The saga is (almost) over, and after numerous twists and turns, Everton is getting a new owner. The Friedkin Group, led by Dan Friedkin, the current president of AS Roma, is acquiring 94.1% of the shares from Farhad Moshiri, just a few months after walking away from the negotiating table when it seemed the deal was off.pic.twitter.com/GgmqhvkkCM— Everton (@Everton) September 23, 2024 A spokesperson for The Friedkin Group said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club. We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction. We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock”. How long can the Toffees last in the top tier with such a shady backroom situation?Back in June, the discovery that Everton owed more than 200 million pounds to the company 777 Partners became a stumbling block. 777 Partners was seen as the new owner of the club from Goodison Park, with the deal announced as far back as September 2023. However, the Miami-based company was hit by a financial crisis, raising doubts about its ability to finance such a deal. While it had lent money to Everton, purchasing the club was an entirely different matter. 777 Partners’ financial situation worsened, and one of its airline companies, Bonza, recently went bankrupt. The company also faces fraud charges in a New York court. The deal completely collapsed when 777 Partners failed to provide guarantees that it was financially solvent enough to take over the Premier League club.🚨 Everton prospective owner Dan Friedkin has identified Gareth Southgate as a potential candidate to replace Sean Dyche as manager. (Source: @GiveMeSport) pic.twitter.com/nhKvyjY4qn— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) September 24, 2024 That’s when the Friedkin Group first appeared, but they withdrew after learning about the club’s debts. It wasn’t just the 200 million owed to 777 Partners. Money was also owed to MSP Sports Capital, the construction company currently building the Toffees’ new stadium. At that point, Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor stepped in, but he couldn’t proceed because Premier League rules prevent one individual from owning two clubs in the league. He tried to quickly sell his shares in Crystal Palace, but couldn’t manage it in time. It’s worth noting that Textor also holds shares in Lyon. Everton signing players from the future owner, securing replacements for Onana and a new right wingNow, the Friedkin Group is back, with Forbes estimating Friedkin’s fortune at nearly 7 billion. It’s worth mentioning that Friedkin didn’t build this fortune alone; his grandfather founded the first low-cost airline in the U.S., and his father was the exclusive Toyota distributor for Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. The family’s wealth is also highlighted by the fact that Dan Friedkin, as a hobby, became one of only nine civilians allowed to pilot military fighter jets – albeit older models – alongside the U.S. military at airshows. Now, Friedkin just needs approval from the Premier League and the English Football Association to take off with Everton.##NAJAVA_MECA_8362321##
