Everton return to Premier League action on Sunday with a daunting trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. While few are expecting a victory, a strong performance is essential as the Toffees edge closer to the relegation zone.
Only two points separate Sean Dyche’s side from 18th-placed Ipswich Town, and a defeat could see Everton slip into the bottom three.
With pressure mounting on Dyche, reports suggest the Friedkin Group, the club’s owners, have already drawn up a three-man shortlist to replace him.
Sergio Conceição is believed to be their top target, but it has now emerged why the club remains hesitant to part ways with Dyche despite their precarious league position.
Sacking Dyche could force January sales
According to i News, Everton’s financial struggles mean sacking Dyche would come with significant consequences.
While the club is confident of meeting Financial Fair Play (FFP) requirements, the cost of redundancy payments could tip them back into breach territory.
Such a scenario would force Everton to sell players in the January transfer window to remain compliant.
The club is already under pressure regarding Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), making Dyche’s dismissal a last-resort option for the board.
If Dyche were to be sacked, it would severely restrict Everton’s ability to invest in the summer transfer market, further complicating their efforts to rebuild the squad.
Summer change remains the plan
Everton News has reported that the Friedkin Group originally planned to wait until the summer to make a managerial change.
They recognise the difficulties of appointing a long-term successor mid-season, especially with the job currently less attractive than it might be in six months’ time.
For now, Dyche is expected to remain in charge, but he must adapt his pragmatic approach to win back the fanbase and steer Everton to safety. With time running out, the pressure on the Toffees boss continues to grow.
