Everton’s squad is on the brink of a massive shakeup as center-back Michael Keane prepares to open pre-contract discussions with foreign clubs in January.
With The Friedkin Group (TFG) set to finalize their takeover of the club before Christmas, the Toffees could face a mass exodus of key players in the summer of 2025.
Keane, who has played a significant role in Everton’s defense this season with nine Premier League starts, is reportedly attracting interest from Serie A and Major League Soccer clubs. Although sidelined by injury during Everton’s 4-0 loss to Manchester United, Keane’s consistent performances have kept him in high demand. However, his future at Goodison Park remains uncertain as Everton’s contract crisis deepens.
According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Keane is expected to initiate talks with multiple clubs starting January 1, capitalizing on his expiring contract. Joyce describes this scenario as a “huge problem” for TFG, who will inherit a team with eight first-team players out of contract next summer, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Idrissa Gana Gueye. Adding to the uncertainty are four loanees, pushing the potential departures to 12 players by the end of the season.
Despite his crucial role, Keane’s £80,000-per-week wage poses a challenge for Everton’s financial structure. Reports suggest that a significant pay cut would be necessary for any contract extension, making his exit on a free transfer increasingly likely. Everton’s defensive options, including Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, and Jake O’Brien, may push the club towards a fresh start without Keane.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
Meanwhile, the club is eager to secure a new contract for Calvert-Lewin, though optimism is fading. AC Milan and Newcastle are both circling the 27-year-old striker, whose form has dipped with just two Premier League goals this season. His omission from the starting lineup against Manchester United only fueled speculation about his uncertain future.
The managerial situation at Goodison Park adds another layer of complexity. Despite Everton’s struggles, sitting 15th and perilously close to the relegation zone, current owner Farhad Moshiri continues to back Sean Dyche. However, TFG is already considering their options, with sources confirming interest in potential replacements such as Sergio Conceicao, Edin Terzic, and Graham Potter.
TFG’s informal talks with Maurizio Sarri indicate a proactive approach, but the likelihood of Sarri taking over mid-season appears slim. Dyche’s fate could hinge on Everton’s upcoming fixtures against Wolves and Liverpool, pivotal clashes that may determine the club’s trajectory for the rest of the season.
As TFG prepares to assume control, their immediate challenges include stabilizing the squad and solidifying Everton’s position in the league. With significant player turnover looming and managerial uncertainty intensifying, the next few months could shape the club’s future for years to come.
Everton supporters face an anxious wait as the club navigates this transitional period. The Friedkin Group’s leadership will be tested as they balance squad retention, potential new signings, and the broader implications of managerial change.
While Keane’s impending departure symbolizes the challenges ahead, it also underscores the broader uncertainty engulfing Goodison Park. Everton’s long-term stability hinges on swift, decisive action from their new owners—a task that will demand both financial acumen and strategic foresight.
For a club steeped in tradition, this period represents both a test of resilience and an opportunity for reinvention.