“Everton’s Hopes Dashed: The Fallout from the Friedkin Group’s Failed Takeover”
Everton will play AS Roma at Goodison Park on Saturday, but off the field, the club remains in a state of uncertainty after the collapse of the Friedkin Group’s takeover. Fans had hoped this match would signal the start of a new chapter, marking the beginning of a multi-club ownership structure.
When Everton announced their final pre-season friendly at Goodison Park would be against AS Roma, it seemed fitting. The game could have represented the start of a potential partnership between the two historic European clubs.
The Toffees were set to host a team that would not only challenge them on the pitch but also represented their potential new owners. The Friedkin Group, led by Texan billionaire Dan Friedkin, has managed Roma since August 2020. Under their ownership, the club has undergone a transformation, overcoming financial difficulties, complying with UEFA financial fair play regulations, and achieving notable success on the field, including winning the inaugural Europa Conference League in 2022 and reaching the Europa League semi-finals last season.
Everton fans had hoped Friedkin could bring similar stability and success to their club. When an exclusivity agreement with majority owner Farhad Moshiri was announced, supporters were optimistic. They have endured years of financial struggles, with the club losing nearly £400 million in four years and selling key players like Richarlison, Alex Iwobi, and Anthony Gordon, all while a proposed takeover by 777 Partners failed to gain approval from the Premier League.
The news that Friedkin had backed out of the deal last month was a major setback for Everton. The club is once again up for sale, but there have been few interested parties, unlike earlier in the year when local businessmen like George Downing and Andy Bell showed interest, though Friedkin was Moshiri’s preferred buyer.
Despite these challenges, credit is due to Everton manager Sean Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell for the signings they’ve made in the summer transfer window. Five new players have joined, including Jake O’Brien, Iliman Ndiaye, and Tim Iroegbunam.
However, Dyche has acknowledged the difficulties, and it’s clear Everton’s recruitment team would benefit from more support from the club’s leadership. Moshiri, who is focused on selling the club, seems to have had little involvement.
In contrast, Friedkin’s influence in Rome is evident. This season, Roma aims to return to the Champions League and has made significant investments in the transfer market, including the €30 million signing of forward Artem Dovbyk from Girona. Roma’s coach, Daniele De Rossi, credited Friedkin for facilitating the deal, highlighting the owner’s positive impact on the club’s ambitions.