The Friedkin Group has completed its takeover of Everton Football Club, bringing to end the turbulent era of Farhad Moshiri’s ownership. The deal, valued at over £400 million, marks the entrance of Texas billionaire Dan Friedkin as the new chairman of one of England’s most storied football clubs.
The acquisition was finalized on December 19, 2024, and has been met with excitement by Evertonians, who have endured years of uncertainty, particularly during Moshiri's eight-year reign. During this tumultuous period, the club faced relegation battles, managerial changes, and significant financial challenges.
Moshiri, who first purchased shares of Everton back in 2016, sold his 94% stake through his company Blue Heaven Holdings to Roundhouse Capital Holdings, representing the Friedkin Group. The transition secured necessary regulatory approvals from the Premier League and other governing bodies, paving the way for the new management to implement their vision.
Dan Friedkin expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, "I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, the Friedkin Group. Everton means so much to its supporters and the local community. We are dedicated to honoring the club's proud legacy and contributing positively to the local economy."
Marc Watts, appointed as the executive chairman of Everton, commented on the day’s events, noting, "Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for the Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club. Providing immediate financial stability to the Club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this. While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step on our new path."
The transformation under Friedkin’s ownership is seen as pivotal for Everton, which has been trapped under Moshiri's controversial leadership. The outgoing owner reflected on his time with the club, stating, "I truly believe the transaction with the Friedkin Group is the best outcome for the club and its future success. Despite the challenges of the last few years, we have made significant strides, including delivering our iconic new stadium and stabilizing our finances. I now hand over to new owners confident about the club's future and hopeful our fans will enjoy the success they deserve."
Under the ownership of the Friedkin Group, which also owns AS Roma, Everton's new management is committed to restoring the club's status. Their strategy includes making thoughtful investments to strengthen the men's first team, cultivating talent from their academy, and fostering commercial strategies for the women's team.
Everton has struggled to find consistent form on the field, sitting precariously around the relegation zone. The new owners aim to address this by injecting capital and restructuring the club's existing debt, which, historically, had ballooned due to poor financial decisions and bad investments made during Moshiri’s tenure.
The Friedkin Group will focus on turning this financial instability around by converting much of Everton’s debt—previously around £660 million—into equity, making the club financially healthier. This shift not only alleviates immediate financial pressure but also positions Everton to comply with the Premier League’s stringent financial regulations.
Friedkin's leadership team, alongside Watts as executive chairman, includes Ana Dunkel, who brings her skills as the new chief financial officer. Colin Chong retains his position as interim chief executive, ensuring continuity as new appointments are made within the coming months. This collaborative approach aims to stabilize operations and reinforce the club's connection with its fanbase.
Friedkin has outlined key goals for the club, emphasizing respect for its traditions and ensuring Everton remains at the heart of the community. Through strategic partnerships, the group plans to maximize the potential of the new stadium located at Bramley-Moore Dock, currently nearing completion.
The Friedkin Group recognizes the importance of this historical moment for Evertonians and the wider Liverpool community. Their commitment to nurturing local ties and fostering community involvement suggests the club could regain its past glories and resonate meaningfully with fans worldwide.
The announcement has been warmly received by supporters, many of whom regard it as the start of a new chapter for Everton FC. Following years of relegation fights and managerial turmoil, fans are naively hopeful for renewed success on the pitch and off. The transition signifies not just ownership change but offers renewed optimism amid the club's storied history.
While challenges lie ahead, both Friedkin and Watts are optimistic about steering Everton back to its foundational ethos: nil satis nisi optimum, which translates from Latin as “nothing but the best.” The takeover encapsulates the club's ambitions going forward—a pledge to restore Everton's competitive stature and rekindle community loyalty as they navigate the unpredictable waters of modern football.
