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Who are the Friedkin Group? More about Everton’s new owners

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Who are the Friedkin Group? More about Everton’s new ownersEverton

English Premier side Everton finally have new owners with the news that the Friedkin Group have taken over at Goodison Park.

It's been a tough few years for fans of the club under the ownership of Farhad Moshiri and they will undoubtedly be delighted that his protracted efforts to offload the club have finally gone through.

The new owners have reportedly acquired 99.5% of the club in a deal believed to be worth in excess of £400m. It makes Everton the 10th club in the Premier League to be majority owned by Americans.

Let's take a moment to find out more about Everton's new owners and what the change will likely mean for the Toffees.

Who are the Friedkin Group?

The Friedkin Group is a Houston-based consortium with extensive business interests in the automotive, entertainment, and hospitality industries.

Owned by billionaire Dan Friedkin, the company is perhaps best known for its ownership of Serie A giants AS Roma, which they acquired in 2020.

The group has a proven track record in sports management, having guided Roma to its first major European trophy in decades when the club won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022.

 

A wealth of experience in sports ownership

Everton fans can take encouragement from the Friedkin Group's stewardship of Roma.

In Italy, they invested in the club’s infrastructure, improved commercial revenue streams, and bolstered the playing squad.

While challenges remain, particularly in breaking the stranglehold of Italy’s top clubs, the group’s efforts have been widely praised for laying a solid foundation for long-term success.

 

What does the takeover mean financially?

Farhad Moshiri’s tenure at Everton was marked by substantial investment, but also significant financial mismanagement.

The Friedkin Group’s acquisition comes at a crucial time for the Toffees, with the club currently grappling with financial fair play regulations and a lack of squad depth.

The new owners are expected to inject much-needed stability and financial discipline, potentially paving the way for more targeted and strategic spending in the transfer market.

 

Impact on the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium project

One of the Friedkin Group’s immediate priorities will be ensuring the successful completion of Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

The project, which is set to be a game-changer for the club’s revenue generation, has faced delays and cost overruns under the previous regime.

With their experience in large-scale infrastructure projects, the Friedkin Group is well-placed to see this landmark development through to completion.

Sean Dyche_April2022Stephen Pond/Getty Images

A new era of stability?

Under Moshiri, Everton fans endured years of turmoil, with constant managerial changes, poor recruitment, and flirtations with relegation.

The Friedkin Group’s history suggests a more measured and strategic approach. If they replicate the methodical and structured management style seen at Roma, Everton could finally achieve the stability they have been craving for years.

By way of example, under Farhad Moshiri, Everton had eight different managers in little more than eight years.

The line of managers who came and went under his leadership was Roberto Martinez, Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce, Marco Silva, Carlo Ancelotti, Rafael Benitez, Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche. 

 

What could it mean for the squad?

While it’s too early to predict specifics, the Friedkin Group will likely assess Everton’s current squad and focus on building a team capable of steady improvement.

At Roma, their approach emphasised finding young talent and complementing it with experienced players, which could bode well for Everton’s long-term prospects.

 

The American influence in the EPL

Everton’s takeover adds to the growing list of American-owned Premier League clubs. US owned clubs now include Manchester United, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town and Chelsea.

The Friedkin Group’s acquisition highlights the continued appeal of English football to U.S. investors. Everton fans will hope their new owners bring the same ambition and professionalism seen at other American-owned clubs.

 

What’s next for Everton?

The Friedkin Group’s entry marks a fresh chapter for the Toffees. With a new stadium on the horizon and the promise of better financial and footballing strategies, there is cause for cautious optimism at Goodison Park.

However, success won’t come overnight — patience will be key as the new owners seek to restore Everton’s status as one of England’s elite clubs.



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