Everton working on deal for Man City figure after recent Goodison exit – The Athletic
Everton are revamping their senior hierarchy after the departure of a few key figures, and are now aiming to make an ambitious appointment.
The Friedkin Group are entering their first summer transfer window since completing a takeover of the club, and it is an important one.
Everton are undergoing a lot of changes at the top level as they prepare to move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium, marking the start of a new era for the Toffees.
They are now attempting to recruit one figure from Manchester City to help in this regard, although this may not be a straightforward deal.
Everton want Man City director James Smith
Everton recently appointed Angus Kinnear as their new CEO, but they will still need to replace other departed figures.
Sporting director Kevin Thelwell left Everton to join Rangers, while Dan Purdy made the same move, and Kinnear now has his sights set on a replacement.
Patrick Boyland has now reported for The Athletic (9 June) that Man City head of scouting and recruitment, James Smith, is being eyed up by Kinnear to join this new hierarchy.
| Season | Everton finishes |
| 2024-25 | 13th |
| 2023-24 | 15th |
| 2022-23 | 17th |
| 2021-22 | 16th |
| 2020-21 | 10th |
Smith is said to be a “leading contender” for the role at Everton, but a deal has not been finalised to bring him to Merseyside.
The City Football Group made Smith their head of scouting and recruitment in November 2023, but he could now depart if he is keen on a move to Everton under Kinnear.
Everton heading in new direction
There is plenty of optimism at Everton, with the new ownership and hierarchy aiming to oversee an on-pitch improvement after a few difficult years.
The return of David Moyes helped Everton climb up the table in the second half of the season, and they will hope for a strong campaign to open their new stadium.
Everton have spent poorly over the last decade, but The Friedkin Group could now bring in statement signings such as Jack Grealish, and with Moyes at the helm, there could be significant progress in the coming years.
Everton finished 13th in the Premier League, and may even dream about European qualification next season if they embark on a productive summer transfer window.