Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Everton are once again on the search for a new owner following the news that The Friedkin Group are ready to move on from their short spell on Merseyside.
Friday morning provided the news that The Friedkin Group had placed Everton up for sale following their takeover in December 2024. The lack of player investment over the summer transfer window may leave some supporters unsurprised but this news will certainly leave many questioning what is next for the Toffees.
The decision from The Friedkin Group may provide a number of the previously interested parties an opportunity to re-enter the running to takeover on Merseyside. There will also be the opportunity for new investors to show their interest in Everton.
Dan Friedkin
Dan Friedkin
One name to keep an eye on is London-based businessman Vatche Manoukian who previously tried to buy the club in 2024. He was a serious bidder in the race to take over on Merseyside with another opportunity now to secure the keys to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Could Vatche Manoukian re-enter the race for Everton?
A report from The Independent claimed back in June, 2024, that Manoukian – alongside his consortium – submitted a bid in the region of £400m for the club. However, it was the Friedkins who ended up being the favoured party and Manoukian pulled out of the running.
The businessman’s pursuit of the club was similar to Friedkin’s in the sense of funding the acquisition of Everton without bringing in any further debt to the club. With Manoukian joined by a number of investors in his interest of the club, it may not be so straightforward in getting a bid back on track.
Having said this, it is understood that Manoukian was able to put plans in place in just a matter of weeks previously to propose his offer to purchase Everton from Farhad Moshiri.
Since failing in his pursuit of taking over on Merseyside, Manoukian has invested in the world’s first purpose-built neobank aimed at athletes and sports organisations. This launched 12 months ago, which may bring his ability to balance a takeover into question.
What Vatche Manoukian previously said about Everton’s potential
Manoukian certainly made his interest in taking over on Merseyside clear as he shared his thoughts on the potential of the club. His public comments were massively contrasting to the quiet approach from the Friedkins.
A report from BBC Sport in 2024 shared how the consortium viewed Everton as a “sleeping giant” and viewed the Hill Dickinson Stadium as a vessel to guide the Toffees back to “the top of world football again”.
It must be noted that The Friedkin Group wanted to buy Everton because of the new stadium. The state-of-the-art stadium is viewed as a real money-earner for the club and its owners which should work in Everton’s favour during this sales process.