Everton's American owners, The Friedkin Group (TFG), have faced heavy criticism after a chaotic transfer deadline day undermined the club's summer rebuild under manager David Moyes. Despite restoring financial stability since taking over in December 2024, TFG's handling of transfers has been branded amateurish, leaving Moyes with fewer, less balanced options than he started the window with and reviving familiar frustrations among Everton supporters after years of ownership turmoil.

Everton accepted a £35m bid from Nottingham Forest for Harrison Armstrong, sold their most creative player Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City for a below-market £65m, and lost their only backup striker, Beto, without lining up a replacement in time. A proposed £40m signing of Folarin Balogun from Monaco collapsed on deadline night after he pulled out despite signing a deal sheet, while loan enquiries for Joshua Zirkzee and Tammy Abraham were also rebuffed. As a result, Moyes's squad shrank from 22 outfield players at the end of last season to just 18, with only one recognised striker, no cover at full-back, and no natural right-back.