Long-Serving Everton Star Set to Depart Goodison Park After Nearly a Decade – Journalist

Everton Set for Major Changes as Thelwell and Holgate Prepare to Depart

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell will leave Everton when his contract expires this summer, and the Friedkin Group is already searching for his replacement.

Leeds chief Nicky Hammond is a potential candidate to make the move to Goodison Park, reportedly on the recommendation of incoming CEO Angus Kinnear.

Additionally, Everton must find a new Head of Academy Recruitment, as James Vaughan is also set to depart in the coming weeks.

However, the changes extend beyond the backroom staff, with a long-serving first-team player now certain to leave the club.

Mason Holgate Set to Leave Everton

Mason Holgate, who joined Everton from Barnsley in the summer of 2015 as a promising young talent, is expected to move on.

His early years at Goodison Park were arguably his best, but in recent seasons, he has been loaned out to Championship clubs multiple times.

Currently playing for West Bromwich Albion, Holgate has been instrumental in their promotion push.

Despite his strong performances, he is almost certain to leave Everton this summer, according to Joe Thomas on the Royal Blue Everton Podcast.

“I think Mason Holgate’s nailed on to leave. And I think that Michael Keane pretty much is as well.

So also you’re at a point where you’ve got three centre-backs to depend on and then depends on whether Jarrad Branthwaite goes or stays,” Thomas stated.

Everton in Need of Defensive Reinforcements

With Holgate and Keane expected to leave, Everton will require at least two new centre-backs this summer.

One potential target is Maxime Estève, who has impressed at Burnley in the Championship.

However, the Clarets will only entertain offers exceeding £30 million, making the deal an expensive one.

Fortunately, Everton’s new ownership is prepared to invest heavily, ensuring David Moyes has the financial backing to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.