The Friedkin Group (TFG) are prepared to sell Everton less than two years after completing their takeover of the Merseyside club. The American ownership consortium is pursuing outside investment in the Premier League side but would entertain offers should a suitable buyer emerge to take the club forward.
TFG finalised its acquisition of Everton in late 2024, in an agreement believed to be valued at over £400million for its 99.5 per cent shareholding in the club from Farhad Moshiri.
Club confirms sale talks
In a club announcement, Everton confirmed TFG are exploring new investment options for the organisation, including the potential sale of a controlling interest. The statement said: "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."
Conditions for a sale
The owners have established a stipulation for any prospective takeover, confirming they will only sell should the appropriate buyer emerge. In the meantime, they plan to maintain their backing of Everton and stay at the club.
The club statement added: "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."
Prospective interest has surfaced from Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd and American billionaire Christopher Sarofim, who both secured minority holdings in Roundhouse last year.
Friedkin's low profile
The Texas-based Friedkin family have mostly kept a low profile since assuming control of the club. Dan Friedkin, Everton's chairman, has not yet attended a fixture at either Goodison Park or Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton manager David Moyes previously acknowledged 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 encountered substantial criticism following a challenging summer transfer window. While the Toffees offloaded approximately £100m worth of talent through the departures of Iliman Ndiaye, Beto, Tim Iroegbunam and Nathan Patterson, they recorded a profit of only around £25m during the window.
Everton and Roma represent the two principal European football clubs under Friedkin's ownership, with the American businessman having purchased Roma from compatriot James Pallotta in August 2020 for $591m. TFG additionally owns French side AS Cannes and is understood to be developing proposals to establish an NHL franchise in Houston, with the prospective deal reportedly valued at approximately $3.5bn.
