The Friedkin Group is open to selling its majority stake in Everton, less than two years after completing its takeover of the club in December 2024. According to David Ornstein at The Athletic, the American ownership group has engaged advisory firm Moelis & Company to explore potential investment avenues, including a complete divestment of their controlling interest.
While the ownership initially sought strategic partners to acquire minority positions, market reports suggest the firm is now willing to relinquish its 99.5% stake if a suitable buyer with the requisite financial ambition is identified. Sources close to the process indicate that valuation guidance for the club is being discussed in excess of £1 billion. The Friedkin Group, led by Dan Friedkin, remains under no immediate financial pressure to offload the asset and is prepared to continue supporting the club’s operations until a transition is finalised.
Squad Stability and Transfer Market Consequences
The uncertainty surrounding ownership arrives following a challenging summer transfer window that left manager David Moyes with a notably thin senior squad. The club’s recruitment strategy, aimed at balancing financial sustainability with competitive improvement, was overshadowed by the late collapse of a move for Folarin Balogun. With senior departures including Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City, Moyes currently has only 18 senior outfield players at his disposal. Reports from the Liverpool Echo indicate that the manager remains at odds with the hierarchy regarding the depth required to challenge for Europe, a target publicly set by CEO Angus Kinnear prior to the campaign.
Valuation and Revenue Strategy
The £1 billion+ valuation benchmark reflects the club's transition to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, which is central to the owners' attempts to shift the revenue model. Recent reporting suggests that revenue has risen toward £265 million, a significant increase from the £196.7 million recorded in the 2024/25 accounts. Analysts note that this figure represents a different class of asset compared to the club that struggled under the previous regime. The focus for any prospective buyer will be on whether this revenue base is sustainable or if the club remains vulnerable to the financial constraints that necessitated a summer of profit-generating player sales.
As the club navigates this period of instability, the focus shifts to whether the current board can maintain the competitive momentum established by Moyes, whose side has started the season positively despite the squad limitations. Formal processes for a sale are expected to develop in the coming months.
