Roma
Everton’s owners the Friedkin Group are close to resolving their issues at Roma, with a new director of football in sight.
Tuttomercatoweb report that the Friedkins are moving quickly to replace Frederic Massara. His third stint at the club is coming to a close.
Roma options
The website reports that Roma will ‘soon resolve their doubts’ about the next sporting director. A list of names has already drawn up by the American owners.
Gianluca Nani, who has overseen Udinese’s transfer business since 2024, is currently at the top of that list. He’s impressed at the Italian club, bringing them back to a ‘more familiar level’ with smart transfer decisions.
He’s not the only name on the list. Indeed, there is plenty of competition for the role. Cristiano Giuntoli, formerly of Napoli and Juventus, is an option. He has options abroad, though.
Giovanni Manna and Tony D’Amico, current sporting directors at Napoli and Atalanta are also options but their clubs are ‘resisting release’ at this moment in time. Sean Sogliano is also one to keep an eye on if he leaves Hellas Verona.
What does this mean for Everton?
While the Friedkins’ efforts at Roma don’t directly effect Everton, their choices in Rome are worth watching for the Toffees.
That would certainly be the case if the Americans decide to move for Gianluca Nani. The 63-year-old has close ties to England after various roles there since 2008.
He was technical director at West Ham for two years, then held the same role at Watford from 2012 to 2013. He was then sporting director at Reading for three months and held the same role at Watford from December 2023 to June 2024.
His role at Udinese also saw him working closely between Watford and Udinese under the Pozzo’s leadership. It means he knows England well, to say the least.
Putting him in charge at Roma could be an indication that the Friedkins plan for a closer relationship between Everton and Roma moving forwards, particularly in the transfer market.