James Tarkowski is hopeful that brighter days are ahead for Everton as he admitted there was now a positive feeling around the club after he Friedkin Group completed its takeover. It was confirmed on Thursday that the US group, owned by billionaire Dan Friedkin, had finalised a deal to purchase Farhad Moshiri’s shares.

The deal brought an end to a turbulent period for Everton under the ownership of Moshiri, who bought into the club in February 2016 and has been trying to sell his stake in the club for a number of years. Over the last eight years, the Blues have regressed on the pitch and have also twice been sanctioned under the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).

Speaking after the takeover was confirmed, the Friedkin Group vowed to restore Everton to their 'rightful place in the Premier League table'. And Tarkowski, speaking after his side’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, admitted club staff are excited about what could lie ahead.

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Asked if he was relieved the noise around the takeover had now gone, he replied: “I think as players we are a bit more shielded from it [compared to] the manager because the manager has to speak to you lot every week and answer questions about it.

“We are shielded from it, but it is nice. All done and a nice positive feeling around the place. People are all excited about what is ahead, with the new stadium and ownership now all sorted, so let's hope for a good few years ahead for the club.”

Before he added: “I always think there is a feel-good factor here, unless we are going through a tough patch, but we are a team in decent form. We have lost two in 12 games and seven clean sheets in that period, so we are a team going in the right direction.

“We are playing tough teams at the minute, but we are picking up points. So yeah, continue what we are doing well. We have a good, strong squad, and hopefully, we can keep people fit and keep playing the way we are.”

Tarkowski also moved to wish Dele Alli well after the England international revealed on Friday night that he will no longer train with the club. After joining the Blues in January 2022, he went on to make 13 appearances for the Blues and spent last season on loan at Besiktas.

And although his with the club deal expired in the summer, he continued to train at Finch Farm in an attempt to regain his fitness and try to earn a new deal. However, in a post on social media, the midfielder revealed he was leaving Everton in a bid to 'turn a new page' in his career.

“I spoke to him briefly a couple of nights ago,” Tarkowski replied when asked about his former team-mate. “A great, great lad, and I wish him all the best. He’s had a tough couple of years, and he just wants to get back fit and playing.

“He’s determined to do that. So yeah, he’s a great lad, and he is working ever so hard to be back playing football and doing the thing he loves. Fingers crossed and I wish him all the best.”