The Friedkin Group is reportedly seeking new investors in Everton, less than two years after completing its takeover of the club. According to a report by Samuel Agini in the Financial Times, the owners are working with advisers on a stake sale process that could result in new investors buying a significant share of the club, although the process is still at an early stage.
Takeover completed in December 2024
The Friedkin Group (TFG) completed its takeover of Everton on December 19, 2024, in a deal believed to be worth in excess of £400 million to acquire 99.5% of the club from Farhad Moshiri. The group also owns Italian football club AS Roma.
Following the takeover, Marc Watts was appointed executive chairman, while the day-to-day running of the club is now handled by chief executive Angus Kinnear, who was hired the following May. The Texas-based Friedkin family has continued to keep a low profile.
Friedkin's wealth and attendance record
Dan Friedkin, who is Everton's chairman, has never attended a game at either Goodison Park or Hill Dickinson Stadium, in contrast to his more hands-on approach with Roma, where he has made personal visits to meet players and staff. The 61-year-old owner of Gulf States Toyota is currently ranked at number 254 on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, with an estimated fortune of $13.4 billion (approximately £9.92 billion).
Premier League spending and Everton's summer outgoings
Premier League clubs spent a record over three-and-a-half billion pounds this summer. The FT quotes a source with knowledge of the sale process as saying: “It’s an arms race. More and more firepower is coming into the league.”
Despite the huge outlay across the league and the considerable personal wealth of the Friedkins, Everton's summer outgoings on transfers were the sixth lowest in the division at £88 million. The club was also one of just half a dozen clubs to finish the window with a negative net spend. Financial experts have calculated that Everton's move from Goodison Park to Hill Dickinson Stadium would enable the club to generate approximately £60 million in additional income annually.
The ECHO has contacted both Everton and The Friedkin Group for comment.
