Everton owners The Friedkin Group (TFG) are exploring a potential sale of the Premier League club less than two years after completing their takeover in 2024.
The American investment group, led by chairman Dan Friedkin, acquired Everton in a deal reportedly worth more than £400m. However, TFG has now confirmed it is considering new investment opportunities, including selling a controlling stake in the Merseyside club.
The announcement follows a turbulent period marked by controversial transfer decisions, growing supporter frustration and questions over the ownership's long-term commitment.
In an official statement, TFG explained that its initial priorities were restoring financial stability, supporting investment and helping Everton complete their long-awaited move into a new stadium.
"The Friedkin Group is exploring new investment options for Everton Football Club, including the potential sale of a controlling interest," the statement confirmed.
TFG inherited significant financial challenges when it acquired a 99.5% stake from former owner Farhad Moshiri in 2024.
The group believes its efforts to stabilise Everton's finances and support the stadium project have established a stronger foundation for future ownership.
However, TFG emphasised that any potential buyer must demonstrate the ability to take the club forward.
The ownership group also pledged to continue supporting Everton's sporting ambitions and community initiatives throughout the process.
Despite improving Everton's financial position, TFG has faced increasing criticism over its transfer strategy and perceived lack of ambition.
Supporters reacted angrily during the summer transfer window when Everton accepted a £40m offer from Nottingham Forest for highly rated England Under-19 midfielder Harrison Armstrong.
Although the club eventually withdrew from the deal, frustration intensified following the departure of striker Beto to Fiorentina.
That transfer left manager David Moyes with just one recognised senior striker, 23-year-old French forward Thierno Barry.
Everton also sanctioned the £65m departure of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City, further raising concerns about the club's recruitment strategy.
A disappointing deadline day compounded those frustrations, leaving Moyes with only 18 senior outfield players available.
The cautious approach contrasted with TFG's investment strategy at Italian club AS Roma, which benefits from the additional revenue generated by Champions League football.
Questions surrounding TFG's leadership intensified in September when Moyes revealed he had never met or spoken directly with chairman Dan Friedkin since returning as Everton manager in January 2025.
Friedkin, who is based in Houston, has also not attended an Everton match since Moyes was reappointed.
The situation reinforced concerns among sections of the fanbase that the club was being managed by absentee owners.
Day-to-day operations are overseen by Friedkin's son-in-law, Rishi Majithia, alongside chief executive Angus Kinnear.
While TFG initially promised to build a sustainable and successful future, its limited public involvement and controversial transfer decisions have raised questions about that vision.
Despite criticism of their sporting decisions, TFG's ownership has delivered greater financial stability following years of uncertainty under Moshiri.
Everton's move into their new stadium has also strengthened the club's commercial prospects, providing opportunities to generate additional matchday and non-matchday revenue.
Although the stadium project was already nearing completion before TFG's takeover, the ownership group helped support its final stages.
These developments could make Everton an attractive investment opportunity for prospective buyers seeking an established Premier League club with significant commercial potential.
Nevertheless, TFG's tenure has produced limited progress on the pitch, and the potential sale raises further questions about Everton's long-term direction.
Former Everton goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis admitted she was surprised by the ownership group's decision to explore a sale.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Brown-Finnis acknowledged TFG's role in improving the club's financial position after years of instability.
"It's come as a bit of a shock. They have stabilised the club. There was so much financial uncertainty when they arrived, it's felt like a turbulent time," she said.
Brown-Finnis also highlighted the importance of Everton's new stadium, describing it as a major commercial asset that could help secure the club's future.
She urged the current owners to conduct thorough checks on any prospective buyers to ensure Everton does not return to the financial difficulties experienced in previous years.
"I hope the new owners want to drive the club forward. Everton fans have spent too much time in a financially turbulent era," she added.
TFG has not confirmed whether a formal sale process has begun or whether any interested parties have submitted offers.
The group remains open to alternative investment arrangements, meaning a complete ownership change is not guaranteed.
For Everton supporters, the priority will be ensuring that any new investors combine financial stability with greater ambition on the pitch.
Having endured years of uncertainty, the club now faces another potentially significant ownership transition, with its future direction dependent on whether TFG can identify investors capable of delivering sustainable success.
