Sport nationDan Friedkin, the US billionaire, is expected to complete his takeover of Everton soon, and once the deal is sealed, he could reignite a £423m project that has been on hold. Friedkin has been in exclusive talks with Farhad Moshiri, the current owner of Everton, and has taken over a £158m loan from MSP Sports Capital, a previous takeover hopeful.
The takeover is a significant development for Everton, who have been struggling with financial issues and turbulence behind the scenes. Friedkin’s investment in the club could help turn things around, but there are concerns about his ownership of Serie A giants AS Roma, which could limit his ambitions for Everton.
UEFA’s rules on multi-club ownership mean that Everton and Roma cannot compete in the same European competition, which could pose a challenge for Friedkin. Additionally, his time will be stretched between the two clubs, especially given Roma’s plans to build a new stadium.
Roma have been exploring options for a new stadium, and Dan Meis, the chief architect of Everton’s new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock, has been enlisted to oversee the project. However, bureaucratic setbacks have delayed the development, and construction has halted due to concerns about the historical significance of the proposed site.
If Friedkin takes over at Everton, it could open up a channel to communicate with Meis and explore alternative options for Roma’s new stadium. Meis has experience navigating complex projects, having steered the Bramley Moore Dock project through despite objections from UNESCO about the location’s cultural significance.
The new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock is expected to be a game-changer for Everton, providing a significant boost to matchday income and commercial revenue. The stadium will have a capacity of almost 53,000 spectators and will host concerts and other events, rivaling Liverpool’s Anfield as a top venue in the city.
Everton currently earn around £17m per season through the turnstiles at Goodison Park, but that figure is expected to at least double from 2025-26 with the new stadium. The club has ambitious plans to increase revenue and become a top team in the Premier League.
Friedkin’s takeover and the new stadium project are significant developments for Everton, and fans will be hoping that the club can turn a corner and achieve success on and off the pitch. With Friedkin’s investment and Meis’ expertise, the future looks bright for Everton.
Sport nation
Amina Umar
