The Friedkin Group, owned by American businessman Dan Friedkin, has reached a preliminary agreement to acquire Everton Football Club, according to BBC Sport. The deal would see Friedkin, who also owns Italian club Roma, take over the majority stake currently held by Farhad Moshiri. Friedkin’s reported net worth of £4.8bn puts him ahead of four other bidders for the club. If the deal goes through, Friedkin plans to establish a multi-club model with both Roma and Everton at the top.
Moshiri is expected to grant the Friedkin Group a period of exclusivity to finalize the details of the takeover. This means that other potential bidders, including UK-based investment firm Vici Private Finance and local businessmen Andy Bell and George Downing, will be sidelined for now. A consortium involving a Saudi royal is also among the rival bidders.
For Everton, this potential acquisition comes at a crucial time. The club finished 15th in the Premier League last season and was docked eight points for breaching financial rules. They must now comply with the league’s profit and sustainability regulations by the end of this month. Additionally, Everton owes a significant payment to US-based firm MSP, which is one of Friedkin’s rival bidders. MSP had loaned the club around £158m.
Despite these challenges, Everton has confirmed its plans to move to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the start of the 2025-26 season. This move, combined with the potential investment from the Friedkin Group, could provide a much-needed boost for the club both on and off the pitch.
The Friedkin Group’s acquisition of Roma in 2020 has already made waves in Italian football. Under Friedkin’s ownership, the club appointed renowned manager Jose Mourinho, signaling their ambition to compete at the highest level. If he succeeds in acquiring Everton as well, Friedkin could replicate this success in the Premier League.
In conclusion, Dan Friedkin and his Friedkin Group are in advanced talks to acquire Everton Football Club. If the deal is finalized, it could bring much-needed investment and stability to the club, which has struggled both on and off the pitch in recent years. With Friedkin’s success at Roma, Everton fans can hope for a brighter future under new ownership. However, it remains to be seen whether other potential bidders will make a final push for the club or if Friedkin’s reported net worth will secure his position as the frontrunner.