Everton Explore Market for Buyers
The Friedkin Group (TFG) has officially confirmed that it is exploring the market for potential buyers to take over Everton Football Club. In a statement released on Friday, the owners announced they are considering options for the club’s future, including the potential sale of a controlling interest, less than two years after completing their takeover in 2024. The club, currently under the management of David Moyes, has appointed Manhattan-based investment bank Moelis & Company to oversee the process and manage inquiries from interested parties.
Reporting regarding the valuation of the club remains subject to variation. While some sources, including The Times, have pointed to a figure in the region of £800 million, reports on the specific financial liabilities attached differ. Depending on the reporting outlet, the club's inherited debt is estimated between approximately £380 million and £468 million. TFG, which acquired a 99.5% stake in the club for an amount believed to exceed £400 million, has stated that its priority throughout this transition is to identify stewards capable of building on the foundation of financial and operational stability established during their tenure.
Managerial Strains and Squad Concerns
The decision to seek new investment follows a tenure that has seen significant tension between ownership and the fanbase, particularly regarding recruitment strategy and communication. Manager David Moyes, who returned to Goodison Park in January 2025, revealed in September that he had not held a direct conversation with TFG chairman Dan Friedkin during his entire second spell at the club. This perceived distance was compounded by a summer transfer window that saw the departures of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City and Beto to Fiorentina, without the acquisition of direct replacements. The manager is currently operating with a senior squad of just 18 outfield players, leaving the club's depth under scrutiny ahead of the winter window.
Speculation and Market Context
The announcement has prompted wide-ranging speculation regarding the club's ownership, including a lighthearted social media plea from former Everton player Michael Ball. Writing on X, Ball urged billionaire Elon Musk to consider purchasing the club, suggesting he might compete with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who was part of a consortium that acquired a minority stake in Liverpool in August 2026. While such appeals reflect a desire among supporters for deep-pocketed and engaged ownership, the process of finding a buyer is strictly a commercial matter. Market analysts are currently observing how potential investors value the club's assets, specifically the completed Hill Dickinson Stadium, against the backdrop of the current financial climate. TFG has indicated that business operations will continue as normal while they review interest, with the expectation that the market process will unfold over the coming months.
