Everton Football Club has finally reached an agreement for a takeover by The Friedkin Group, owners of AS Roma, marking a significant moment in the club’s tumultuous recent history. The Houston-based group, led by billionaire Dan Friedkin, has outbid several parties, including Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor, to acquire a 94.1% stake from current majority owner, Farhad Moshiri. The deal, which is pending approval from the Premier League, the Football Association (FA), and the Financial Conduct Authority, is expected to be completed by December 2024.
Friedkin’s acquisition comes after more than a year of negotiations, with several interested parties vying for control of the Merseyside club. Initial talks with 777 Partners fell through, and American businessman John Textor also made efforts to buy the club, only for the Friedkin Group to ultimately seal the deal after overcoming significant financial and logistical challenges.
Moshiri’s Troubled Tenure at Everton Comes to an End
Farhad Moshiri’s reign at Everton has been characterized by instability and underachievement. Moshiri, who first purchased a 49.9% stake in the club in 2016, increased his holdings to 94.1% in 2019. His era saw multiple managerial changes and the club narrowly avoiding relegation on several occasions, a far cry from the ambitions he initially held for Everton.
During Moshiri’s tenure, Everton faced a series of financial challenges, including a two-point deduction last season for breaching Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules. Additionally, concerns over Everton’s financial health were heightened during the construction of the club’s new £800 million stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, set to open for the 2028 European Championships. Despite these challenges, Moshiri’s exit signifies a new chapter for The Toffees, with hopes that Friedkin’s leadership will bring the stability the club desperately needs.
The Friedkin Group’s Vision for Everton and Roma
The Friedkin Group’s acquisition of Everton comes amid assurances that their focus on AS Roma, which they acquired in 2020, will remain unchanged. The group has been active in the sports industry and has set long-term goals for Roma, including winning major trophies and developing a new stadium. Under their leadership, Roma won the Europa Conference League during the 2021-22 season.
In a statement, the Friedkin brothers emphasized their commitment to both clubs, highlighting that the acquisition of Everton would not detract from their efforts in Rome. Instead, they argued that the multi-club symbiosis could benefit both The Toffees and Roma. Each club, they said, would operate independently, with resources allocated to ensure success on both fronts. With the backing of Friedkin’s £6.3 billion fortune, Everton fans are cautiously optimistic that their new owners will help restore the club’s former glory.
What the Future Holds for Everton Under New Ownership
As Everton sits second from the bottom in the Premier League table after a difficult start to the 2024-25 season, the news of the Friedkin Group’s takeover offers hope for the club’s future. The Toffees have yet to win a match this season, suffering losses to Bournemouth and Aston Villa, though they managed to secure their first point of the season in a draw against Leicester City.
The acquisition is expected to bring financial stability, particularly in completing the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. With Friedkin’s proven track record at Roma, where the group has successfully balanced long-term investments with on-pitch performance, The Toffees fans hope that similar strategies will help the club regain its competitive edge. As they prepare to host Crystal Palace this weekend, all eyes are on how this takeover will reshape the club’s future, both in the Premier League and beyond.
