Everton have been placed on the market by their owners The Friedkin Group less than two years after finalising their takeover of the club. However, they will only consider relinquishing control if they are satisfied the new owner is the right individual or consortium to take the team 'to the next level'.
Investment and sale conditions
The Toffees owners had already been seeking investment but are willing to depart the club should the appropriate buyer come forward. The Friedkin Group plan to continue backing the club, and are content to remain on Merseyside until a suitable successor emerges.
The Everton investors also own Serie A outfit Roma and Ligue 1 side AS Cannes, and are currently in the process of establishing an NHL franchise in Houston through a deal worth approximately £2.65billion.
Background to the takeover
The Friedkin Group acquired Everton in December 2024 when they utilised Roundhouse Capital to purchase Farhad Moshiri's 94% stake. It concluded a turbulent period awaiting new owners following financial troubles under Moshiri and the collapse of discussions with other prospective investors 777, MSP Sports Capital and the KAM Group.
"The Friedkin Group is exploring new investment options for Everton Football Club, including the potential sale of a controlling interest," Everton said in a statement. "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."
"TFG and the club will not be commenting further while this work is under way."
Investment and fan frustration
The group has already secured investment from former Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd and American billionaire Christopher Sarofim, both of whom acquired minority stakes in Roundhouse last year. The original agreement to purchase Everton was reported to be valued at over £400m.
Everton's ownership has faced mounting frustration from supporters following an underwhelming summer in the transfer market. Despite securing Jack Grealish on loan for the second consecutive season, the club failed to bring in a striker after losing both Beto to Fiorentina and Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City.
Earlier this summer, manager David Moyes revealed that he had little to no direct communication with Friedkin Group chief executive 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."
Following the club's acquisition, Dan Friedkin penned an open letter pledging his commitment to preserving Everton's storied heritage. "I take immense pride in welcoming one of England's most historic football clubs to our global family, the Friedkin Group. Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution," he said.
"Whilst we are new to the club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world. We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city."
