Everton’s prospective new owners, the Friedkin Group (TFG), who also own AS Roma, are contemplating replacing Sean Dyche upon taking control of the club, with Jose Mourinho emerging as a “strong option,” according to reports.
Sources have informed TEAMtalk that while Everton continues to support Dyche and has no immediate plans to terminate his contract, this stance could shift if the team’s performance does not improve.
If everything proceeds smoothly, TFG is expected to assume control of Everton by the end of December and intends to conduct a thorough review of the operational aspects of the club.
The managerial position will be among the various elements evaluated in this review.
Everton has had a disappointing start to the current season, winning only one of their six Premier League matches, fueling speculation that Dyche might be dismissed.
According to Football Insider, Dan Friedkin, the chairman of TFG, has expressed to his close associates that he does not view Dyche as a long-term solution for the club or as the right manager to lead them into their new stadium, which they are set to move into at the start of next season.
Dyche’s contract is slated to expire at the end of this season, and the club is unlikely to make a decision regarding a new deal for him until after the takeover is finalized.
The report also indicates that Mourinho, who managed Roma from 2021 to 2024, is seen as a strong candidate for the Toffees’ managerial position.
Notably, his recent move to Turkish club Fenerbahce over the summer does not exclude him from consideration.
However, other sources have indicated to TEAMtalk that while TFG might contemplate replacing Dyche ahead of the next season, the connection between Everton and Mourinho is likely overstated.
TFG dismissed Mourinho as Roma’s manager in January following a series of poor results that left the team in ninth place.
Mourinho, however, believed this decision was unjust, having previously led Roma to win the Europa Conference League just two years prior and to the Europa League final the following year.
As an ambassador for Football.com, Mourinho described TFG’s choice to let him go as “unfair,” highlighting a strained relationship with the ownership at Roma.
This context makes it improbable that TFG would opt to appoint Mourinho as Everton’s manager again, raising questions about whether he would be willing to work under them once more.
One manager who does have a positive relationship with TFG is Maurizio Sarri, the former Chelsea and Lazio boss.
TFG had considered appointing Sarri at Roma before Mourinho was hired in 2021, making him a more realistic option for the Everton role.
TEAMtalk understands that informal discussions have occurred between Sarri and TFG regarding the possibility of him taking the helm at Everton.
As of now, however, Everton has no plans to part ways with Dyche and remains hopeful that the team’s performance will improve as the season progresses.
The question of whether his contract will be renewed beyond this season remains uncertain.
In the meantime, Everton is focused on retaining their top players, including striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is set to become a free agent next summer.
Contrary to some reports, the club has not given up on negotiating a new deal with Calvert-Lewin and has proposed a substantial salary increase to keep him at Goodison Park.
The England striker has attracted interest from Newcastle and other clubs across Europe, particularly as he may be available for a bargain price in January or on a free transfer next summer.
Nevertheless, Everton is still optimistic about reaching an agreement with Calvert-Lewin before the January transfer window opens.
The 27-year-old has a strong rapport with the club and is not actively seeking to leave.
Meanwhile, centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite remains a target for Manchester United, who are reportedly contemplating a new bid for him in 2025 after having three previous offers rejected over the summer.
Additionally, there are indications that Everton’s rivals, Liverpool, are also interested in Branthwaite and may consider making a move for him in January.
Reports suggest that Everton’s stance on selling Branthwaite has not changed; they will not accept less than £75 million for the defender and are extremely unlikely to allow him to leave in January for any price.
As Everton navigates a challenging season, the futures of both Dyche and key players like Calvert-Lewin and Branthwaite will be critical in shaping the club’s direction moving forward.
