Everton finally ‘reach takeover agreement’ with The Friedkin Group, as the Roma owners beat Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor to the Toffees – despite previously walking away from negotiations

The Freidkin Group have reached an agreement with Everton for the Roma owners to acquire Farhad Moshiri’s majority shareholding in the Merseyside club, just two months after walking away from the negotiations table. 

While the deal is still subject to regulatory approval, with the Premier League and Football Association still to green-light the transaction, The Friedkin Group, who are headed by US businessman Dan Freidkin, look set to take over as the Merseyside club’s new owners.

It is understood that the group, who had entered into a period of exclusivity with Everton’s current majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, had stepped away from the negotiation table in July. Their initial hesitation had related to the structuring of Everton’s debts under Mr Moshiri, with Everton being saddled by over £200m worth of debts to 777 Partners.

Crystal Palace co-owner, John Textor, had subsequently announced his intentions to sell his stake in the south London club and acquire the Merseyside outfit, with Mail Sport reporting last week that the American had attempted to fast-track the sale of his shares with the Eagles. 

It was reported by Bloomberg last week that Friedkin had reignited their interest in purchasing Evertn and it nw seems the Houston-based group, have now beaten Textor to the acquisition of Everton.

‘Blue Heaven Holdings and The Friedkin Group confirm that they have reached agreement over the terms of the sale of Blue Heaven Holdings’ majority stake in Everton Football Club,’ Everton wrote on the club’s website. 

‘The transaction is subject to regulatory approval, including from the Premier League, the Football Association, and the Financial Conduct Authority.’

A spokesperson for The Friedkin Group said: ‘We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club.

US billionaire Dan Friedkin could return to negotiating table to potentially purchase Everton

‘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.’

More to follow…