The world of football is a realm of high stakes, intense passion, and razor-sharp instincts. It’s a world where the slightest miscalculation can have far-reaching consequences, and the most astute observers can spot opportunities that others miss. For Everton, a club with a rich history and a loyal fan base, the recent revelations about their transfer strategy have sparked a heated debate that threatens to expose the very fabric of the organization. At the center of the storm is Kevin Thelwell, the former director of football who has publicly accused manager David Moyes and the club’s hierarchy of ignoring his recommendation to sign Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham in the summer of 2024.
Thelwell’s departure from Everton in June 2025 came after three years of service, during which he played a crucial role in shaping the club’s transfer policy. His departure was seen as a significant blow to the club, and his subsequent comments about the missed opportunity to sign Bellingham have only added fuel to the fire. As the football world grapples with the implications of Thelwell’s claims, one thing is certain: the debate about Everton’s transfer strategy is far from over. The question on everyone’s lips is: what could have been if the club had taken a chance on the young star?
A Missed Opportunity?
Thelwell revealed that he identified Jobe Bellingham as a priority target in the summer of 2024, presenting a detailed case to Moyes and the board. However, his advice was dismissed, and the club instead focused on more experienced players. Thelwell’s parting shot has left fans wondering what might have been if the club had taken a chance on the young star. “I identified Jobe as a priority target in the summer of 2024,” Thelwell said. “He was available for around £8m, a steal for his potential. I presented a detailed case to David Moyes and the board, highlighting his versatility, work rate, and ability to grow into a Premier League star. But my advice was dismissed.”
Moyes’ Response
Moyes responded tersely when pressed on the issue, stating that he made decisions based on what was best for the club at the time. “I make decisions based on what’s best for the club at the time,” he said. “We needed players ready to keep us in the Premier League, not projects. Kevin’s entitled to his opinion, but I stand by my choices.” The club’s financial constraints under the previous ownership also limited their ability to take risks on young prospects, despite Thelwell’s insistence that Bellingham was a cost-effective investment.
The Aftermath
The controversy has reignited debates about Everton’s direction, with fans expressing outrage over the missed opportunity. The Friedkin Group, Everton’s new owners, are reportedly restructuring the club’s recruitment model, moving away from a single director of football to a broader sporting leadership team. Insiders claim this shift was partly motivated by tensions between Thelwell and Moyes over transfer strategy, with the Bellingham saga being a key flashpoint. As Everton prepares for their next match against Newcastle, the debate about the club’s transfer strategy continues. Will the new ownership bring about a change in fortunes for the Toffees? Only time will tell.
