Everton Football Club finds itself at the crossroads of financial reality and competitive aspirations as manager David Moyes grapples with significant restrictions imposed by the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules (PSR). Since taking over the managerial reins for the second time, Moyes expressed his surprise and disappointment over how these restrictions have seemingly shackled the club's efforts to strengthen its squad during the current January transfer window.
Currently, following the Friedkin Group's takeover, Everton has been deemed compliant with the league's PSR regulations through to the 2023-2024 season. Nevertheless, for the present financial year, the club remains limited by existing PSR calculations, meaning any substantial benefits from the new ownership aren't expected to materialize until the summer transfer window.
"It’s certainly not for the want of trying," stated Moyes as he navigates the murky waters of this winter transfer window. "Undoubtedly we’re still hampered with PSR. I’m really jealous of watching a lot of teams who can attempt to go for players at expensive prices. At the moment, we’re not quite there but we don’t want to get ourselves in a position we’ve been in before with points deductions so we have to be really mindful of what we do."
Indeed, the precarious situation has become even more pressing following injuries to key players Orel Mangala and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Mangala will miss the remainder of the season with an ACL injury, and Calvert-Lewin is facing a long-term sidelining due to hamstring troubles. Consequently, Moyes's quest to bolster his squad has taken on added urgency.
Despite these challenges, there is hope. Moyes is reportedly closing in on securing Flamengo midfielder Carlos Alcaraz on loan, which could pave the way for future permanent arrangements. The 22-year-old had begun the season at Southampton and made the switch to Flamengo for a record €18 million. Since the Brazilian season overlaps with the Premier League, Alcaraz's eligibility to play for Everton indicates his availability could extend this campaign should the deal push through.
Moyes lauded the remarkable job done by predecessor Sean Dyche and the club's director of football, Kevin Thelwell, who navigated Everton through tough financial terrain over recent years. The current manager reflected on the limitation posed by PSR, admitting, "I’ve been really surprised at the way it’s restricting the football club. Everton’s a huge football club and should be competing with many of the big clubs in the country and hopefully spending in a way where it’s right and challenging for the big players who are available. There's not many big names available this January, but the PSR is hindering us. I can now see why the last few years at Everton have been so difficult."
With two consecutive league wins behind them, Everton is optimistic, yet the road remains fraught with challenges. The upcoming game against relegation rivals Leicester holds immense significance as the club looks to create breathing room and avoid falling back toward the danger zone. Moyes elaborated, "I think three points would be really important for us. We’ve got a lot of boys out of contract this summer, maybe waiting to see the position we’re in. It might allow us to start planning if people see it looks as if we’re going to be a Premier League team. While we’re in this position, it’s very difficult to make plans or try to put them in place. A win tomorrow would be really important for us as a team and club."
The interplay of the club's injuries, management strategies, and financial compliance will continue to shape Everton's immediate future as Moyes tries to find his footing during this challenging period. With commitment and tactful maneuvering, there remains hope yet amid the pressures of PSR and the basketball-like competition of the Premier League.