Friedkins seek Everton investors as Premier League capital race intensifies

The Friedkin Group is working with advisers to bring new investors into Everton, opening the club’s ownership structure to additional capital less than two years after completing its takeover.The process remains at an early stage and could result in the sale of a significant minority stake, although there is no indication that TFG intend to relinquish control and a transaction is not guaranteed.A person with knowledge of the process said: “It’s an arms race. More and more firepower is coming into the league.”The search is understood to focus on strategic investors capable of helping Everton develop further rather than simply providing passive capital.TFG paid about £330m including debt and transaction costs to acquire Everton from Farhad Moshiri in December 2024, ending a prolonged ownership process during which an earlier agreement with 777 Partners collapsed.The Friedkins subsequently reduced Everton’s debt burden and secured new long-term financing against the nearly 53,000-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium, including facilities arranged with JPMorgan.Everton’s financial position has improved since the takeover. Their net loss narrowed to £8.6m in 2024/25 from £53.2m a year earlier, while revenue increased to £196.7m from £186.9m.TFG have already brought outside capital into Roundhouse Capital Holdings, the vehicle controlling Everton, with US investor Christopher Sarofim and former Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd taking minority positions.A further transaction would deepen that consortium model at a time when Premier League ownership is becoming increasingly capital intensive.The league’s clubs spent more than €4bn during the latest summer transfer window, while Everton’s activity generated a net transfer profit after player sales exceeded expenditure.That window prompted criticism from sections of the club’s support, particularly after late attempts to strengthen the squad failed and Everton finished the market with a relatively small senior playing group.The investment search therefore comes against two competing financial pressures: preserving the improved balance sheet delivered since TFG’s takeover while providing enough capital to compete in a league where spending power continues to escalate.Everton and TFG declined to comment on the investment process, leaving the size of any eventual stake, valuation and timetable undisclosed.Any successful deal would nevertheless mark another significant change in Everton’s capital structure and give TFG additional financial capacity as they seek to build on the club’s stadium refinancing and post-takeover stabilisation.