Everton seeks new investors after record Premier League summer spending
Just two years after taking over Everton, owner Friedkin Group has begun looking for new investors as Premier League clubs collectively spent a record £3.46 billion in this summer's transfer window.
According to the Financial Times, Everton's American owner, the Friedkin Group, has started a process to sell a stake in the Liverpool-based club and bring in new investors. The move follows another record-breaking summer transfer window across the Premier League, with clubs spending a combined £3.46 billion.
The Friedkin Group, which also owns Italian side AS Roma, took control of Everton in 2024, paying £330 million to former owner Farhad Moshiri while also assuming the club's debts. Less than two years later, ownership shares could now be sold to new partners to help Everton keep pace with rivals' spending.
Rivals spend big
This summer, Manchester City spent £458 million on new players, surpassing last year's record set by Liverpool at £405 million. This year Liverpool, whose stadium sits less than a kilometre from Everton's home ground, spent £198 million. In total, 14 Premier League clubs each spent at least £100 million on transfers this window.
Everton ranked 15th on the spending list with £88 million, but was among just six clubs that earned more from transfers than they spent, posting a net profit of £23 million.
Fan criticism
Everton's management has faced criticism from supporters over its transfer business. Forward Iliman Ndiaye moved to Manchester City, while a planned move for Florian Balogun from Monaco collapsed at the last minute.
Rising costs needed to compete in the Premier League have made it increasingly common for clubs to be owned by investor groups rather than single individuals. Everton previously cut ties with a Russian billionaire born in Uzbekistan, a business partner of former owner Moshiri, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, the club narrowly avoided relegation to the second tier of English football.
