Graham Potter could soon take charge at Everton, with a managerial change on the cards once the club’s takeover is completed.
The 49-year-old, who has been out of management since leaving Chelsea in April 2023, is reportedly being lined up to replace Sean Dyche under the incoming ownership of The Friedkin Group.
According to i News on 18 October, Potter was among the candidates approached by the FA before they confirmed Thomas Tuchel as England’s new manager.
With those discussions now concluded, it could prompt the new owners at Goodison Park to act swiftly if they want Potter to lead a new era on Merseyside.
Potter told The Telegraph on 27 September that he is ready to return to management after a turbulent spell at Chelsea.
The Englishman still has admirers at Everton, with TBR Football reporting on 5 September that he was considered a contender to replace Dyche following the club’s dismal start to the season.
The Friedkin Group Target Potter for New Era:
The Friedkin Group, expected to take control of Everton soon, are believed to have Potter in their sights as the face of their new vision for the club [TEAMtalk, 27 September].
During his time away from football, Potter rejected offers, including an approach from Ajax [talkSPORT, 8 April], suggesting that the England job might have been the kind of high-profile role to tempt him back into management.
Given Everton’s recent struggles under Farhad Moshiri’s ownership, it’s understandable why Potter may have been hesitant to join earlier.
The club has lurched from one crisis to another in recent seasons, making it an unattractive proposition for a manager seeking stability after his difficult tenure at Chelsea.
However, under The Friedkin Group, Everton could offer a fresh start. If financial constraints are eased and the ambition to reclaim past glories is rekindled, the Toffees might become a more appealing project for Potter.
Despite his turbulent time at Chelsea, the 49-year-old’s reputation has remained largely intact. His Champions League campaign with the Blues was a bright spot, featuring impressive wins over AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund before falling to Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Dyche’s Tenure Likely to End
It seems increasingly unlikely that Sean Dyche will remain in charge under the new ownership. Appointed to stabilise the club during a difficult period, Dyche’s role was seen as short-term.
As Sky Sports reported on 5 October, even Dyche himself appears to recognise that his position may not align with the new owners’ vision beyond his contract, which expires next summer.
The takeover is expected to be finalised by late November [Alan Myers, 16 October], and The Friedkin Group could act quickly to secure Potter’s services.
Although the FA’s interest in Potter did not result in an England appointment, it highlighted the manager’s availability. With other clubs potentially circling, Everton’s new owners may need to move fast to avoid missing out on their preferred candidate.
If The Friedkin Group do secure Potter, it could mark the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for Everton. After years of instability, a manager of Potter’s calibre might be just what the Toffees need to restore their fortunes.