Sport nationThe prolonged takeover saga at Everton Football Club appears to be nearing its conclusion, with American businessman Dan Friedkin emerging as the frontrunner to acquire the Premier League team. Friedkin, who currently owns AS Roma, has entered into an exclusivity agreement with Everton’s current owner, Farhad Moshiri, and is expected to finalize the deal in the coming weeks.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, who spoke exclusively to Everton.News, Friedkin is highly regarded for his successful stewardship of AS Roma, which he has transformed into a financially sustainable and competitive team. Bailey expressed his enthusiasm for Friedkin’s potential ownership of Everton, stating:
“I think Dan Friedkin is going to be fantastic. I think he’s going to be fantastic for Everton.”
Bailey revealed that Friedkin is eager to replicate his success at AS Roma with Everton, with the potential for the Toffees to become a major force in English football once again. The infrastructure is already in place, with a new stadium under construction and a dedicated fan base. Friedkin’s focus will be on sorting out the footballing and financial operations, building on the progress made by Roma.
“The way they see it, if one day they’re talking about Roma and Everton being in the same European competition like you’ve got United and Nice, that’d be a great problem to have. That’s the way they see it,” Bailey said, highlighting Friedkin’s ambition to compete at the highest level.
Friedkin’s achievements at AS Roma are impressive, with the team experiencing significant revenue growth and profit increases during his tenure. The Swiss Ramble reported that Roma’s revenue rose by 14% to €224m in the 2022/23 season, while profit from player sales skyrocketed from €5m to €47m. Additionally, Friedkin has attracted high-profile players like Romelu Lukaku, Tammy Abraham, Paulo Dybala, and Jose Mourinho to the Italian capital.
Friedkin’s vision for Everton is not limited to mere financial success; he aims to create a sustainable and competitive team that can challenge for European spots and domestic trophies. His experience with AS Roma has taught him the importance of building a strong foundation, and he is eager to replicate this at Everton.
One of the key areas Friedkin is expected to focus on is the club’s academy and youth development programs. AS Roma’s success in producing talented young players like Nicolo Zaniolo and Alessandro Florenzi is a testament to Friedkin’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. Everton’s own academy has a rich history of producing talented players like Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley, and Friedkin is likely to invest in this area to ensure a steady supply of young talent to the first team.
Friedkin’s appointment is also expected to bring a new level of professionalism and expertise to the club’s operations. His experience in the business world and his success with AS Roma have equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex world of football finance and governance. This is a significant departure from the previous regime, which was often criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability.
The potential for Everton to become a major force in English football under Friedkin’s ownership is vast. With his proven track record, ambition, and commitment to building a sustainable and competitive team, the Toffees could soon find themselves challenging for European spots and domestic trophies. The excitement among Everton supporters is palpable, and many are eagerly awaiting the dawn of a new era at Goodison Park.
In conclusion, Dan Friedkin’s potential ownership of Everton represents a significant turning point in the club’s history. With his proven track record, ambition, and commitment to building a sustainable and competitive team, the Toffees could soon find themselves challenging for European spots and domestic trophies. The future looks bright for Everton, and supporters can eagerly anticipate a new era of success under Friedkin’s leadership.
Sport nation
