“Welcome Back Champ” – Former Everton Player Set to Make a SURPRISING RETURN Back to Everton After Friedkin Group Makes This Important Decision Against Moyes’ Wish

Friedkins Plot Surprise Midfield Move as Moyes Faces Mangala Blow at Everton

Everton’s preparations for the new Premier League season have been rocked by fresh concerns over Orel Mangala’s fitness — but with the Friedkin Group close to completing their takeover at Goodison Park, there could be a swift and surprising response.

Mangala, who joined the Toffees on loan from Olympique Lyon last summer, had quickly emerged as one of the club’s most influential performers under Sean Dyche before his season was cruelly curtailed by a serious injury sustained in front of the Goodison faithful.

Now, with David Moyes beginning his second spell in charge on Merseyside, the Belgian midfielder’s long-term future at the club is in doubt. Crucially, the former West Ham boss has had little chance to assess the 27-year-old on the training ground.

A club insider, speaking to Football Insider, revealed: “David Moyes wasn’t able to work with Orel Mangala much at Everton after the Olympique Lyon midfielder picked up a season-ending injury at Goodison Park.”

That development has prompted Everton’s incoming ownership to consider a bold midfield reshuffle. The Friedkin Group — the American consortium led by AS Roma owner Dan Friedkin — are understood to be eyeing an early statement signing to underline their ambitions and support Moyes in reshaping the squad.

The group’s intent to “make an impression” early in their reign could see Everton move decisively for a new central midfielder capable of filling the gap left by Mangala, who had become a fan favourite for his combative style, ball-carrying ability, and tireless work ethic.

Mangala had been tipped to make his move permanent this summer, but the timing and nature of his injury has placed that decision on hold. With Amadou Onana gone and Idrissa Gana Gueye out of contract, midfield options are suddenly looking thin for Moyes as he looks to implement his preferred structure.

The Friedkins’ ambition to “stun” Evertonians could accelerate plans for a marquee addition, especially with pre-season looming. While Moyes will have final input on recruitment decisions, it’s clear the new hierarchy want to energise a fanbase that has endured years of off-pitch instability.

Everton’s recruitment team, under pressure to deliver after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, are believed to be compiling a shortlist of midfielders who can replicate Mangala’s box-to-box qualities while offering greater durability across a full campaign.

Although Mangala’s recovery will be closely monitored, there is an acceptance that Everton cannot gamble on fitness alone in a pivotal season — one that could define the early months of Moyes’ reign and the start of a new ownership era.

With the Friedkin takeover nearing completion and key decisions expected imminently, the club’s transfer strategy may be about to take a sharp turn — with Mangala’s setback proving a potential catalyst for one of the most eye-catching moves of the summer.