Marcel Brands has been Director of Football at Everton since 2018. It’s not always known how much influence he has in the Everton boardroom.
Farhad Moshiri is Everton’s majority shareholder and as a businessman, he is used to having things his own way. So who is the primary decision maker? How much of a sway does the sentimental chairman Bill Kenwright have.
The Blues have been without a manager since the start of this month when Carlo Ancelotti went back to Real Madrid. A number of names have been linked with the open job but favourites have emerged.
Nuno Espirito Santo has been the bookies favourite and quite possibly God’s. The Portuguese, who left Wolves after the season is a 2/5 odds on favourite and has been in talks for a three-year contract, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Marcel Brands will have a huge say in who becomes the next Everton manager
However, a report in The Telegraph claims Crystal Palace is on the verge of appointing Nuno Santo and he could be named manager by the weekend. This is where Brands may come in.
After all, it seems almost inconceivable someone would choose to manage Palace over Everton. Everton has more history, a worldwide supporter base, an increasing presence in the USA and Latin America and, more money as well as a new purpose-built stadium in the works.
According to The Athletic, Brands rates Brighton manager Graham Potter highly. He does have a history of playing attractive football and it would be interesting to see what would happen if was given more backing,
And with his future secured by the contract extension he signed last month, there is a growing sense that he will be given greater scope than previously to lead this process.
While super-agents such as Kia Joorabchian and Jorge Mendes may have Moshiri’s ear, the Dutchman’s opinion is becoming more influential. Certainly, nobody is going to rush the search. There are suggestions that Brands is being empowered to line up transfers and deal with the prospect of which players might want to leave before any new manager arrives.
It’s known Kenwright would like to bring back David Moyes, but as a True Blue, he should know re-hiring former managers hasn’t worked before. With the transfer window opening on Wednesday, Everton can’t delay in making moves.
The Birmingham Mail reports, Aston Villa has already clinched the signing of highly-rated midfielder Emiliano Buendia from Norwich, where the Argentine international helped returned the Canaries back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Days could get even better for Villa as they also want midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
The Echo reports, Espirito Santo may well bring exciting winger Pedro Neto with him. Neto would fill a hole on the right, the Toffees have been seeking to fill for a long time.
However, the size of Espirito Santo’s backroom has been seen as an issue and it may be a moot point soon. Everton doesn’t seem to be in a rush to hire a new manager, which seems to point to Brands’ influence increasing.
How influential will Marcel Brands be in appointing the new manager?