Everton’s new prospective owners are reportedly ‘in talks’ with ‘wealthy Arabs’ as they edge closer to control over the club.
The Friedkin Group (TFG) are set to take the reins at Everton by early next year after they purchased Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1% majority share of the football club, which is still pending regulatory approval from the Premier League, the Football Association, and the Financial Conduct Authority according to TeamTalk.
The American firm is headed up by billionaire Texas businessman Dan Friedkin, 59, who according to Forbes, is worth £5.7m.
It is thought that TFG will employ a ‘hands-on’ approach to running the football club, like what Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS are doing at Manchester United currently.
With a new state-of-the-art stadium located on the banks of the River Mersey set to become the Toffees’ new home next season, supporters will be keen to see if this will attract higher-calibre players to the club.
Funds will likely be provided by TFG for the summer transfer window.
Things may finally be looking up for Everton after three consecutive years battling to avoid relegation, which was added to by two separate points deductions for a breach of profit and sustainability rules (PSR) last season.
But Everton are not the only team that TFG are involved with. They also boast shares in Crystal Palace but expressed their desire to sell their interest in the club in a statement in August 2024.
The American firm also has an 86.6% majority stake in Italian giants AS Roma. The group oversaw the club’s 2022 Conference League winning season.
However, not everyone in the Italian capital is best pleased with TFG’s way of running the club after Roma legend turned manager Daniele De Rossi was sacked four Serie A games into this season to the dismay of many fans. But there may be some new faces present at the Stadio Olimpico soon if reports are to be believed.
Reports have suggested that Qatari representatives were present at Roma’s 1-0 home defeat against Inter Milan on October 20, according to Roma Press. The definite reason for their visit is unknown.
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani, was reported to be in the city for a two-day trip amid suggestions that the club is attracting interest from Middle Eastern parties but there is nothing to suggest any formal talks have taken place at this time.
“We’ve verified that the source is serious,” Italian journalist Enrico Camelio told TV Play.
“At the Stadio Olimpico, there were some people – not the owners, not the Friedkins, as they’re not in Rome – who were wealthy. They were even in the Friedkins’ offices. We can say they are Arabs.
“The Friedkins won’t sell. They will give up some shares, around 30 per cent. This has been said to us, and so this is what we’re reporting.
“They can do it because it’s no longer on the stock market, they got out last year.”
Whether this could have an effect on the takeover of Everton is also unclear.