Everton’s huge summer is just weeks away from getting underway.
The Friedkin Group are set to transform Everton over the coming months in what is set to be the biggest summer in the club’s history.
David Moyes will finally be able to bring some players in of his choosing but decisions still need to be made on the contract situations.
It is believed Ashley Young will be offered a new Everton contract, but Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia are both set to depart.
However, the biggest change this summer is going to be the stadium move to Bramley-Moore Dock.
Following years of struggles under Farhad Moshiri, Everton finally look like a club who could be on the up and aiming to break back into the top half of the table.
But club legend Neville Southall already has some major concerns about the new stadium move.
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images
Neville Southall worried Everton will make Liverpool mistake
Southall has already slammed Jordan Pickford as ‘average’ in what was a truly baffling debate which not many Everton fans would agree with.
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However, the Welsh legend has now shared some concerns about the new owners which a lot of Everton fans may actually feel are just.
Speaking with The Football’s On show, Southall has voiced his concerns Everton could eventually price out their fans like Liverpool have.
“This way we’re going to have a lot more hospitality, a lot more people going through the ground, which will give them the financial clout to go out and sign better players,” he said.
“And then the better players we get the more successful we become. The more they charge for the hospitality…
“My one fear for that ground is if we get to a point where we get like Liverpool and we freeze our fans out and it becomes so commercialised.”
Bramley-Moore Dock is set to transform Everton’s finances with an expected revenue boost of around £60m per year.
But there is a real fear that the improved facilities will provide the owners with an opportunity to increase the matchday prices and freeze out their die hard fans.
Everton ticket prices could skyrocket at Bramley-Moore Dock
Moyes is disappointed Bramley-Moore Dock’s pitch has been torn up to fit the final turf down for the new season.
The Scot planned to train with his Everton side at the new stadium, but those plans have now been ruined.
Southall’s point is certainly a valid one as Everton will see their new stadium as their ticket to really pushing on as a club.
The new stadium Season Ticket pricing for next season has been announced ⬇️
We commend the club on their communication with us, & on listening to our feedback on keeping a strong concession pricing structure & being realistic on how these prices compare to the current ones 🔵 pic.twitter.com/SKrFnpRYaP
— Everton Fans' Forum (@EFC_FansForum) November 29, 2024
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And the more competitive the club becomes, the more reason the Friedkins have to increase their prices.
If Everton are to secure some form of European football over the coming years then there will probably not be too much room for argument if the prices are increased – to an extent.
However, what the Friedkins cannot do is up the prices if the results do not take a considerable turn for the better.