British-Iranian businessman Moshiri invested more than £750m in the club and leaves with the legacy of delivering the club’s impressive new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, although his tenure will be largely remembered for protests by fans. fans and discontent with his management of the club. .
With most of the club’s debt converted into equity, in the process of liquidation or restructuring, and with the new stadium on the horizon, sources close to the Friedkin Group believe they have gotten a “bargain” in acquiring the club.
One task now is to galvanize a fractured fan base as Everton enter a new era, which is easier said than done.
Jeers and murmurs of discontent often fill the air at Goodison Park, something the Friedkin Group has experienced during its ownership of Roma, so will need to engage with the passionate but frustrated fans.
Everton’s fan advisory board said in September, external that he hoped to meet with the group to “help them understand” what fans expect from the new owners.
But not everything is going well in Roma.
Podcaster Andy Mattioli told BBC Radio Merseyside that there is a “tense atmosphere” between the owners and the fans, adding: “The fans are angry. A lot of them are saying: ‘Sell us, because in four years they clearly haven’t understood what we want.’ are”. about.'”
That fury stems from the sacking of club legend Daniele de Rossi just four games into this season and a poor start to the campaign sees the club find themselves in 12th place in Serie A, just two points above the decline.
According to Forbes, externalChairman Dan Friedkin is worth £6.15bn, but the Premier League’s profit and sustainability (PSR) rules mean spending money on a big-ticket signing won’t be feasible, as Saudi-backed Newcastle United discovered.
Everton’s net debt rose to £330.6m in their latest accounts and, having breached financial rules that led to deductions totaling eight points last season, any spending will need to be spent wisely.
After the deal was struck on Thursday, incoming Everton chairman Friedkin said in an open letter to supporters: “Although we are new to the club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in the culture, history and lives of Everton. local Evertonians here and there. around the world.”
New chief executive Marc Watts added: “As Everton stewards, we hope to show our commitment to the club through actions, not words.
“Our long-term vision is to harness the passion of the fans and the great qualities of the club to realize Everton’s full potential.”
