Everton’s Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, will leave the club at the end of the current season when his contract expires, according to The Times. The 51-year-old, who joined the Toffees in February 2022, will depart after three years in the role, marking the end of a tenure defined by financial constraints.
Thelwell was appointed under former owner Farhad Moshiri with a brief to overhaul Everton’s recruitment and stabilise a club grappling with years of inconsistent spending. During his time at Goodison Park, he oversaw significant player sales, including Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur for £60m and Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United for £45m, which helped ease financial pressures amid scrutiny over Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
On the incoming side, Thelwell secured notable signings such as James Tarkowski on a free transfer and Dwight McNeil from Burnley, both of whom have become regulars in the first team. More recently, Iliman Ndiaye’s arrival from Marseille has added flair to the squad. However, other moves—such as the acquisitions of forwards Neal Maupay and Beto until fairly recently – have drawn criticism for failing to deliver consistent impact.
Everton have endured successive relegation battles under Thelwell’s watch, though they remain in the Premier League. The most recent transfer window saw only a loan move for Carlos Alcaraz, underscoring the ongoing challenges of balancing the books while strengthening the squad.
His departure comes at a pivotal moment for Everton. The club is preparing to move into its new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season, while The Friedkin Group’s takeover signals a shift in direction.
A club statement is expected soon, but neither Everton nor Thelwell have commented publicly on the decision so far. Attention now turns to who will replace him, with the incoming director facing the task of reshaping a squad for a new era on Merseyside.
Thelwell’s exit brings to a close a chapter of pragmatism rather than transformation at Everton. His successor will inherit both the opportunities of a modern stadium and the expectations of a fanbase eager for progress.