Anne Wong
Everton fans were caught off guard when news broke that The Friedkin Group (TFG) is set to become the new majority owners of the club.
With the club’s future hanging in the balance, supporters are eager to know what TFG, led by Dan Friedkin, will bring to the team.
The Late Bid Victory
Dan Friedkin narrowly outbid fellow American John Textor for a 94.1% stake in Everton owned by Farhad Moshiri.
Despite being close to a deal earlier this year, Friedkin had previously backed out, only to re-enter and secure the acquisition at the last moment. Textor, who admired Everton’s community and fan base, saw his hopes dashed.
Moshiri considered Textor’s offer appealing but opted for a quicker resolution with TFG due to the lengthy sales process and several failed attempts.
Fan Expectations and Curiosity
Supporters are eagerly anticipating what type of ownership Dan Friedkin and his group will bring to the club. Friedkin’s low-profile approach has done little to satisfy their curiosity.
Textor’s admiration of Everton had gained him favor among fans; however, the necessity for prompt action led to Moshiri’s decision to go with Friedkin.
The TFG Method
Known for their entrepreneurial prowess, The Friedkin Group operates a variety of businesses, including Toyota dealerships and luxury hotels.
In Texas, they are respected and known as ‘Good honest people.’ Dan Friedkin himself has an adventurous persona, participating in aerobatic air shows and even stunt work for movies.
Evertonians need look no further than AS Roma in Italy for insight into what TFG may bring. The Friedkin Group bought the club in 2020 for nearly £600m while it was struggling financially.
The AS Roma Experience
Since acquiring AS Roma, TFG has experienced a mix of successes and challenges. Initially, Paulo Fonseca was replaced by Jose Mourinho, who led the team to win the Europa Conference League.
The team then struggled, leading to Mourinho’s dismissal. TFG is known for making tough decisions when performance falters, a trait demonstrated multiple times at AS Roma.
Their decisiveness was evident again with the sacking of club legend Danielle De Rossi after a poor start to the season. Such bold moves, however, have led to fan protests and the resignation of CEO Lina Souloukou last week.
What Everton Can Expect
Everton has faced a roller-coaster of challenges over the past two years, including the sale process, financial issues, and constant relegation threats.
The Friedkin Group will need to bring not just stability but also hope and positivity to a fan base that has been longing for change for far too long.
Balancing Act
Moshiri’s choice of TFG over Textor came down to the need for immediate action, despite the more attractive terms of Textor’s offer.
Time will tell whether this decision proves to be the best for Everton’s future, both on and off the field.
In the meantime, fans will be watching closely, hoping for signs of the togetherness and success that have been in short supply.
Final Thoughts
Everton fans will have to wait until the takeover is finalized to see what changes Dan Friedkin and his group will implement.
For now, the promise of new leadership brings a mix of hope, curiosity, and cautious optimism.
The Friedkin Group’s entry into Everton’s ownership marks a significant turning point for the club.
With their track record at AS Roma, it remains to be seen how their strategies and decisions will impact Everton.
Fans are hopeful, yet cautious, as they await the finalization of the takeover and the dawn of a new era for the Toffees.
