The Friedkin Group (TFG) took Everton’s fanbase by surprise earlier this week by announcing that they have agreed a deal to buy the club.
TFG reportedly walked away from talks with current owner Farhad Moshiri this summer, but they have seemingly returned to the negotiating table.
While there are still several financial and regulatory hurdles to overcome, TFG’s statement suggests things are finally heading in the right direction.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club,” a joint statement read.
“We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction. We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”
Approval from the Premier League, Football Association and the Financial Conduct Authority is unlikely to be an issue given that TFG generates billions of dollars annually.
If the deal is ratified, one of the first issues TFG will need to address is Sean Dyche’s future as manager. He is in the final year of his contract and there have been no discussions about a renewal.
The sportsbook attached to the no kyc crypto casino platform rates Dyche as the favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave his role, highlighting the uncertainty over his future.
Some Everton supporters would not bat an eyelid if Dyche left the club, with his pragmatic mentality failing to find favour with a sizeable portion of the fanbase.
However, he undoubtedly deserves praise for the job he has done in testing circumstances and TFG need to think carefully before dispensing with his services.
Although Dyche is regarded as a defensive manager, he has shown signs that he is willing to be more expansive if he has better players at his disposal.
He has rarely had that opportunity during his time with Burnley or Everton, and deserves the chances to show what he can do under ambitious owners.
If TFG head down a different route, which is their prerogative if they acquire Everton, they must ensure Dyche’s replacement is the right fit for the club.
Former England manager Gareth Southgate has been touted as a potential candidate to replace Dyche, but TFG would be well advised to look elsewhere.
Southgate failed in club management before joining the England set-up. He had some success with the U21 side, before taking over the senior squad.
However, despite having a wealth of talent at his disposal, the former Middlesbrough was unable to win a major trophy with the Three Lions.
His overly cautious nature hindered England’s hopes of ending their silverware drought and is not an asset Everton need if they are looking to replace Dyche.
The current manager is proven in the Premier League, which gives him a significant advantage over Southgate if a safety-first approach is required.
While Southgate fostered an excellent team spirt in the England camp, it could be argued this served to create a culture of complacency among selected players.
Replacing Dyche with Southgate would be a hugely questionable move by TFG if they acquire the club and must be avoided at all costs.
A more viable alternative would be Thomas Tuchel, who has won silverware in several top European leagues during his illustrious career.
His appointment would mirror TFG’s decision to hire Jose Mourinho at Roma, which proved to be a shrewd move as he guided them to two European finals.
If TFG decide Dyche is not the right man to lead Everton into a new era, they must ensure that his replacement is someone who can inspire a revolution.