The Friedkin Group Leads Race to Buy Everton Football Club

The Friedkin Group, according to BBC Sport sources, has reached a preliminary agreement to acquire Everton. Chairman Dan Friedkin, who also owns Roma, now leads the contenders to purchase Everton surpassing four other interested parties. A decision on whether Friedkin will exercise the option to buy current owner Farhad Moshiri’s 94% stake could be made by the weekend. The Friedkin is considering various deal structures.

American businessman Friedkin, with an estimated net worth of £4.8bn, aims to establish a multi-club model with both Serie A’s Roma and the Premier League’s Everton at the forefront. Moshiri is expected to grant the Friedkin Group a period of exclusivity in negotiations. Friedkin has surpassed UK-based Vici Private Finance, MSP Sports Capital, Andy Bell, George Downing and a Saudi royal consortium.

Upon news of Friedkin’s bid, the consortium led by London-based businessman and lawyer Vatche Manoukian, along with the unnamed Saudi royal and affluent American families, withdrew from the bidding process. The Manoukian-led consortium told BBC Sport they hope the deal will bring Everton success on and off the pitch. They emphasized their commitment to taking clubs to new heights.

Everton finished 15th last season, with an eight-point deduction for breaching Premier League financial regulations. They must comply with the Premier League’s financial rules by the end of this month. Additionally, they need to settle a payment to US-based MSP, one of Friedkin’s rival bidders which has loaned the club approximately £158m.

The club confirmed plans to relocate to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the 2025-26 season. The Friedkin Group acquired Serie A’s Roma in 2020 and appointed manager Jose Mourinho the following year.