Former Everton striker Louis Saha believes the club is a great investment opportunity, expressing surprise that The Friedkin Group is planning to sell the Blues.
Less than 22 months after purchasing Everton from Farhad Moshiri, the Texas-based company announced on October 9 that it is exploring new investment options, including the potential sale of a controlling interest. Chairman Dan Friedkin has never watched Everton play or spoken to manager David Moyes, a development that puzzles Saha, who was brought to the club by Moyes during his first spell in charge in 2008.
Saha's Surprise at Ownership Plans
The Parisian, who scored 35 goals in 115 games for Everton, including one after just 25 seconds in the 2009 FA Cup final, played in a side that finished fifth, eighth and seventh in the Premier League in his three full seasons at Goodison Park.
Speaking courtesy of BettingLounge, Saha told the ECHO: "I'm extremely surprised that the Everton owners want to sell. I thought that the momentum was good because since David Moyes arrived, they have had the chance to play in a beautiful stadium."
"There is a big vision and it seemed like the investment would follow but it hasn't. David Moyes was left short in the transfer market, he does work well with a smaller squad, but he needed more back-up in certain positions," Saha added.
"I don't think the disruption will harm them on the pitch, but I'm really surprised by the owners, it's not a great sign."
Investment Appeal of the Blues
Saha, now 48, founded the social network Axis Stars after retiring and has an estimated fortune of over £4 billion. He believes Everton would be an attractive proposition for buyers.
"Everton are a great investment opportunity," Saha said. "It's a great stadium, a great place to be in the Premier League. They've been there for many, many years, so it's quite a stable club."
"There are so many aspects when you have such a fanbase and a rivalry that always attracts a lot of attention. So, there is definitely material there to think about in terms of investment," he continued.
"The trajectory of any club in the Premier League could be an enormous opportunity. But I still wonder about the reasons why this has happened, when you have such a position or a strong position, it's very strange timing," Saha concluded.
