Kevin Thelwell outlines Everton stance for the January transfer window

Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell has told supporters what to expect from the January transfer window and explained the reasons why

Kevin Thelwell outlines Everton stance for January transfer window amid 777 Partners takeover

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Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell has told supporters to expect a "low-key transfer window" in January.

The Blues made three permanent signings in the summer in the shape of Ashley Young, Youssef Chermiti and Beto, as well as the loan captures of Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison. But that was in stark contrast to the number of players who left Goodison Park.

Everton are in the middle of a takeover bid from 777 Partners and are in the process of building a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. They are also having to be continually mindful of Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

The Blues were hit with a 10-point deduction in November after an independent commission decreed they had breached the rules for the period ending season 2021-22. While the club has launched an appeal against what is the biggest sanction in the history of top-flight football in England, it means Everton are currently 17th in the Premier League table, one point and one place above the relegation spots. Without the points deduction, Sean Dyche's side would be 10th and just four points off the European places.

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Injuries are starting to bite for Blues boss Dyche with the likes of key duo Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye missing for Wednesday's match at home to defending champions Manchester City. But in his programme notes ahead of the game, Thelwell admits it is likely to be a quiet transfer window for Everton, explaining the reasons why.

Thelwell said: "From my first day in the privileged position as director of football at this club, I have been in no doubt as to the parameters within which I must work. Pragmatism has been a watchword, when working to support the manager in enhancing and developing the squad. And, as we approach the opening of the mid-season transfer window, that very much remains the case.

"Financial prudence is crucial to protect the long-term security of the Club. In the three transfer windows we have navigated since I arrived, we are in a positive position in terms of net spend. And the wage bill has been significantly reduced.

"Nevertheless, through the hard work of a host of key staff across all our footballing departments, we have a much more balanced squad - with a great deal of potential still to be fulfilled. A group of players who complement each other and work together as a team in a way that may not have been as evident two years ago.

"The evolution of a squad can be a challenge when fiscal prudence is also a key factor. But progress and financial diligence can be delivered together. And so, as we look to January, I can assure you that, whilst there may not be a great deal of transfer business taking place in the coming weeks, it does not mean the hard work is not continuing.

"I have been keen to manoeuvre the club into a position whereby we are planning two or three transfer windows ahead - not two or three weeks. And being reactive, whilst sometimes inevitable in football, is not a healthy permanent state within which to operate as a club.

"In that context, January is unlikely to be a busy month here. But hard work is ongoing to ensure a squad that has performed consistently well this season can continue to evolve and develop this season, in the summer and beyond.

"Of course, if we feel an opportunity arises in this window for a player we have earmarked and we believe that moving now would deliver an immediate boost to the squad in the short-term, we will explore such an opportunity. But please, don’t be drawn in by the inevitable daily churn of social media rumour and conjecture - as enticing as I know such chat can be. This is likely to be a low-key transfer window for Everton.

"I know that message may not be the most exciting festive update. But it is important that I be completely honest and transparent. We have a great group of players, working consistently hard for a manager who has navigated the most challenging of periods expertly. The mood at the training ground has mirrored the atmosphere in the stadium - that Everton DNA permeates everything we are doing. 2024 is an exciting year as we look ahead. Together, we will continue to push forward. Thank you for your continued support."

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