Everton owners The Friedkin Group open door to controlling-stake sale as David Moyes admits surprise
Less than two years after buying Everton, The Friedkin Group has hired Moelis & Company and says it is open to selling a controlling stake in the club.
Everton's American owners, The Friedkin Group (TFG), announced on Friday, 9 October that they are exploring new investment for the Premier League club, including a possible sale of a controlling stake. The news comes less than two years after TFG completed its takeover. Manager David Moyes said he only learned of the plan that morning.
What the owners said
In its statement, TFG said its first priority after buying the club had been to bring stability and investment, and to complete the club's new stadium. With that foundation now in place, the group said "the time is right to consider the next chapter for Everton".
TFG said it would only consider offers from parties it believed could build on that progress, and that it would continue to back the club while any process runs. It has appointed investment bank Moelis & Company to advise on a sale, and said neither it nor the club would comment further for now.
From Moshiri to Friedkin and the new stadium
TFG, led by US billionaire Dan Friedkin, completed its purchase of Farhad Moshiri's 94.1% stake in December 2024. That ended a long and unsettled period in which earlier proposed deals involving 777 Partners and John Textor had collapsed.
Under TFG, Everton left Goodison Park for the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The group also owns Serie A club AS Roma and French side AS Cannes. No price has been confirmed, but Sky Sports News pundit Alan Myers suggested the owners may be looking for between £800 million and £1 billion. That figure is his estimate rather than an official valuation, and no potential buyers have been named.
Moyes caught off guard
Speaking on Friday, Moyes said the announcement had come as a surprise. He said he had believed the owners were fully committed to the club, and that his main sympathy was with supporters who now face another spell of uncertainty over ownership.
The timing is awkward because results on the pitch have been encouraging. Everton are unbeaten after five Premier League games, with two wins and three draws, and sit seventh on nine points. The summer transfer window did draw criticism from some fans, however, after the club brought in significant money from player sales but made only limited signings.
Next up: Hull away
Moyes' side return to league action on Sunday, 11 October, with a trip to Hull City. Keeping the unbeaten run going will matter, as a sale process can take months and the squad will want to avoid the off-field news becoming a distraction.
Key takeaways
- The Friedkin Group said on 9 October it is open to selling a controlling stake in Everton.
- TFG bought Farhad Moshiri's 94.1% stake in December 2024 and oversaw the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
- Investment bank Moelis & Company has been hired to advise on a sale.
- David Moyes said he was surprised and found out on the morning of the announcement.
- Everton are seventh and unbeaten after five games, and visit Hull City on Sunday.
FAQ
Is Everton for sale? The Friedkin Group says it is exploring new investment options, which include a possible sale of a controlling stake, but no deal or buyer has been announced.
When did The Friedkin Group buy Everton? TFG completed its takeover in December 2024, buying Farhad Moshiri's 94.1% stake.
Who do Everton play next? Everton travel to Hull City in the Premier League on Sunday, 11 October.
Sources: Malay Mail (PA Media), Sky Sports, Sports Mole, Reuters