Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has described reports that Everton owners The Friedkin Group (TFG) are already seeking new investors as "slightly concerning", following a summer transfer window in which manager David Moyes was left frustrated.
TFG completed its takeover of Everton on December 19, 2024, in a deal believed to be worth in excess of £400million to acquire 99.5% of the club from Farhad Moshiri. The Texas-based Friedkin family subsequently appointed Marc Watts as executive chairman, while chief executive Angus Kinnear was hired the following May to handle day-to-day running.
Owners' low profile and spending
Dan Friedkin, 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. Owner of Gulf States Toyota, the 61-year-old is currently placed at number 286 with an estimated fortune of $12.4billion (approximately £9.38billion) by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Despite the Friedkins' considerable personal wealth and financial experts calculating that Everton's move from Goodison Park to Hill Dickinson Stadium would generate approximately £60million in additional income annually, the Blues' summer outgoings on transfers were the sixth lowest in the division at £88million. They were also one of just half a dozen clubs to finish the window with a negative net spend.
Moyes left with thin squad
Everton pocketed more than £100million on deadline day with Iliman Ndiaye, Beto, Tim Iroegbunam and Nathan Patterson all sold. The late collapse of the signing of USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun from Monaco left Moyes with just one recognised striker in a squad comprising just 18 senior outfield players.
Asked if Moyes – who has since steered the Blues to seven games unbeaten in all competitions so far this term – had been let down by the owners, Phillips, speaking courtesy of BestBettingSites.co.uk, told the ECHO: "You probably have to say so. We don't know the ins and outs, but listening to David Moyes, watching his interviews, he's clearly frustrated that he wasn't able to bring more players in."
"He knows the squad is light, but in his words, it's an opportunity for other people to step up and get their opportunity. So, one door closes, others open. But yeah, I think he would have loved another three, four signings. They brought Ainsley Maitland-Niles in and they brought Jack Grealish in, but they let good players leave and that's never ideal."
"So potentially, was there an issue of him not being given the funds? We know that the club are looking for new investors already after two years, which could be slightly concerning. But listen, David Moyes will get the best out of that squad. We've already seen that this season."
