Neal Maupay does Friedkins a favour after Everton social media controversy
Neal Maupay has done The Friedkin Group a huge favour with his latest social media blast of Everton, according to Mark Douglas.
The i journalist suggested [30 December] in his online column that the Frenchman burning his bridges once and for all with the club makes it clear to the new ownership the type of characters they do not want around in their new era.
Maupay left on loan for Marseille back in August with a permanent transfer lined up for next summer, and mocked his parent club on X [29 December] following their defeat by Nottingham Forest.
Douglas said: “Maupay’s toxicity is a reminder to new owners The Friedkin Group of exactly the sort of player they want to avoid as they consider the biggest overhaul in decades at the club. The striker’s arrival from Brighton reeked of desperation and sums up an era in which Everton’s recruitment was wrong-headed, bringing in questionable personalities whose response to the pressure was to turn it back on the institution he was paid handsomely to represent.
“The Friedkins’ calm, positive initial impression – and their intention to build a more professional culture of high standards alongside cutting edge recruitment – could not be more different from Maupay’s social media post. If there is a blueprint for what an Everton player shouldn’t look like in the new era, Maupay fits into it pretty neatly.
“The relief for Everton is that their self-inflicted banter era should come to a close in 2025. There is a long road back to former glories but they can rest assured that they won’t be picking up unwelcome hitch-hikers like Maupay along the way.”
Everton dealing with Maupay matter internally
A private response from Everton towards Maupay is expected following the confirmation the club are “aware” of his post on Sunday, which as of Monday afternoon remains shamelessly atop his account feed.
As Douglas had also pointed out, this is a much more professional optic from the club, who will not seek to add to the publicity Maupay craves.
The Toffees have the option of an additional year on the 28-year-old’s contract, which expires in the summer, which of course will be getting put immediately through the shredder.
Maupay knew he had no future on Merseyside before getting his move late in the last window, returning to his homeland where he has scored twice this season.
But Everton, heading into their fresh chapter under new ownership as Bramley-Moore Dock is fine-tuned, will be more than content with leaving stragglers like Maupay in a bygone era.
In other Everton news, Toffees fans are to join forces with those of Liverpool in a planned protest.
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