Premier League English

Everton player responds to question on how Everton squad has reacted to Friedkin takeover news

Back-up goalkeeper Asmir Begovic said he and his Everton team-mates are just focusing their attention as best they can on controlling factors they can influence amid potential takeover of the club by the Friedkin Group.

It was confirmed last month that American business Dan Friedkin has agreed a deal to purchase Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1% stake in the club, having earlier pulled out of a deal, acording to ESPN.

Begovic, speaking to Italian outlet Diretta on 9 October, said the players have not had much discourse on the news and are just going about their daily business.

“There hasn’t been much discussion among the players. We are focusing on our day-to-day responsibilities and controlling what we can. We hope the changes will be positive for the club,” he said.

It has been a rather underwhelming season for Everton thus far, although they managed to finally get their first Premier League win after a 2-1 home victory against Crystal Palace on 28 September. Obviously things could certainly be a lot better.

Nonetheless, their win against the Eagles would certainly have served as a much-needed confidence booster that should spur them on to continue performing at the level they showed against Oliver Glasner’s men.

While their most recent Premier League game against Newcastle ended in a 0-0 stalemate, it’s still a major improvement from where the club found themselves at the start of the season.

The Toffees will definitely have to capitalise on their recent form and beat Ipswich on 19 October if they don’t want to be dragged into another Premier League relegation battle.