Everton owners open to selling controlling stake under two years after takeover

Owners open the door to a sale

The Friedkin Group (TFG), the US-based owner of Everton, said on Friday that it is exploring new investment options for the Premier League club, including the potential sale of a controlling interest. The statement came less than two years after TFG took control in December 2024 from former owner Farhad Moshiri. TFG said it would only consider proposals from parties it believed could build on the progress made since its takeover, and it has retained investment bank Moelis & Company to advise on the process. The group and Everton said they would make no further comment while the process is under way.

The takeover and the stadium

Reported figures for the 2024 deal differ by source. AFP reported that the group paid a reported £400 million ($529 million) for Farhad Moshiri's 94.1 percent stake, while The Telegraph put the price at more than £400 million for a 99.5 per cent stake, with the deal completed on 19 December 2024. Ouest France gave the stake as 98.8 percent. The Telegraph also reported that TFG has put Everton up for sale and begun looking for new buyers, a description the club's own statement does not use. Under the owners Everton moved from Goodison Park into the new 53,000-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium, which the club says the owners helped bring to completion.

When TFG became custodians of Everton, the club faced significant financial uncertainty and challenges both on and off the pitch.

Football context and criticism

Everton, ever-present in the English top flight since 1954, finished 13th in each of the past two Premier League seasons under manager David Moyes, AFP reported. British media reports cited by Reuters said the owners drew supporter criticism over a summer transfer window in which Everton generated significant income through player sales but made only limited additions before the deadline. AFP reported the late collapse of a deal to sign US striker Folarin Balogun, which left Thierno Barry as the only recognised striker. In September, Moyes said he had never met or spoken to Dan Friedkin, CEO of the Friedkin Group, who is yet to attend a home game. Ouest France reported that Everton are currently seventh after five matchdays. The club's last league title came in 1987 and its last trophy was the 1995 FA Cup, according to AFP.

Next steps

Il Messaggero, citing The Athletic, reported that the Friedkins are also working to bring an NHL franchise to Houston, a project of about $3.5 billion. The same Italian report said a sale of Everton could resolve a UEFA multi-ownership issue for AS Roma, because clubs under common ownership in the same European competition must meet independence requirements. TFG also owns AS Roma and AS Cannes. The owners' statement sets out the terms for prospective buyers.

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.