Everton’s decision to part ways with Sean Dyche, just hours before their FA Cup third-round match against Peterborough, has left the club searching for a new manager. Dyche’s departure comes as Everton sits 16th in the Premier League, precariously above the relegation zone. With the team in need of a managerial change, speculation over who will step into the vacant role at Goodison Park is rife.
Jose Mourinho was initially among the early favorites for the job, especially given his previous work under Everton’s new owners, The Friedkin Group, at their other club Roma. However, sources have informed BBC Sport that the Portuguese manager is no longer a contender.
Everton are prioritizing a replacement with Premier League experience, and several names have emerged as potential candidates:
1. David Moyes
The 61-year-old Moyes has a long history with Everton, having managed the club from 2002 to 2013, overseeing more than 500 games. He guided Everton to the 2009 FA Cup final and nine top-eight finishes in the Premier League, including a memorable fourth-place finish in 2004-05. Moyes has since had spells at Manchester United, Real Sociedad, Sunderland, and most recently at West Ham, where he won the Conference League in 2023. Currently out of management, Moyes has previously stated he’s not “done yet” but has expressed hesitation about returning to a relegation battle.
2. Thomas Frank
At 51, Frank has transformed Brentford into a Premier League fixture after securing promotion via the Championship play-off final in 2021. The Bees currently sit 11th in the Premier League, above Everton in the table. Frank has previously stated that joining a “big club” would not necessarily improve his life, but his success at Brentford has made him a strong candidate.
3. Steve Cooper
Cooper was sacked by Leicester in November after a winless streak left the club in 16th place. Prior to his time at Leicester, he led Nottingham Forest to promotion from the Championship. While Cooper has not yet found a new job, his experience in the Premier League makes him a potential fit for Everton.
4. Gareth Southgate
Southgate, who stepped down after managing England to the Euro 2024 final, has limited club management experience, with his only club role being a three-year stint at Middlesbrough. Southgate has yet to express an eagerness to return to club football, but his long tenure with England and recent success could attract interest.
5. Erik ten Hag
Ten Hag’s abrupt departure from Manchester United in October could lead to a swift return to Premier League management. The Dutchman spent over two years at United following his successful stint at Ajax. A move to another North-West club like Everton would see him quickly return to the English top flight.
6. Massimiliano Allegri
Allegri, who was sacked by Juventus in May, has a prestigious managerial career in Italy, including six Serie A titles and two Champions League finals with Juventus. A move to Merseyside could provide the 57-year-old with his first managerial role outside of Italy.
7. Leighton Baines
Currently managing the team on an interim basis, the 39-year-old Baines has deep connections with Everton, having played over 400 games for the club. He also managed Everton’s Under-18s since 2022, making him a strong contender to take on the full-time managerial role.
8. Lee Carsley
Now in charge of the England Under-21 team after stepping up temporarily to lead the senior squad, Carsley has helped the Under-21s to success, including victory at the 2023 European Championship. Carsley’s Everton background and current role with England make him a compelling choice, though he may be hesitant to leave his position.
9. Paulo Fonseca
The 51-year-old former AC Milan boss Fonseca was recently sacked after a disappointing spell at the Italian club. With experience managing Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Lille, Fonseca could be a candidate to rebuild Everton in the coming months.
10. Edin Terzic
Terzic led Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final in 2023 before parting ways with the club. The 42-year-old has expressed interest in managing in England, and his time in the Premier League as assistant at West Ham makes him a potential option for Everton.
As the search for a new manager intensifies, Everton fans are left wondering who will lead the team in its fight to avoid relegation and restore its Premier League standing. The next appointment could be pivotal in shaping the club’s future trajectory.
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