Everton’s takeover saga has dragged on for nearly a full year now, but fortunately, an end is in sight.
With 777 Partners once set to stumble into power, as seemingly the only option Farhad Moshiri had, the collapse of their exclusivity agreement revealed the true extent of the widespread interest.
Numerous suitors emerged, and whilst one Evertonian-led consortium seemed set to win the race, now it seems like American businessman Dan Friedkin is the new favourite.
Graeme Bailey drops Everton takeover update
Speaking exclusively to Everton.News, we quizzed journalist Graeme Bailey on Everton’s proposed takeover.
And, to Evertonians’ delight, he was more than happy to comment, effusive in his praise for Freidkin and their progress in negotiations with Moshiri.
The two entered an exclusivity agreement back in mid-June, and now Bailey has given his verdict on what fans can expect from his reign: ‘I think Dan Friedkin is going to be fantastic. I think he’s going to be fantastic for Everton.
‘I was told that Friedkin was the standout, particularly keen. It’s one of those where, what I’m told about him, is that people are already talking about issues with AS Roma and stuff.
‘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.
‘They’re not worried about it. They’re hoping there is. They want that. They don’t see that as an issue at all.’
Everton have an exciting future with Dan Freidkin
This is just the latest glowing recommendation that Friedkin has received, and should have Evertonians thrilled at the prospect of having this man as their owner.
After all, he comes with a wealth of experience with AS Roma, having worked wonders in wiping the Italian outfit of its debt and turning them into a far more sustainable side.
One report, courtesy of The Swiss Ramble, actually detailed the numbers behind the 2022/23 season: ‘Revenue rose €28m (14%) from €196m to €224m, while profit from player sales shot up from €5m to €47m, while costs were cut by €52m (13%) to €349m, though net interest payable increased by €5m (21%) from €23m to €28m.’
And he did not do this by sacrificing key assets either, bringing in superstars like Romelu Lukaku, Tammy Abrahan, Paulo Dybala and Jose Mourinho as manager.
Friedkin, should he get it right, could very quickly turn this sleeping giant into a mammoth of English football once again.
The infrastructure is in place with the new stadium on the way, and so too is the unwavering fanbase. All he needs to do now is sort the footballing and financial operations, just as he did with AS Roma.