U.S. billionaire Dan Friedkin has reached an agreement to purchase the English Premier League (EPL) soccer club Everton. This deal could potentially end years of instability for the club, which has struggled in recent seasons. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval from the EPL, the Football Association, and Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority.
Key Details
Friedkin, who already owns the Italian Serie A team Roma, plans to acquire a 94% stake in Everton, currently held by British-Iranian businessman Farhad Moshiri. Moshiri initially purchased a 49.9% stake in 2016 and later increased his investment with a substantial capital injection. Despite these efforts, Everton has faced challenges, narrowly avoiding relegation multiple times and currently sitting 19th in the league.
Friedkin’s Vision
The Friedkin Group, led by Dan Friedkin, expressed their commitment to bringing stability to Everton. A spokesperson stated that they are eager to secure the necessary approvals and share their future vision for the club, which includes completing the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Previous Interest
Everton has attracted interest from various parties in recent years, including U.S. private equity firm 777 Partners and American businessman John Textor. Although The Friedkin Group had previously agreed to a deal in principle, negotiations fell through earlier due to unresolved terms.
Financial and Competitive Context
According to Forbes, Friedkin has a net worth of $7.6 billion, positioning him to make significant investments in the club. Despite past investments by Moshiri, Everton has struggled with financial and competitive issues, including being penalized for breaching Premier League financial rules last season.
With the potential new ownership, Everton fans hope for a revitalized club and improved performance in the league.