Maurizio Sarri Spotted at Goodison Park Amid Talks Over Everton Managerial Role
Liverpool, June 3, 2025 — Former Chelsea and Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri has been spotted arriving at Goodison Park this afternoon, fueling speculation that the 65-year-old tactician is in advanced discussions to become the next Everton manager. The sighting of Sarri walking into the historic stadium, accompanied by his representatives and club officials, has sparked excitement — and some surprise — among Everton fans, who have been waiting anxiously for news following the departure of Sean Dyche.
With Everton narrowly avoiding relegation last season, the club is now plotting a bold move to stabilize and reinvigorate its footballing identity. Bringing in Sarri — known for his fluid, possession-based “Sarriball” philosophy — would mark a dramatic shift from the pragmatic and defense-first football that has characterized Everton’s recent years.
From Naples to Merseyside?
Sarri’s arrival at Goodison is the clearest signal yet that Everton are looking to move in a different direction — both tactically and culturally. Known for his innovative approach, Sarri transformed Napoli into one of Europe’s most entertaining sides during his tenure, earning widespread acclaim for his fast-paced, synchronized attacking style. His subsequent stint at Chelsea yielded a Europa League title and a third-place Premier League finish, though it ended after just one season due to philosophical clashes with the board.
After a mixed spell at Juventus and a stabilizing job at Lazio, Sarri has been out of management since his departure from the Rome-based club in early 2024. However, sources close to the Italian manager suggest he has been “waiting for the right project” — and Everton, with its rich history, ambitious ownership, and plans to move into a new stadium, may present an irresistible opportunity.
Everton’s Search for Identity
The Toffees’ managerial search has been ongoing for weeks, with a number of names linked to the role — including Graham Potter, David Moyes, and Pascal Jansen. But in Sarri, Everton would be hiring a manager with a clear footballing philosophy, top-level experience, and a proven ability to build cohesive, attacking teams.
Club chairman Bill Kenwright and director of football Kevin Thelwell were reportedly instrumental in the talks, viewing Sarri as a long-term solution capable of guiding Everton through a new phase of development. With the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium project progressing and a core of promising young players like Jarrad Branthwaite and Lewis Dobbin breaking through, Sarri could be the visionary manager to unify the club’s various moving parts.
Fan Reaction: Hope Mixed With Hesitation
The news of Sarri’s potential appointment has divided opinion among Evertonians. On one hand, many supporters see the Italian as a breath of fresh air, someone who could reinvigorate the club with modern tactics and a more aesthetically pleasing approach to the game.
“I’d love to see us play football the way Sarri’s Napoli did,” said one fan outside Goodison. “We’ve had managers who park the bus — it’s time to move forward.”
Others, however, are cautious, citing concerns about Sarri’s ability to adapt to the physicality and intensity of English football — particularly at a club in transition.
“He’s a great coach, no doubt,” one season-ticket holder noted. “But Everton isn’t Chelsea. He’ll need time, and the board must back him.”
Social media reaction has been swift and intense. Within an hour of Sarri’s appearance at Goodison, #Sarriball and #WelcomeSarri were trending on X (formerly Twitter) in the UK, with fans sharing mock-ups of the Italian in the Everton dugout and speculating about potential signings.
What Would Sarri Bring?
If appointed, Sarri is likely to overhaul Everton’s style of play. Expect shorter passing patterns, a structured build-up from the back, and a focus on positional discipline. At Napoli, his teams pressed aggressively, transitioned fluidly, and used quick, vertical combinations — a far cry from the cautious, survival-oriented football Everton played under Dyche.
Tactically, Sarri often favors a 4-3-3 formation, utilizing technically gifted midfielders and quick, intelligent forwards. That could mean a larger role for players like James Garner, Amadou Onana, and Dwight McNeil, while summer signings could focus on ball-playing defenders and press-resistant midfielders.
Crucially, Sarri is known for improving players — turning the likes of Jorginho, Dries Mertens, and Lorenzo Insigne into stars. For a squad brimming with untapped potential, his arrival could be transformative.
Deal Details and Next Steps
While no official announcement has been made, insiders suggest that talks between Sarri’s camp and the Everton board are “progressing positively.” A formal agreement could be reached by the end of the week if all parties align on contract terms and transfer plans. Sarri is said to be seeking assurances over recruitment strategy and the level of autonomy he will have in shaping the squad.
Everton are also believed to be working with legal teams to finalize the severance package for outgoing staff and to comply with Premier League managerial protocols. If appointed, Sarri would become Everton’s fifth permanent manager in as many years — and perhaps the most tactically ambitious of the lot.
A Bold Gamble or Inspired Move?
Maurizio Sarri’s potential arrival at Goodison Park is more than just a managerial appointment — it’s a statement. It signals that Everton are no longer content with merely surviving. They want to evolve, excite, and eventually compete.
For Sarri, it’s a chance to return to the Premier League with a point to prove. For Everton, it’s a bet on identity over immediacy — and one that, if successful, could change the club’s trajectory for years to come.
