David Moyes has spoken for the first time since it was confirmed that Everton’s owners have put the club up for sale less than two years after taking over. The Everton manager admitted he was surprised when the news broke and said he only found out himself on Friday morning.
Moyes learned of sale on Friday morning
The Friedkin Group (TFG) completed its purchase of Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the club in December 2024 and oversaw the move from Goodison Park to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. But it was confirmed on Friday morning that TFG is 'exploring new investment options,' which includes selling the club should suitable future custodians emerge.
Reacting to the development, Moyes revealed: "I was surprised because they'd only come in a year-and-a-half ago. I think most of us expected them to be here for the next 20-30 years. But maybe after what happened in the transfer window, I think we'd seen through that."
Statement from the club
He added: "It's for Evertonians that I'm more disappointed because they've been through so much difficult periods. The last thing they wanted to hear was this."
In a statement released on Friday morning, the club confirmed: “The Friedkin Group is exploring new investment options for Everton Football Club, including the potential sale of a controlling interest. 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. Throughout this process, TFG’s focus will remain unchanged. We will support the club in all ways necessary to achieve success on the pitch and will continue efforts to make a positive difference in the communities the club serves.”
