After corporate and managerial silence from the seat of power at Everton FC for much of the summer, Giulia Bould has secured an interview with Everton CEO Angus Kinnear.
Right-back is the first topic Giulia delves into and Kinnear says there will be a new right-back by the end of the window, reflecting the concerns of Prime Minister Andy Burnham!
However, Kinnear confirmed that Everton will start the campaign without a specialist addition on the right side of defence, admitting a deal will not be completed in time for Saturday’s kickoff. Despite the delay, the CEO was adamant that the club remains determined to land their top target before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
“We won’t have a right-back for Palace, but it’s important we have the number one right-back we wanted when the window closes,” Kinnear told BBC Radio Merseyside.
“I don’t think we are in a bad position on that. The players we thought we had the option of are still available for us… I understand the fans’ frustrations; I understand how they see it as being critical. Even the Prime Minister [referencing Andy Burnham’s high-profile comments] chipped in to give us some helpful direction! So it’s reached a level of national debate.”
Beyond the right-back dilemma, Kinnear covered several key operational and sporting matters as the club prepares for its debut season at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium:
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The Friedkin Group’s Expectations: Kinnear revealed that owners TFG regarded failing to qualify for Europe last season as a “failure,” making clear that expectations under David Moyes remain demanding despite recent transitions.
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Jack Grealish: Addressing rumors of a return following his loan spell last term, Kinnear acknowledged Grealish’s impact but stressed that any potential deal hinges strictly on financial viability alongside the club’s wider recruitment priorities.
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Iliman Ndiaye: Following reports of interest from abroad and rejected contract extensions, Kinnear reiterated the club’s strong desire to retain the attacker, while acknowledging the complex landscape of late-window interest.
With Moyes forced to rely on interim options such as Jake O’Brien or James Garner at right-back against Palace, Evertonians will be watching closely to see if Kinnear’s insistence on holding out for their primary target ultimately pays off before deadline day.