‘Everton have hidden motive as double Roma move completed’
Everton have announced their first senior men’s clash at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with David Moyes’ side taking on Roma on 9 August.
The Merseysiders announced on 27 June that the two clubs will also play out a ‘Legends’ fixture following the pre-season friendly.
Everton‘s double-header will give supporters the first opportunity to sit in their season ticket seats ahead of the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
Both clubs are owned by The Friedkin Group, who took over from Farhad Moshiri on Merseyside late in 2024.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted it is no “surprise” to see the two sides face off given their ownership, but suggested there will be an ulterior motive behind the game.
Everton building multi-club relationship with Roma game, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness suggested the double-header could be a convenient excuse to familiarise executives and staff with their counterparts.
Multi-club networks are a big part of modern football, with Man City seeing success from their set-up and Liverpool trying hard to put one in place.
Wyness insisted he is “all in favour” of the relationship with Roma being built up.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I can’t really say it’s a surprise given The Friedkin Group own both clubs.
“It does seem a bit of a natural move. I’d be doing the same thing because it’s important that both clubs management and staff get together as much as possible, start to get to know each other because I’m sure they’re going to be trying to work together over certain things.
“It’s as much about that backroom staff meeting as much about the players on the pitch.
“It’s an attractive fixture. They’re both very big clubs with great pedigrees, big fan bases, and I think it’s good that there’s some sort of relationship built up. I’m all in favour.”
Sunderland set sights on ex-Everton star
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (30 June) that Sunderland are considering a free transfer move for Abdoulaye Doucoure after his Everton exit.
The 32-year-old’s Toffees deal is up and the Merseysiders have already confirmed he will be moving on.
Sunderland are keen to add Premier League experience as they draw closer to agreeing high-profile deals for Habib Diarra and Reinildo.
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