Everton have had another busy day away from the pitch, with The Friedkin Group’s ownership and plans for the January transfer window remaining prominent.
David Ornstein has provided an encouraging update on the backing expected to remain available to David Moyes, while we have taken a closer look at why TFG may be prepared to consider selling less than two years after completing its takeover.
There has also been movement behind the scenes, with Nick Hammond staying on as head of player trading, while four strikers are already being linked with the club ahead of January.
Merlin Rohl has also offered a glimpse inside the Everton dressing room after revealing the roles Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines played in encouraging his photography.
Here is our 7pm round-up of the latest Everton news for Thursday, 15 October.
Hammond stays as Everton plan for next two windows
Everton have opted for continuity in their recruitment department by keeping Nick Hammond as head of player trading until at least the end of next summer. Hammond has agreed a new deal which keeps him in place for the January and summer transfer windows as uncertainty continues over the club’s ownership.
The former Reading and Celtic recruitment figure works alongside technical director Nick Cox, director of scouting and recruitment James Smith and football strategy and analytics chief Chris Howarth, with Moyes retaining the final say on transfers.
The length of Hammond’s agreement provides some stability for the next two windows without tying Everton to a long-term commitment should there be a change of ownership.
Ornstein offers encouragement despite Friedkin uncertainty
The Friedkins’ decision to explore new investment options should not prevent Everton receiving financial backing while TFG remains in control, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Ornstein says Everton are expected to have money available in January, with a striker among the positions the club intend to address. Everton were left with Thierno Barry as their only recognised senior centre-forward after Beto’s departure and the collapse of a deadline-day move for Folarin Balogun.
Ornstein also believes Everton remain an attractive proposition because of their new stadium, increased revenues and training facilities, while saying TFG only want to sell to a buyer they believe can take the club forward.
Why are the Friedkins considering their Everton future?
TFG spoke of a “long-term vision” when it completed its Everton takeover in December 2024, but 22 months later the group is prepared to consider selling its controlling stake. Our deeper look at what has changed since the takeover examines the improved financial position of the club, the investment still required to challenge regularly for European football and TFG’s commitments elsewhere.
The Friedkins also own Roma, who are pursuing plans for a new stadium, while UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules become increasingly relevant if Everton and the Italian club qualify for European competition. There is no guarantee Everton will be sold and TFG could instead bring in new investment, but the process raises the question of whether the Friedkins want to fund the next stage of the club’s development themselves.
Four strikers already on Everton radar
Everton’s need for another centre-forward is reflected in the number of players already being linked with the club more than two months before the January window opens. Esteban Lepaul, Dion Beljo, Christian Kofane and Tommy Lonergan have all featured in recent reports, although there is no evidence that Everton are in advanced negotiations for any of them.
Rennes striker Lepaul and Dinamo Zagreb’s Beljo have attracted attention after prolific starts to the season, while Everton were interested in Bayer Leverkusen forward Kofane during the summer. Waterford striker Lonergan represents a different option after the 22-year-old impressed in Ireland and scored twice for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s against England.
Coleman and Baines help Rohl behind the scenes
Merlin Rohl has revealed how Coleman and Baines encouraged him to take his camera into the Everton dressing room after his arrival from Freiburg. Rohl has released a photography book documenting his first year with Everton, including pictures of his teammates and life behind the scenes.
The midfielder said Coleman helped him feel comfortable using his camera around the squad, while his shared interest in photography with Baines has helped build a relationship which also extends to football. Rohl has been used at full-back and says he has watched footage of the former Everton left-back and worked with him in the video room as he adapts to the position.
With Chelsea visiting Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, attention will soon return to the pitch, but Thursday’s developments have provided further clues about Everton’s plans both for January and beyond.
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