Everton's new owners, The Friedkin Group, are close to finding a new head of recruitment, with Kevin Thelwell planned to leave at the end of the season, Fabrizio Romano has written in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter.
Thelwell has fronted the club's recruitment since February 2022 and navigated the Toffees through a difficult period amid financial restrictions. He has been able to spend just over £144 million while making £244 million through player sales, meaning he'll leave having achieved a reported positive net spend of £80 million.
The Friedkin Group's takeover in December has led to several changes ahead of the Merseysiders' move to their new Bramley Moore Dock Stadium next season. David Moyes is back at the helm, and he's likely to be supported by a new head of recruitment, with Romano claiming the plan is for a new structure.
Romano: Everton's Plan Is For A New Recruitment Team
Several potential candidates have been linked
Thelwell (second picture) arrived at Goodison in February 2022 after previously working at Wolverhampton Wanderers and MLS club New York Red Bulls. He was behind the acquisitions of James Tarkowski (free transfer), Amadou Onana (£33 million) and Beto (£25.7 million), among others.
Everton fans are commending the 51-year-old Welshman for the work he's done during a worrying period before the takeover. But there's a feeling that a change of the guard is necessary to help lure top European talent to the club. Moyes' remarkable turnaround since replacing Sean Dyche in January looks likely to have sealed his side's stay in the English top-flight before their big stadium move.
The Friedkin Group (first picture) are planning to take the Merseysiders away from recurring relegation scraps. Romano confirmed this means changes to the recruitment structure:
"Yes, the plan is for the Friedkin family to bring in new people to take care of the strategy at the club."
Kevin Thelwell's Work At Everton
Years at club
Money Spent
Player Sales
Three Most Expensive Signings
Three Most Expensive Sales
Everton are reportedly set to announce Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear as Thelwell's replacement, although the change will happen at the end of the season, when the Englishman may help the Peacocks seal a second promotion during his time at Elland Road.
The Toffees were reportedly also looking at former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth, who left Old Trafford in December after Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided he didn't fit his vision for the club. Brighton & Hove Albion's David Weir was another candidate and the Scot knew Moyes well after playing under his compatriot in his first 11-year reign at the club.
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All statisitcs courtesy ofTransfermarkt- correct as of 07/03/2025.
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