Everton owners The Friedkin Group are reportedly looking for investment, and if they do depart, it'll be interesting to see what direction the club go in.
Reports emerged over the last few weeks that The Friedkin Group (TFG) could be looking to sell Everton.
It's currently unclear whether TFG are looking to sell the whole club or if they are looking for minority investors, but a full sale certainly wouldn't be a huge surprise.
And would it be a disappointment? It's hard to imagine many Evertonians would be devastated to see TFG completely sell the club. That's not to say fans wouldn't be grateful for coming in and rescuing Everton at a difficult time, but fans always want more.
The previous summer transfer window was the final straw for many Everton fans. Ending the window with just one right-back, one left-back, and one striker was unacceptable, and although it might not be TFG’s fault, the days leading up to the deadline made many question their strategy.
If Everton are taken over in the near future, there are many things that should be put in place in order to guide Everton back in the right direction.
Understand the club
Although it’s the first point, it’s possibly the least important one. This point arrives due to the fact that TFG were interested in selling Harrison Armstrong just days before the end of the transfer window.
Evertonians haven’t had a lot to celebrate over the last few years, so seeing a local lad emerge onto the scene and quickly become an important senior player is something the majority of the fan base can get behind.
Armstrong is an immense talent, and it wouldn’t have even popped into anyone’s head that there was a chance he would be sold. Had an offer arrived in the region of £80m and TFG were to consider it, you’d perhaps have to, reluctantly, say ‘fair enough’.
REUTERSThe offer reportedly on the table from Nottingham Forest just wasn’t near that level, and with such little time to replace him, it was a sale that should never have even been remotely considered.
A new ownership should understand that Evertonians want to see academy players coming through. Wayne Rooney had fans off their seats at 16, Ross Barkley was living out the dream of every supporter, and now Armstrong.
Implement a serious footballing structure
The new owners need to implement a serious structure to run the footballing department of the club. A director of football who does what it says on the tin: directs the football.
Scouting isn’t the issue at Everton, despite what many think. It’s those above the scouts that have regularly let Everton down.
A reshuffle is necessary based on the evidence we have so far. A two-year plan was mooted by the committee, but so far, we’re not seeing many positives out of that.
Sure, things are happening behind the scenes that can be seen as positive, but everyone’s main worry is the senior squad. There are still some major holes in David Moyes’ side, and Everton need some real winning experience when it comes to building a squad.
A plan, direction, long-term thinking. Taking risks on young players for cheap fees, mixed with the 22 to 26-year-olds who still have sell-on value but are more ready-made. Alignment throughout, from the manager up to the director of football. Buying players to fit a plan and strategy that can seamlessly continue even when there’s change.
Long-term, not short-term
Everton need to be planning to qualify for Europe this year, and next, and the one after that, and the other after that. Heading into Moyes’ first season in charge, it felt like we were planning on hitting Europe just that one time, and then hoping and praying it continued.
This season is similar. Could we snatch a place in Europe this season? Absolutely, but do we have the foundations to sustain that? I’d argue not.
In order to build a squad capable of competing in Europe, dealing with the hectic fixture schedule, and actually remaining competitive in the Premier League, Everton would need so many new signings it’s scary.
Everton are doing the right thing in some areas. Tyler Dibling, Thierno Barry, Hayden Hackney, James Garner, Jarrad Branthwaite, Tyrique George. A core of really strong young talents.
Where Everton start to build long-term success is by signing similar talents in terms of ability in age, but taking more risks. Can we get Barry before he goes to Villarreal? Could we have got Amadou Onana before he’s a £35m+ midfielder? Christian Kofane was linked in the summer for £40m+. He signed for Bayer Leverkusen just a year ago for €5m.
It’s about taking those risks and developing players before a bigger club has already done it.
An appearance
It’s difficult to decide what to make of TFG not showing their face at Everton. They have a brand new, state-of-the-art stadium, the team is unbeaten, and last season were pushing for Europe.
Despite that, TFG have been nowhere to be seen. Does that matter? Not a lot in terms of running a football club, but it doesn’t show a lot of care.
Should Everton bring back Farhad Moshiri because he was there regularly and still visits now? Of course not, but it would still be nice for the owners to show that they want success for this football and want to understand the culture, get a feel for the passion of the supporters, and truly have a grasp on Everton and their fans.
