The Friedkin Group has officially become the new owner of Everton football club after receiving confirmation from the Premier League.
The Toffees will move into a new era in a different direction after the turbulent tenure of Farhad Moshiri.
According to a report from BBC Sport, the deal for 99.5% of the club is believed to be worth in excess of £400 million, the majority of which will be used to convert debts into equity.
The new owners have wiped out a significant amount of Everton’s £600m of debts, and they will move into the new stadium at the Bramley Moor Dock next season, almost debt-free.
The Everton new owners will need to make decisions on the future of manager Sean Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell; both are out of contract at the end of the season.
Dyche has done a very good job so far, considering he has operated on a shoestring budget and had to sell players before buying.
Everton new owners are looking to back Sean Dyche
According to Mark Douglas of Inews, the new owners are looking to bring “stability” to the club. They want both Dyche and Thelwell to continue and “meetings planned in the coming days” to support both over the next few months.
Douglas wrote: “Stability is the clear message after the announcement with sources saying the group are backing director of football Kevin Thelwell and manager Sean Dyche, with meetings planned in the coming days to support both over the next few months.”
It makes a lot of sense for the new Toffees owners to give him proper support in January and allow him to steer the club to Premier League safety for another season.
The Friedkin Group have outlined their ambitions, and the six key points are:
Strengthening the men’s first-team squad through thoughtful and strategic investment.
Cultivating home-grown superstars through Everton’s Academy.
Fostering a distinct on-pitch and commercial strategy for the women’s team.
Respecting the club’s traditions and keeping Everton at the heart of the community.
Maximising the potential of the new stadium through long-term commercial partnerships and events that benefit the city of Liverpool.
Enhancing Everton’s reputation as a unique and historical name in world football.
Dan Friedkin, the chairman and CEO of TFG, will be the chairman of the new board.
Marc Watts has been appointed as the executive chairman. He will be responsible for the management of the club.
Ana Dunkel has been appointed as TFG’s chief financial officer, while Colin Chong, the club’s interim CEO, will also serve on the board.