When Everton‘s Friedkin Group issued a 170‑word Friday statement that the club is up for sale, the tone was as muted as their Merseyside stint.
TFG, also owners of AS Roma, paid over £400 million for a 99.5% stake in December 2024, rescuing Everton from the financial chaos that marked Farhad Moshiri’s final days.
The deal was supposed to herald a bold new chapter as the Toffees prepared to leave Goodison Park for a state‑of‑the‑art arena at Bramley Moore Dock.
Instead of confidence, TFG have acted like absentee owners, pouring energy into Roma while chairman Dan Friedkin has never set foot in an Everton match or spoken to David Moyes since his January 2025 return.
Moyes disclosed the truth after a disastrous summer window that turned fan patience into outright hostility toward the owners.
Everton owners consider selling club two years after takeover
The flashpoint was TFG’s push to offload academy star Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest for £40 million.
When the rumor broke, fans at Bournemouth shouted threats of a riot later that afternoon.
TFG scrambled to halt the deal, but the stunt only deepened the rift with supporters.
Everton then cashed in £65 million for Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City and sent Beto to Fiorentina, while a Monaco move for Folarin Balogun fell through with no backup plan.
Moyes was left with a thin striking line and just 18 senior outfield players, prompting TFG to announce a stake sale.
Why have TFG decided now is the time to sell?
Maguire said, “I think there are various factors at play. I suspect they were shocked by having to pay Burnley more than £35 million for a breach of financial rules.”
In 2024 Everton were found to have breached Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules over three seasons, with Burnley claiming the breach cost them Premier League survival in 2021‑22.
TFG injected £38 million to cover the payout, while Everton have appealed the decision.
Maguire added, “I think they imagined English football would become as litigious as the U.S. market. That didn’t sit well with them.”
“The market is buoyant, American interest is high, and only about 20 Premier League clubs are for sale. Scarcity drives price,” he said.
He estimated TFG will seek £750 million‑£800 million, noting U.S. franchises can command $5 billion or more.
“They can treat it as a flip – buy low, sell high,” he observed.
In my view, TFG’s financial rescue gives Everton a tempting package for potential buyers.
“Everton boasts history, heritage and a loyal fanbase that fills a 50,000‑plus stadium,” Maguire noted.
“You won’t need to fund a stadium upgrade. I respect the club’s finance team; unlike Moshiri’s chaos, the books are clean now.”
“To quote a former prime minister, it’s an ‘oven‑ready’ club on the market. Owners looking to accelerate can start here,” he said.
“My starting point for buyers would be the United States,” he added.
Nonetheless, the Texas‑based owners’ relationship with Merseyside feels strained.
Moyes highlighted the disconnect, saying he only learned of the sale when the public did, unlike the seamless communication at Roma.
Speaking before the Hull trip, Moyes said, “I’m disappointed Everton fans face another ‘who owns us?’ saga.”
“I truly believed new owners meant full commitment. My goal was to restore Everton to its former heights, a challenge that European rivals often set.”
“It’s been a tough summer. I only heard this morning. Maybe I’m surprised, maybe I shouldn’t be.”
Maguire criticized TFG’s lack of local engagement: “Dan Friedkin has never attended an Everton game, showing the gap.”
“Roma enjoys Champions League revenue and regular European nights – a reality Everton doesn’t share.”
How will TFG’s tenure be remembered?
“There’s disappointment mixed with indifference,” Maguire added. “Under Moshiri, many were decorative hires; now the right people are in place.”
TFG hopes to close a deal quickly.
Maguire said, “Because the Friedkins have done extensive due diligence, most issues are already flagged and addressed.”
“Now it’s about satisfying the Premier League’s owners and directors test. Do you have the money? Can you prove its source for purchase and operation?”
Moyes offered a reference, stating, “I look forward to the right people taking the club forward.”
“It’s a great club. Anyone interested, I’ll be the first to say it’s worth buying.”
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