Retaining top talent a challenge - Everton chief Kinnear

WHAT HAPPENED
Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear warned that holding on to top players is difficult for clubs of Everton’s size, even when they are doing well. He highlighted the club’s aim to keep key attacker Iliman Ndiaye and to pursue another spell for Jack Grealish, while acknowledging both situations are not guaranteed.

Kinnear linked those retention challenges to wider financial rules and recent examples around the Premier League, saying Everton will try to be ambitious on spending but must remain within regulatory limits.

KEY CONTEXT
- Kinnear spoke on BBC Radio Merseyside about Everton’s transfer and squad-management strategy ahead of the new season.
- Iliman Ndiaye, 26, joined Everton from Marseille in July 2024 and registered six goals and three assists last season; he has been linked with a move to Al‑Hilal (reported links).
- Jack Grealish made 22 appearances for Everton last season before a January injury; he remains a Manchester City player and made a substitute appearance in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.
- Premier League clubs face a squad cost ratio (SCR) cap limiting playing-staff spending to 85% of revenue; UEFA uses a 70% limit for clubs in European competition. Everton had eight points deducted in 2023–24 for profit and sustainability breaches.

WHY IT MATTERS
Retention of key performers affects on‑field competitiveness and long‑term planning. Kinnear framed Everton’s approach as one that balances ambition with financial discipline to avoid repeating past compliance failures. The club’s ability to keep players like Ndiaye or secure another spell for Grealish will shape expectations for improvement under David Moyes after a season that showed signs of recovery but ended poorly.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether reported interest in Ndiaye materialises into a transfer, or if he remains at Everton.
- Progress on any potential return or re‑signing involving Jack Grealish and how Manchester City’s stance evolves.
- Everton’s capacity to invest while staying within the SCR framework and avoiding regulatory sanctions.
- How the squad performs when the season opens at home to Crystal Palace (kick‑off 15:00 BST).

KEY FACTS
- Ndiaye joined Everton from Marseille in July 2024 and had six goals and three assists last season (reported figures).
- Premier League SCR limit: 85% of revenue; UEFA limit for Europe: 70%.
- Everton were docked eight points in 2023–24 for Profit and Sustainability Rule breaches.
- Grealish made 22 Everton appearances last season, had a season‑ending injury in January, and later came on as a half‑time substitute for Manchester City in the Community Shield.
- Everton finished 13th last season and ended the campaign without a win in their final seven matches.
- Everton begin their season at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday (15:00 BST).