Goodison Park
Goodison Park (Image: Getty Images)
Everton's takeover has been completed by The Friedkin Group ahead of their welcoming of Aston Villa to Goodison Park next month. Everton have been under the stewardship of Farhad Moshiri since 2016 when he bought half of the club, before increasing that stake to 94% in 2022. Since then, the Toffees have slid out of European contention and, season to season, their priority has been to maintain their Premier League status.
TFG have purchased a 98.8% stake in Everton, who are set to relocate to their new ground on Bramley-Moore Dock in time for the beginning of next season. Villa, then, will play their final ever league game on 15 January for a midweek fixture - and the club ought to have more of a spring in their collective step following this news.
“With this acquisition, TFG is committed to delivering a strong and sustainable future for Everton Football Club, restoring its competitive stature and maintaining its deep connection with fans and the community,” the club statement read, while Dan Friedkin added: “I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family. Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution.”
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New chairman Marc Watts declared: “In the short term, we understand the club has faced significant challenges on and off the pitch for several years. That’s why our immediate priority is stabilising the club and improving results on the pitch.
“We have provided an injection of capital to ensure the completion of the new stadium. The transaction has seen most of Everton’s debt either converted to equity, repaid or refinanced on terms more favourable to the stability of the club. Whilst there is much work to be done, and PSR remains a limiting factor in the short term, the underlying financial position is now much stronger.”
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