Tony Bellew, a former boxer and devoted Everton supporter, has expressed his hopes for the club’s future this summer. His primary concerns involve retaining Iliman Ndiaye and potentially acquiring Jack Grealish on a permanent basis. Additionally, he mentioned a desire to see Richarlison return to Everton if Tottenham Hotspur faces relegation.
Tony Bellew’s Concerns on Ndiaye Transfer
As the Merseyside club prepares for its final matches of the season, the pressure mounts. Everton is set to host Manchester City during their penultimate home game at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Bellew highlighted Ndiaye’s pivotal role, particularly following his performances, including scoring the landmark goals at Goodison Park and Hill Dickinson Stadium. He emphasized the importance of keeping Ndiaye, stating, “I’m just praying no one comes and makes a silly money bid for Iliman Ndiaye in the summer.”
Impact of Jack Grealish
The discussion also touched on Jack Grealish, who has faced challenges at Everton after moving from Manchester City amid injuries. Bellew noted his impact on the team, stating, “He was the most fouled player in the league, which tells a story in itself.”
Everton’s Position and Upcoming Matches
Currently, Everton finds itself in the lower half of the Premier League table. Despite this, there remains a glimmer of hope for European qualification. Bellew believes the team must secure at least two wins from their final four matches to achieve this goal.
- Upcoming Matches:
- Manchester City
- Tottenham Hotspur
- Sunderland
Bellew reminisced about the club’s previous European experiences, recalling a memorable 4-1 victory over Wolfsburg in 2014. He expressed a desire for his children to witness Everton play in Europe.
Management and Future Prospects
Regardless of the end-of-season results, Bellew remains optimistic about the club’s future under the Friedkin Group’s ownership. He praised manager David Moyes for his expertise and ability to manage the squad effectively. Moyes recently became one of the few managers to have overseen 750 Premier League games.
With burgeoning talent within the squad, the challenge remains to retain key players while building for the future. Bellew emphasized the club’s shift toward a sustainable model, suggesting that success will allow for the retention of top players moving forward.
Ultimately, Bellew believes that the future is bright for Everton, asserting that the club is poised for growth. “The only way is up for Everton Football Club,” he concluded, reflecting on the club’s potential and aspirations.
