It has been a grim few years for Everton fans, you could pinpoint the beginning of this as the summer Carlo Ancelotti left without warning and Rafa Benitez took his place, or even when owner Farhad Moshiri first arrived on Merseyside in 2016. The club are without a win this season and sit 19th in the Premier League table. However, since Sunday, the day after Everton’s draw at Leicester, the club has been flooded with a series of positive news.
At the weekend, 9 key members of the first team were unavailable, whether that be due to injury, illness or personal issues – 4 of these are now back and in contention to play against Crystal Palace. This includes ever-reliable and world class defender Jarrad Branthwaite who is yet to feature this season. He played 90 minutes for Everton U21s on Sunday, putting in a very impressive performance – including an acrobatic goal line clearance! Everton’s record when Branthwaite is in the team is staggeringly better than when he is out injured. Also yet to play, Nathan Patterson, is nearing a return.
Everton’s several year search for new ownership has finally reached its conclusion, with The Friedkin Group set to add Everton to their multi club system which includes AS Roma. It is 99% done, now just awaiting Premier League approval. Now, what can The Friedkin Group bring to Everton? Based off their track record at other clubs, financial stability, huge signings (that are flown into Merseyside by Friedkin himself, in his own private plane) and even gradual profits as stability ensures. Everton’s financial woes are no secret, so this is a colossal boost for the entire football club and it’s future. This also comes at a time when a beautiful new stadium is just months away from completion.