Everton’s potential new owners, The Friedkin Group (TFG), are reportedly considering appointing former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri to lead the club, Soccernet.football understands.
As the Toffees brace for ownership changes, Sarri could be one of the first to be employed, according to InterLive. The former Chelsea manager is already eyeing Inter Milan’s Piotr Zielinski as a major transfer target should he take over.
TFG’s acquisition of Farhad Moshiri’s majority stake in Everton is expected to be completed by December, sparking speculation about the future of current manager Sean Dyche.
Despite Everton’s sluggish start to the Premier League season—earning just four points in six matches—the club’s management continues to back Dyche for now.
A recent victory over Crystal Palace has provided some breathing room, but pressure remains as the team battles poor form.
Informal talks have reportedly been held between TFG and Sarri, with the Italian coach seen as the leading candidate to replace Dyche if results don’t improve.
TFG, which also owns AS Roma, is believed to be planning a review of Everton’s operations once their takeover is complete, and Dyche’s performance will be scrutinised closely.
While Everton’s current stance is to support Dyche, speculation grows around Sarri’s possible arrival.
Reports from Italy suggest Zielinski, a player Sarri worked with at Empoli and Napoli, could become Everton’s first major signing in the January transfer window.
Although Zielinski is currently playing for Inter Milan, he has fallen down the pecking order, potentially opening the door for a reunion with Sarri at Everton.
With Everton moving into a new era and stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season, the Friedkin Group may look to bring in a big-name manager like Sarri, just as they did when they appointed Jose Mourinho at Roma.