Everton’s American owners, The Friedkin Group, are exploring new investment options, including a potential sale of their controlling stake, less than two years after taking over the Premier League club.
The group confirmed the development in a statement on Friday, saying it was considering the next stage of Everton’s ownership after helping stabilise the club’s finances and complete its long-awaited move to a new stadium.
“The Friedkin Group is exploring new investment options for Everton Football Club, including the potential sale of a controlling interest,” the club said.
The statement added that the owners would only consider offers from parties they believed could provide responsible leadership and take Everton forward.
The Friedkin Group completed its takeover in December 2024, acquiring the club from former majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri after a turbulent period marked by financial uncertainty. The takeover brought immediate financial support and helped address several challenges facing Everton, including the completion of its new stadium. However, questions about the owners’ long-term commitment have grown in recent months.
Transfer Decisions Fuel Supporter Frustration
The possibility of a sale follows mounting criticism of the club’s transfer strategy during the summer window. Supporters reacted angrily to plans to sell homegrown midfielder Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest. The proposed deal was eventually abandoned following the backlash.
Everton also sold Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City for a reported £65m, while attempts to secure a replacement striker on deadline day failed. The club consequently entered the season with concerns about squad depth, particularly in attack.
Manager David Moyes has also revealed that he has never met or spoken directly with Friedkin since returning to Everton in January 2025. The situation has raised questions about communication between the club’s leadership and its American owners.
Ownership Rules Add Pressure
The Friedkin Group’s ownership of Italian club AS Roma presents another challenge. UEFA regulations restrict clubs under the same ownership from competing in the same European competition unless they meet specific requirements. Everton and Roma’s ownership arrangements could therefore create complications if both qualify for the same UEFA tournament.
The group previously indicated that it had a structural solution to address the issue but later acknowledged that the proposed arrangement was not feasible. A sale could resolve some of these concerns, depending on the ownership structure of any prospective buyer.
Reports have suggested that Everton could be valued at around £800m, including debt, although no final sale price has been confirmed. The club has not announced an agreement with a prospective buyer, and the ownership process remains at an exploratory stage.
