David Moyes has been discussing Everton’s chances of doing business in the January transfer window in the pre-match press conference to preview the trip to Aston Villa
14:14, 16 Jan 2026Updated 14:32, 16 Jan 2026
David Moyes speaks at his Everton press conference today(Image: )
David Moyes admits Everton “need players more than ever” as he assessed his team’s aspirations in the January transfer window. The Blues only brought in Charly Alcaraz on loan in a deadline day deal in the last winter window and haven’t signed anyone so far this month.
Other than Thierno Barry, Everton’s substitutes bench against Sunderland boasted just four previous first-team appearances in total for the club (Mark Travers and Reece Welch on two apiece).
Although former Aston Villa star Jack Grealish returns from suspension against his first club, Moyes confirmed none of his injured players are fit to return on Sunday.
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That means the Blues are set to be without eight senior stars for the trip to Villa Park – Jarrad Branthwaite, Seamus Coleman, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carlos Alcaraz and Tim Iroegbunam through injury, Michael Keane through suspension, plus Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye, who will be contesting the Africa Cup of Nations final with Senegal.
And in terms of potential business, Everton boss Moyes said: “The reality hasn’t changed. We’ve said all along, we’re looking, we’re trying.
“It’s not like we’ve shut ourselves off from the transfer window. We need players more than ever and we probably need them as soon as possible if we could make that happen.
“But more than likely, this month is never done particularly quickly, so we’re still looking. I’m not sure we will get anything but we’re trying.”
Meanwhile, earlier on Friday it was confirmed that Everton Under-21s defender Will Tamen had signed on loan for their League Two neighbours Tranmere Rovers for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
The 19-year-old joins up with Rovers for his first loan spell since signing for the Blues from Burton Albion at the beginning of last season.
Tamen has been a regular starter for Paul Tait’s Under-21s this term, making 18 appearances in all competitions and captaining the side on numerous occasions, scoring two goals and registering one assist. The youngster also featured for the first team in pre-season, coming off the bench in the first friendly of the summer at Accrington Stanley.
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