Everton Football Club has entered a new chapter after the long-awaited takeover by the Friedkin Group, ending Farhad Moshiri’s turbulent tenure and bringing renewed hope to fans and stakeholders. The American consortium, led by billionaire Dan Friedkin, has secured a controlling stake in the historic Merseyside club, with the deal valued at over £400 million. This significant development is set to reshape Everton’s future both on and off the pitch, as the club prepares to move into its new stadium and seeks stability after years of uncertainty.
The End of the Moshiri Era
Farhad Moshiri, who first acquired a stake in Everton in 2016, leaves behind a mixed legacy. His time at the club saw heavy investment in players and infrastructure, including the ambitious Bramley-Moore Dock stadium project. However, Everton’s finances became increasingly strained, with the club posting losses for seven consecutive years and accumulating net debt that reached £567.3 million by the end of the 2023/24 season. Moshiri’s efforts to stabilise the club were hampered by failed takeover attempts and the impact of Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which led to two separate points deductions last season.
Despite these challenges, Moshiri expressed confidence in the Friedkin Group’s ability to guide Everton towards a brighter future. In his parting statement, he highlighted the progress made on the new stadium and the club’s sporting department, stating, “I truly believe that the transaction with The Friedkin Group is the best outcome for the club and its future success”.
The Friedkin Group: Who Are the New Owners?
The Friedkin Group, based in Texas and led by Dan Friedkin, boasts an estimated net worth of £6.16 billion. The group is no stranger to football, having owned Serie A side AS Roma since 2020. Their acquisition of a 98.8% stake in Everton was finalised after receiving all necessary regulatory approvals from the Premier League, the Football Association, and the Financial Conduct Authority.
Dan Friedkin has been nominated as chairman of Everton’s board, while Marc Watts has taken on the role of executive chairman. The group’s first actions included converting outstanding shareholder loans into equity and refinancing existing debt on more favourable terms, moves that have strengthened the club’s financial foundation ahead of new Premier League regulations on shareholder loans.
In their first statement to supporters, Friedkin emphasised the club’s proud legacy and the group’s commitment to “delivering a strong and sustainable future for Everton Football Club, restoring its competitive stature and maintaining its deep connection with fans and the community”.
Financial Stability and Stadium Ambitions
One of the Friedkin Group’s immediate priorities has been to provide financial stability and ensure the completion of Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. The stadium, set to open for the 2025/26 season, represents a crucial step in boosting Everton’s commercial prospects and matchday revenues. The club has already secured £350 million in long-term financing from a consortium of institutional lenders to support the stadium’s completion.
Everton’s latest accounts show a £14.7 million increase in turnover to £186.9 million, driven largely by a rise in broadcast revenue. The club also reduced its pre-tax loss to £53.2 million, down from £89.1 million the previous year, and generated a £48.5 million profit from player trading activities. While these improvements are encouraging, the club’s wage-to-turnover ratio remains high at 81%, and net debt continues to be a concern.
Sporting Prospects and Managerial Stability
On the pitch, Everton has endured a difficult period, narrowly avoiding relegation in recent seasons and facing points deductions for PSR breaches. The club’s men’s and women’s teams have both struggled for consistency, and manager Sean Dyche has spoken openly about the challenges of operating amid financial constraints and ownership uncertainty.
Dyche, who is in the final year of his contract, welcomed the takeover as an opportunity for greater stability, stating, “To speak candidly, [the acquisition will provide] greater stability. The club has been on unstable ground for quite some time, facing various situations and differing opinions. This will help to dissipate the distractions surrounding Everton Football Club”. The Friedkin Group has promised “thoughtful and strategic investment” in the first team, but PSR compliance will continue to limit spending in the short term.
Fan Reaction and Community Impact
Everton’s supporters have endured a rollercoaster 18 months, marked by failed takeover attempts, relegation battles, and uncertainty over the club’s future. The completion of the Friedkin Group’s takeover has been met with cautious optimism, with the Everton Fan Advisory Board describing it as an opportunity for fans “to once again look forward with hope and optimism”.
The new owners have signalled their intention to honour Everton’s heritage while contributing positively to the local community and economy. With the move to a new stadium on the horizon and a renewed focus on commercial growth, there is hope that Everton can re-establish itself as a competitive force in English football.
Conclusion
The Friedkin Group’s arrival marks a turning point for Everton, but significant challenges remain. Financial discipline will be essential to comply with PSR and avoid further sanctions. The club must also navigate the transition to its new stadium and rebuild its squad within budgetary constraints.
Nevertheless, the foundations are now in place for a more stable and ambitious future. As Dan Friedkin stated, “Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution”. With new leadership, financial backing, and a clear vision, Everton fans can look forward to a new era—one that promises stability, growth, and the hope of returning to the upper echelons of English football.
To read more click here
