Less than two years after the Friedkin Group took over, Everton is considering a sale, signaling significant progress since its financial turmoil.
Everton Football Club is engaging in discussions about a potential sale, just shy of two years since the Friedkin Group stepped in during a period of acute financial distress. This announcement marks a notable shift in strategy for the club, which is actively considering “new investment options,” as stated on Friday.
The Friedkin Group acquired Everton amid alarming uncertainties in December 2024, aiming to restore financial stability and complete the long-awaited stadium project in Liverpool. “The immediate priority was to provide the stability, investment and support needed to secure the Club’s future,” the club noted, highlighting its commitment to ensuring that supporters would ultimately have a venue worthy of their loyalty.
Fast forward to the present, Everton proudly claims that its financial landscape has significantly stabilized. The club recently revealed an impressive turnover of £196.7 million for the last financial year, reflecting an increase of £9.8 million from the previous period. This resurgence places them in a strong position to attract potential buyers by emphasizing their progress and the promise of their new stadium.
However, the current discussions do not necessarily foreshadow a complete exit for the Friedkin Group. Sources close to the matter suggest that while a controlling stake may be available, the group could still retain a significant share. Friedkin purchased about 98.8% of Everton and feels confident that it has achieved its goals of financial stabilization and stadium project completion.
As the club navigates these waters, a critical decision looms: either inject more capital for further growth or invite a new investor, potentially capitalizing on the club’s heightened valuation. “This is a very different process from when Friedkin bought the team,” said the source, indicating that the circumstances surrounding potential transactions have markedly evolved.
The news of a possible sale has sent ripples through the soccer community, particularly resonating with figures like John Textor, an established name in football ownership circles. Textor, who has ownership stakes in clubs like Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyonnais, expressed disbelief over the development: “Are you fucking kidding me? There’s something very wrong with this story.” His previous bid to acquire Everton in 2024 adds a layer of intrigue, as his own financial challenges have surfaced with the restructuring of his holding company, Eagle Football Holdings.
Textor’s surprise at the Friedkin Group’s premature consideration of a sale is compounded by Dan Friedkin's known enthusiasm for club ownership. With a net worth of approximately $12.6 billion, Friedkin is not only a significant player in sports ownership but also leads companies like AS Roma and AS Cannes.
This potential shift comes on the heels of Everton welcoming new minority investors. In April 2025, Christopher Sarofim, part-owner of the NFL's Houston Texans, and NBA Hall of Famer Jason Kidd, joined Everton's ownership group, infusing the club with fresh capital. These moves indicate a broader strategy to strengthen Everton's financial health while exploring larger investment avenues.
As Everton competes in the ongoing 2026–27 season, currently standing seventh in the Premier League with an undefeated record of two wins and three draws, the implications of these discussions extend beyond ownership. This season’s placement shows significant promise, given last year’s disappointing 13th-place finish, which came off back-to-back years of lower mid-table struggles.
With the prospect of a sale potentially on the table, several factors will play a crucial role in shaping Everton's future. Should the club sell a controlling stake, it could enable more aggressive investment strategies, tapping into fresh resources to compete at the highest levels of the Premier League. Conversely, if the Friedkin Group retains a significant share, the club may benefit from their continued involvement and expertise.
While Everton has opted not to provide further comments on the potential sale, the next steps will undoubtedly shape their trajectory, both on and off the pitch. As fans and stakeholders await further developments, the anticipation surrounding the fate of this historic club is palpable. The forward momentum they’ve regained could very well hinge on decisions made in the coming weeks.
