuit of Chelsea’s Liam Delap)

• Right-back, right-winger, central midfielder

• Squad depth across most positions

Reported target: Thierno Barry (Villarreal striker currently at the U21 Euros with France)

Retaining Core Leaders

While Everton prepare to reshape their squad, keeping experienced and high-performing players is vital. That includes:

• Jarrad Branthwaite – linked with top clubs but key to defensive stability

• Jordan Pickford – club and England No.1

• James Tarkowski – leadership and consistency at the back

“A Moyes dressing room is hard, demanding… We need people like O’Brien who’ve proven doubters wrong.”

— Leon Osman

New Structure, New Culture

CEO Angus Kinnear is already implementing changes:

• A new data-driven scouting and recruitment model

• Direct engagement with fans via the Fan Advisory Board

• A more modern and transparent leadership approach

It’s a sharp contrast to the days of WhatsApp-based communication under Moshiri.

“It’s time to get behind the new hierarchy. I trust Moyes more than anyone.”

— Leon Osman

The Verdict

Everton’s future now hinges on:

• Smarter, value-driven recruitment

• Retaining key players

• Moyes’ leadership and clear tactical identity

• Sustainable financial practices

The Toffees have a real chance to rise again. But only if they stop repeating the mistakes of their past.