Everton’s director of football Kevin Thelwell is set to leave the club once his contract expires at the end of the season, reports Paul Joyce of The Times. He also stated that The Freidkin Group are contemplating restructuring the role.
As a result, it is still too early to say whether Everton will bring in a direct replacement for Thelwell or will the club move in a different direction. However, what can be confidently said is the fact that The Friedkin Group are expected to put their own stamp on it after buying the club from former owner Farhad Moshiri last December.
The position of director of football at Everton was created by Moshiri following his takeover in 2016. Thelwell is the third person to helm the role for the Toffees following Steve Walsh and Marcel Brands. He has been in charge since 25 February 2022.
During his time at Goodison Park, Thelwell oversaw several major player sales including the transfers of Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur for £60m and Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United for £45m which have eased the financial pressures on the club amid intense scrutiny surrounding Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
Despite being handcuffed by the lack of finances, he also made notable signings including the addition of James Tarkowksi on a free transfer, Dwight McNeil from Burnley as well as Beto who has been on a rich scoring form. Iliman Ndiaye has been one of the standout signings under Thelwell as the former Marseille forward has brought flair and creativity to the lineup.
Everton have had to struggle with relegation battles in consecutive seasons under Thelwell’s watch, assuring safety on each occasion. The recent winter transfer window was also a quiet one for the club with the loan signing of Carlos Alcaraz on Deadline Day being the only movement.
A club statement is expected to arrive sooner rather than later but whoever replaces Thelwell will have a mighty busy summer ahead of him.
Kevin Thelwell’s departure also comes at a pivotal moment for the club. As the club begins to turn a new page under David Moyes and look to put the worries of relegation behind them, they’re also preparing to move into the new 52,888-capacity Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season.
A new stadium and new personnel in charge of recruitment under The Friedkin Group could signal the beginning of a new era for the club – one the fans would hope could be a transformative period that finally sees them fighting for silverware consistently.