Everton are now safe from relegation thanks to a stellar run of form that has seen them pick up four wins in the last five matches. But what’s next for a club that has seen three consecutive relegation scares and faces financial uncertainty? Heading into the summer the club has many questions that need to be answered to ensure a strong 2024/25 campaign, their last at Goodison Park.
Everton Are Safe For Another Year But What Is Next?
Everton’s Potential New Owners
The Toffees are up for sale as current owner Farhad Moshiri looks to move on from his tenure that started in February of 2016. A sale has been agreed to by Miami-based firm 777 partners as of February 2024. But the deal is under heavy scrutiny as the Premier League has yet to allow the firm to finalise the purchase under the league’s ‘Fit and Proper’ guidelines.
777 has been embroiled in multiple financial scandals in recent years, largely due to unpaid debts. But the club is already involved with the firm with upwards of £200m in loans having been handed to the Toffees to help balance the books.
The Premier League has given 777 a conditional approval but many are skeptical about the firm’s ability to meet the demands set out. If the sale is not finalised the future of the team and its financial viability will be in question if a third party doesn’t come forward shortly.
Potential Player Departures
Everton have multiple first-team players whose contracts expire at the end of the season. Midfielders Andre Gomes and Dele Alli will likely leave as they look to reduce their wage bill. Wingers Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma are both on loan, the latter will likely return to parent club Villareal as he has failed to make an impact this term. It has been reported that the side is looking to permanently sign Harrison but will have to work out a deal with Leeds United who will likely want the services of the English winger if they are promoted to the Premier League.
Idrissa Gueye has a one-year extension option available for the club to activate. When fit he is one of the team’s best players and if the financials are right on his wages, there is no reason for the Toffees to not activate this clause.
Read More: Why Everton Need To Keep To Jarrad Branthwaite: Sean Dyche’s Archetypal Centre Back
Two potential sales are currently hanging overhead. Breakout centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is sure to have suitors after an impressive campaign this season. Previously linked to the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United, the English centre-back could fetch a large sum, and considering the team’s financial situation there is a scenario where a sale is necessary.
Amadou Onana is the other sale that is most likely to be completed in the summer. The Belgian international has had links to Bayern Munich. If a big European club comes in for the midfielder it is unlikely to see him at Goodison Park next year. But with a fee that could be in the range of £50 million, many supporters will happily see him go if the funds are available to be reinvested in the squad.
Potential Incoming Players
There are little to no rumours surrounding incoming transfers to the Toffees. The dark cloud that is the current ownership and financial situation has meant that those in charge are unsure what their spending ability will be this summer.
If multiple sales are to happen there is likely to be replacement in those positions as well as on the right flank of the field. Free transfers are the most likely for the club rather than a big marquee signing.
