Sport nationEverton could land third points deduction within months – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has suggested the Merseysiders could be handed a third points deduction in the final months of 2024.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed the pending verdict is “just another cloud which won’t move away”.
Everton were docked two points on Monday (8 April) for a second breach of the top-flight Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) – meaning they have now been deducted eight points this term.
However, Section 20 of the Independent Commission Report reveals that there is still an ongoing dispute between the Premier League and the club over borrowed money to fund the stadium.
It has been confirmed that the dispute will not be resolved before the end of this season.
Another ‘dark cloud’ hanging over Everton as Wyness shares points deduction verdict
Wyness suggested a verdict could be due around Christmas.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “Quite strangely, they’ve said they will be moving away from the standard timetable to resolve this.
“So I think it will be next season.
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“The whole thing will likely get underway at the start of 24-25, with an outcome at Christmas.
“That’s what I expect. But to have this hanging over us now is just another dark cloud which won’t move away.
“I hope that in the off-season there is a ‘come to Jesus’ meeting and an amnesty put in place, with new rules introduced.”
“I’m hoping that will be the way forward.”
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Everton sign ‘skilful’ Arsenal star, with second player to follow in eye-catching double swoop
Harry Watkinson
Everton are set to poach two young players from Arsenal
Everton are set to poach two young players from Arsenal
Everton have reportedly signed sign Arsenal Under-16s midfielder Demi Akarakiri, who has been tipped to shine at Goodison Park in the future.
The Toffees’ sporting director Kevin Thelwell has previously stated that the club plans to focus on signing young players who can be solid long-term investments.
Everton have been scouring the market for potential opportunities, with a deal for Linfield wonderkid Braiden Graham already tied up.
According to Jeorge Bird, who is followed by David Ornstein on X, Everton have now ‘signed’ Akarakiri after beating the competition to his signature.
The teenager is described as a “skilful player” with “impressive passing ability.” Everton will hope that Akarakiri can live up to his potential and prove to be a great acquisition for the future.
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It’s claimed that Akarakiri was released from Arsenal and will now continue his development in the Everton youth ranks.
It is yet to be seen which age group the midfielder will join up with, but the expectation is that he will be offered a scholarship deal if he impresses in the next few months.
Everton to pull off double Arsenal raid
As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Akarakiri isn’t the only Arsenal academy star Everton have their eye on and they are also the favourites to sign Omari Benjamin.
Benjamin, 18, is still on the Gunners’ books but has been on trial with Everton. He scored for their Under-21s side in Premier League 2 on March 2.
The Welsh youth international can play as a striker or left-winger. He is expected to be released from Arsenal at the end of the season and multiple sides have registered an interest in him.
Reports suggest that Everton chiefs have ‘already seen enough’ from Benjamin to convince them he’s worthy of a long-term deal.
The Toffees have already prepared a contract offer for the talented forward and negotiations will continue for the next couple of months before they likely strike a deal.
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Benjamin has all the tools to make it at Premier League level in the future and Everton will hope that he’ll go on to become a key player for them.
Everton will not have a lot of money to spend in the summer due to their ongoing financial problems but bringing in youngsters such as Benjamin and Akarakiri is a step in the right direction.
They may be forced into selling at least one key player, however, with centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and midfielder Amadou Onana being targeted by several top clubs.
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