Everton have been placed on the market by their owners, the Friedkin Group, less than two years after completing their takeover of the club. The group say they will only give up control if they are satisfied the new owner is the right person or group to take the team "to the next level."
According to the report, the Toffees' owners were already seeking investment but are now ready to depart should the right buyer emerge. The Friedkin Group say they plan to keep supporting the club and are content to remain on Merseyside until a suitable successor is found.
In a statement issued via The Mirror, Everton said: "The Friedkin Group is exploring new investment options for Everton Football Club, including the potential sale of a controlling interest. When TFG became custodians of Everton, the Club faced significant financial uncertainty and challenges both on and off the pitch. The immediate priority was to provide the stability, investment and support needed to secure the club's future, including helping to bring the long-promised stadium to completion for its deserving supporters."
The statement continued: "With that foundation now safely in place, the time is right to consider the next chapter for Everton. We will only entertain interest from parties who we strongly believe will be the right stewards to take the club forward and build on the momentum that has been established. Throughout this process, TFG's focus will remain unchanged. We will support the club in all ways necessary to achieve success on the pitch and will continue efforts to make a positive difference in the communities the club serves. TFG and the club will not be commenting further while this work is underway."
Background to the Friedkin ownership
The Friedkin Group acquired Everton in December 2024, using Roundhouse Capital to purchase Farhad Moshiri's 94% stake. The deal ended a turbulent search for new owners following financial troubles under Moshiri and the collapse of earlier discussions with 777, MSP Sports Capital and the KAM Group. The original agreement to purchase Everton was reported to be valued at more than £400 million ($529.14 million).
The group has already drawn in outside investment, with former Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd and American billionaire Christopher Sarofim both acquiring minority stakes in Roundhouse last year. The Everton investors also own Serie A side AS Roma and Ligue 1 club AS Cannes, and are in the process of establishing an NHL franchise in Houston in a deal reported to be valued at around £2.65 billion ($3.51 billion).
Pressure after a difficult transfer window
Everton's ownership has faced mounting pressure from supporters following a frustrating summer transfer window. The club managed to secure Jack Grealish on loan for a second consecutive season, but failed to bring in a striker after losing both Beto to ACF Fiorentina and Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City.
Earlier this summer, manager David Moyes disclosed that he generally has no direct communication with Dan Friedkin, the chief executive of the Friedkin Group. "My real contact is Angus [Kinnear, Everton CEO]. Angus is the one who I would go to see," Moyes said. "Rishi [Majithia, TFG representative] is the next one and then the head of the Friedkin family in America. I don't really get any direct conversations with them, but I do through Rishi, he is the one I would speak to."
Following the original acquisition of the club, Dan Friedkin issued an open letter pledging his commitment to the club's heritage. "I take immense pride in welcoming one of England's most historic football clubs to our global family, the Friedkin Group. Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution," he said. "Whilst we are new to the club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world. We are deeply committed to honoring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city."
