Moyes: Alcaraz "ready to play", Everton transfer window "could have been better"

07/02/2025 19:52

Everton's new signing could get some minutes in tomorrow's FA Cup game against Bournemouth

Everton take on AFC Bournemouth in the FA Cup tomorrow at Goodison Park, with the Toffees looking to slow down Andoni Iraola's impressive charge. The Cherries have certainly turned things up in the last couple of months going unbeaten in ten games, while the Blues themselves will be looking to pick up their fourth win on the bounce since the return of David Moyes.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference earlier today, Moyes was asked about Carlos Alcaraz, who was confirmed an Everton player on transfer deadline day on Monday this week.

"I think [Alcaraz] is ready to play. He looks match-fit. I think the biggest thing is just getting him used to the group of players and letting him come in without putting him under too much pressure.

"He's got Premier League experience so the speed of the game, what is expected, shouldn't shock him too much. I think it's more about us getting him adapted and settled into the Club."

What would the attacking midfielder add to the squad?

"If you've seen him play, his energy will always be something that he's known for. His youthfulness at the moment is still important – he's a young player. I think this gives him an opportunity to see if he can step up to this level again and we'll get him the chance to do so in the coming weeks and games we've got now."

The 22-year-old has joined the Blues on loan, though unconfirmed reports indicate that a buy clause can be triggered if he makes a relatively low number of starts, said to be between six and eight.

"I'm quite pleased to get him because it gives us a chance to have a look at him and see how it goes. It's not something that has to be guaranteed, at the moment, but if he hits the criteria then we'll be in a situation where we bring him to the Club [permanently]."

In further injury updates, forward Youssef Chermiti is stepping up his return to training but is still working out individually. Armando Broja is ahead of schedule in his recovery but will still be out for a few weeks. Seamus Coleman, Dwight McNeil, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Orel Mangala are out.

What were Moyes thoughts on the January transfer window, given that Alcaraz was the only addition to the squad?

"It could have been much better, but I think everyone who is connected with Everton are pretty much aware of our situation. We're feeling much better, we think that in the future there's a greater chance where we will be able to be more competitive in the transfer market.

"We'd have liked to have done a bit more if we could have but with prices, availability, all those things, played its part, which it probably did for a lot of clubs as well."