The Friedkin Group (TFG) has placed Everton up for sale less than two years after completing its takeover of the Merseyside club. The American ownership group is seeking external investment in the Premier League side but would consider selling if the right buyer emerged to take Everton 'to the next level.'
TFG completed its takeover of Everton on December 19, 2024, in a deal understood to be worth more than £400million for its 99.5 per cent stake in the club from Farhad Moshiri. In a club statement, Everton confirmed TFG are 'exploring new investment options' for the club, including the 'potential sale of a controlling interest.'
Club statement on next chapter
The statement read: "When TFG became custodians of Everton, the Club faced significant financial uncertainty and challenges both on and off the pitch. The immediate priority was to provide the stability, investment and support needed to secure the Club’s future, including helping to bring the long-promised stadium to completion for its deserving supporters."
"With that foundation now safely in place, the time is right to consider the next chapter for Everton. We will only entertain interest from parties who we strongly believe will be the right stewards to take the Club forward and build on the momentum that has been established."
Until then, they intend to continue supporting Everton and remain in place on Merseyside. The Texas-based Friedkin family have largely maintained a low profile since taking control.
Owner's low profile and transfer window criticism
Dan Friedkin, Everton's chairman, has yet to attend a match at either Goodison Park or Hill Dickinson Stadium. This contrasts with his more hands-on approach at AS Roma, where he has made personal visits to meet players and staff.
Everton manager David Moyes previously admitted that he rarely communicated directly with TFG owner Dan Friedkin. "My real contact is Angus [Kinnear, Everton CEO]. Angus is the one who I would go to see," Moyes said. "Rishi [Majithia, TFG representative] is the next one and then the head of the Friedkin family in America. I don’t really get any direct conversations with them, but I do through Rishi, he is the one I would speak to."
Everton faced widespread criticism over a difficult summer transfer window, prompting The Friedkin Group to explore investment in the club. Despite selling around £100m worth of talent, with the sales of Iliman Ndiaye, Beto, Tim Iroegbunam and Nathan Patterson, the Toffees made a profit of only approximately £25m across the window.
Friedkin Group's broader portfolio
Everton and Roma are the two major European football clubs owned by Friedkin, who acquired Roma from fellow American businessman James Pallotta in August 2020 in a deal worth $591m. TFG also own French club AS Cannes and are reportedly working on plans to launch an NHL franchise based in Houston, with the potential deal said to be worth around $3.5bn.
The Echo has contacted Everton for comment.
