Daniel Lewis

Wed 8 November 2023 18:59, UK

Everton may be bracing themselves for possible restrictions from the January transfer window onwards if a development shared by David Ornstein is anything to go by.

The reliable journalist reported for The Athletic on Wednesday (8 November) that Premier League clubs are to vote on banning loans between associated parties.

If approved, that would mean deals such as Ruben Neves from Al Hilal to Newcastle United would be blocked due to the clubs being linked by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

This is now particularly relevant to Everton, as they could well be under the ownership of 777 Partners come the end of the year should the American investment fund get the green light to buy out Farhad Moshiri.

777 has a number of clubs in its stable, including Genoa, Sevilla, Hertha Berlin, Standard Liege, Melbourne Victory and Red Star. That would, as things stand, potentially pave the way for players to easily move between those clubs.

However, if this rule change is voted through by Premier League clubs, that would not be possible. It would only apply to loan deals for now, but it may also factor in permanent deals beyond January.

The likes of Sevilla and Hertha Berlin in particular may have some good players on their books that would slot in at Goodison Park, but Everton may have to look elsewhere.

This is a decision that does make sense on the face of it, as the Newcastle case cited above would be entering a grey area in terms of clubs circumstancing Financial Fair Play regulations.

For example, Everton could sign Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri, a player valued at £17.4million by Transfermarkt, on loan for a minimal cost as 777 have an interest in both clubs.

Everton have not been linked with any players of note from the aforementioned clubs, so it is unlikely to have too much of an impact, but it is one to keep in mind as we approach the January window.

In other Everton news, an ex-Toffees chief does not expect 777 Partners’ proposed takeover to go through.