David Moyes during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford. Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

David Moyes believes he could find a way to help Everton sustain European football as early as next season if the club qualified ahead of expectations. The Blues started 2026 in eighth place, just two points off the top five and with what appears a favourable run of fixtures at the beginning of the new year.

Turning that platform into a genuine challenge for Europe will not be easy given Moyes has a threadbare squad that is being stretched to its limits this winter. The Everton manager is of the opinion that a return to the continent’s elite competitions would be a positive, however, and should be pursued if the progress he has inspired continues into the second half of the campaign.

Moyes sparked dreams of a return to Europe upon his arrival almost 12 months ago, his ambition providing a source of hope for a fanbase that had spent recent years trying to save the club from relegation.