Everton’s prospective new owners, The Friedkin Group (TFG), are set to conduct a thorough review of the club’s operations once the takeover is finalized.
Despite completing a comprehensive due diligence process, TFG believes it’s essential to assess Everton’s operational aspects to ensure the club is on the right track.
The change in ownership has sparked speculation about the future of manager Sean Dyche. While Everton has expressed unwavering support for Dyche and anticipates improved results with the return of key players, TFG has reportedly begun exploring potential managerial targets as a contingency plan, sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk.
The takeover, subject to regulatory approval, could bring significant changes to Everton, and the operational review is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the club’s future direction.
Rudy Galetti has exclusively informed TEAMtalk that Maurizio Sarri is considered a ‘concrete’ manager option by TFG and is considered ‘one of the most suitable options to replace Dyche.’
We understand that discussions with Sarri’s representatives are already ‘underway.’ The former Chelsea and Lazio boss is also keen to bring some of his former staff, including well-respected fitness coach Daniele Tognaccini, to Goodison Park.
Former Chelsea and Brighton man Graham Potter has also been discussed as an option by TFG but there has been no concrete contact with his agents to date, despite reports claiming that he would be keen to take charge of the Toffees.
When TFG took control of Romain 2020 , they were initially patient with then-manager Paulo Fonseca, despite him being under pressure.
The eventual decision to sack Fonseca was in part due to his contract situation, as his deal with Roma was expected to expire at the end of the season at the time – the same as Dyche’s current situation at Everton.
Interestingly, Sarri was heavily linked with the Roma job before they appointed Jose Mourinho as their new boss in 2021, so he could have easily been TFG’s first appointment at the Italian club.
TFG’s managerial choices have also depended on who they have had advising them. Mourinho’s appointment was down to Roma’s then-General Manager Tiago Pinto, sacking him and appointing Daniele de Rossi as his replacement was TFG’s choice.
The controversial sacking of De Rossi was the choice of club CEO Lina Souloukou, who has since resigned over the decision.
Everton continue to back Dyche as their manager but it is clear that TFG are prepared to make a managerial change once they take over.