Friday morning brought the news that The Friedkin Group are looking to sell up at Everton. An official club statement confirmed investment was being explored, and a controlling stake was on offer to the right candidate.
It leaves Everton in limbo again. Less than two years after TFG took over from Farhad Moshiri, they are now exploring an exit or a change in their investment, raising questions about the long-term commitment Evertonians were entitled to expect.
Though disappointing, the absent owners can hardly be blamed. Attempting to bridge the gap to the top of the Premier League with the division’s financial straitjacket on is frustrating – just ask Newcastle and Aston Villa.
For much of what now looks likely to be a brief stewardship at Everton, there has been criticism around priorities and communication. Everton found themselves in a multi-club model, while the Friedkins are also preparing to launch a Houston-based NHL franchise worth around $3.5bn. In short, TFG have their fingers in many pies. With interests spanning multiple clubs and other major sporting ventures, the Friedkins have plenty competing for their attention. Evertonians, understandably, want to feel their club is a priority.
January brought frustration from Evertonians, as the transfer window drifted past without the required recruits. Tyrique George came in on loan and played a handful of minutes, while Harrison Armstrong was recalled from loan. Both may benefit in the long term, but Everton’s immediate needs went unmet, leaving the squad short of the reinforcements required for the run-in.
TFG-owned Roma, in contrast, brought in Robinio Vaz, Bryan Zaragoza, Lorenzo Venturino and, crucially, Donyell Malen. The latter scored 14 goals in 18 games to fire Roma into the Champions League. How Everton could have done with such impact, as the wheels fell off.
But there is no love-in for TFG in Rome. I spoke with Matteo de Rose of Roma fansite LaRoma24, whose assessment of the Friedkins suggests Everton’s frustrations may not be unique.
“I can tell you that Roma aren’t thought to be more popular with the Friedkins than Everton,” he said.
“What’s most blamed on the owners is their slowness in making decisions on all fronts, their lack of presence, and an almost pathological sense of privacy that suppresses communication.”
Sound familiar?
It’s not just the owners’ communication skills (or lack of) that has brought similar issues. A failure to address long-term problem positions and question marks over their football knowledge have also arisen in Rome.
“Some things have been done well (many of the players acquired in the summer have expanded the squad), but in attack, especially at the winger position, we’ve had a gap for years now, even before [Gian Piero] Gasperini. The coach has repeatedly asked for it, but so far nothing.
“In general, there is confidence in the solidity of the ownership, but a little less in their ability in the world of football, especially in relation to the timing of execution.
“The stadium project here in Italy (like so many other things) is a very slow-moving one. The latest reports tell us that the first stone could be laid in 2027, and the stadium will be among those approved for Euro 2032. We’re disappointed and can only wait and see.
“Overall, after all due considerations, I would say that today on a 0 to 10 approval rating the Friedkin family is at 5.5.”
For Evertonians, the prospect of another change in ownership brings familiar questions about ambition, stability and commitment. In a multi-club model, it can be difficult for supporters to feel their team is the priority, particularly when communication is limited and recruitment falls short.
Roma’s experience suggests those concerns are not unique to Everton. The Friedkins may have provided financial solidity, but questions over their football decision-making and execution have persisted in Italy, too.
Whoever comes next at Everton must offer more than financial security. Supporters want a clear plan, decisive leadership and the feeling that their club is being put first.
Read more – Moyes sympathises with Evertonians after Friedkin Group open door to sale and new owners