Dan Friedkin eyes land around Bramley-Moore Dock as part of Everton takeover plans
Dan Friedkin was influenced in his takeover deal for Everton the potential of land around the new stadium, according to Matt Slater.
The Athletic journalist replied to a question via X on 26 September to affirm the area around the Bramley-Moore Dock development would have factored into attracting the American to the deal.
The new waterside stadium has long been held up as a key element for any prospective Toffees buyer [The Price of Football], but the possibility of redeveloping the land around it is now also said to have played a role.
Everton do not own the Bramley-Moore dock land but agreed a 200 year lease with Peel Land and Property Ports in 2017 [Sky Sports].
Asked if the area round the new ground was part of Friedkin’s thinking Slater replied: “Yes!”
Farhad Moshiri to sell Everton to The Friedkin Group
If a deal was done to get the stadium built on that land then there are bound to be further potential agreements on offer for the right terms.
Friedkin needs to increase the commercial revenues at Everton once his takeover is completed so if he plans to be in place for the long term then the potential to transform the surrounding area as a Toffees hub on the waterfront may be something he has in mind.
But sponsorship deals are bound to be the first port of call and his main money-making enterprise, Toyota, is thought very likely to be attached to the club [The Athletic, 23 September].
The Friedkin Group certainly appears to have the finances to a lot at the club, and in the city, but there are still a few minor hurdles that must be cleared.
Premier League approval is expected to be no issue [Ben Jacobs, 23 September] but the US court that is overseeing a legal dispute involving 777 Partners will have to approve the deal TFG have worked out to deal with the £200million debt attached to them [The Athletic, 23 September].
But they seemingly believe that their agreement with A-Cap, who have taken over that debt, will get the green light since they have returned to the frame two months after abandoning the takeover over that issue, and have gone as far as to issue a joint announcement with the club.
So barring something even more dramatic the Roma owners should be on the way in at least by early 2025, and the area around the new stadium which Everton will move into next season, could be a big part of the plans.
In other Everton news, the Toffees have made their interest known in signing an attacking sensation who could become the first new arrival of the Friedkin era.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.