Everton Owners Explore Sale of Club Less Than Two Years After £400m Takeover

Why Everton’s Owners Are Exploring a Sale

According to BBC News, The Friedkin Group (TFG) is exploring the sale of a controlling interest in Everton Football Club, less than two years after completing a takeover worth in excess of £400 million. TFG secured 99.5% ownership of the club in 2024, replacing former owner Farhad Moshiri.

TFG has cited the completion of Everton’s new stadium and the stabilisation of the club’s financial situation as key reasons for considering a sale. The stadium project, however, was largely completed before TFG’s takeover.

Leadership and Communication Under Scrutiny

Dan Friedkin, Chairman of The Friedkin Group, has faced criticism for his hands-off approach to Everton’s operations. According to BBC News, Friedkin has not attended an Everton match since David Moyes was reappointed as manager in January 2025, nor has he met or spoken to Moyes during this period.

Day-to-day leadership of the club has been delegated to Friedkin’s son-in-law, Rishi Majithia, and Chief Executive Angus Kinnear. This distance from the club’s operations has raised questions about TFG’s long-term commitment to Everton.

Transfer Decisions Fuel Fan Criticism

Everton’s transfer activity during the summer window has drawn anger from fans. According to BBC News, the club accepted a £40 million bid from Nottingham Forest for midfielder Harrison Armstrong but later pulled out of the deal. Shortly after, striker Beto was sold to Fiorentina, leaving Everton with limited striking options for the season.

The club also sold former player Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City for £65 million. These moves have contributed to a sense of instability among supporters, who have criticised TFG’s management of the club’s sporting and financial priorities.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

For founders and operators, Everton’s situation highlights the fragility of even high-profile acquisitions in industries where emotional and financial stakes are exceptionally high. The club’s new stadium and financial stabilisation—key achievements under TFG’s ownership—were expected to mark the beginning of a long-term project. Instead, they may have served as exit milestones for the owners.

The lack of direct engagement from Dan Friedkin, combined with controversial transfer decisions, has eroded fan trust and created operational friction. This reinforces a lesson applicable beyond football: infrastructure investment alone does not guarantee long-term ownership commitment, and disengaged leadership can undermine even well-funded strategies.

Key takeaways

• Ownership stability in football clubs can be short-lived, even after high-profile takeovers and infrastructure investments.
• Lack of direct engagement from ownership can create operational and morale challenges for club management and fans.
• Transfer market decisions in football are closely scrutinised and can impact fan trust and club performance.
• The completion of major projects like stadiums may trigger strategic shifts, including ownership changes.
• Founders and operators should note that financial stabilisation alone may not guarantee long-term ownership commitment in high-stakes industries like football.

FAQ

Why is The Friedkin Group considering selling Everton?

TFG has cited the completion of Everton’s new stadium and the stabilisation of the club’s finances as key reasons for exploring a sale. However, the stadium project was largely completed before TFG’s takeover.

How has Dan Friedkin’s leadership been perceived at Everton?

Friedkin’s leadership has faced scrutiny due to his absence from Everton matches and lack of direct communication with manager David Moyes since January 2025. Day-to-day operations have been left to his son-in-law and the club’s CEO.

What transfer decisions have upset Everton fans?

Everton accepted but later pulled out of a £40m bid for Harrison Armstrong from Nottingham Forest, then sold striker Beto to Fiorentina. Fans have criticised these moves, which left the club with limited attacking options.

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