Where are they now? Five years on from Everton's disastrous Farhad Moshiri £140m transfer window splurge

With takeover talk rife within Everton circles this summer, it is pertinent to reflect that when Farhad Moshiri bought Everton in February 2016 it was supposed to herald a new era in the Blues’ distinguished history.

After years of competing with England’s elite teams despite limited resources under David Moyes and then Roberto Martinez, the Toffees now had the funds to push them onto the next level. Moshiri explained as such and couldn’t hide his delight after completing his takeover.

The Iranian businessman, who has since upped his initial 49.9% stake to 94%, said: “I am delighted to take this opportunity to become a shareholder in Everton, with its rich heritage as one of Europe’s leading football clubs. There has never been a more level playing field in the Premier League than now. Bill Kenwright has taught me what it means to be an Evertonian and I look forward with excitement to working with him to help deliver success for Everton in the future.”

The Blues finished 11th that season but Martinez was shown the door and replaced by Ronald Koeman for the 2016/17 campaign. Koeman, inspired by Romelu Lukaku’s 25 Premier League goals, guided the Blues to seventh and qualification for the Europa League.

In the summer of 2017, backed by the riches of Moshiri, Everton splashed more than £140m on 14 players in an attempt to bolster the squad. It proved to be a disastrous spending spree.

Five years on, that window is part of the perilous financial situation Everton now find themselves in. Since Moshiri bought the club, more than £500m has been spent on transfers but to little success.

This has culminated in Everton reporting a staggering £373m loss over the past three financial years and led to fan favourite Richarlison