Farhad Moshiri realises his Everton dream as new image circulates
Everton’s clash with AS Roma is the first time the senior team will play at the new stadium, and there is plenty of excitement.
The Toffees have moved into the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and this first matchday is a significant one, as they will face Roma before a legends game between the two sides.
Everton’s new home has now been completed after years of planning and construction, as well as difficulty in navigating the financial aspects of the move.
Former owner Farhad Moshiri had a huge part to play in driving the exit from Goodison Park, and he is now back in the limelight on Merseyside again.
Moshiri in attendance at Everton vs Roma
Moshiri sold his stakes in Everton in December 2024, but is now back at the club, as he is in attendance for the first game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Friedkin Group completed a takeover which led to Moshiri’s exit, having initially invested in Everton in 2016.
- Moshiri bought a 49.9 per cent stake in Everton in 2016, and increased this to 94.1 per cent to become the majority shareholder in 2022.
- Everton were in decline on the pitch for Moshiri’s reign, and a failed sale to 777 Partners in 2023 caused frustration.
| Stats | Goodison Park | Bramley-Moore Dock |
| Capacity | 39,414 | 52,888 |
| Years open | 132 | <1 |
| Construction cost | £3,000 | £750million |
With many Everton legends in attendance, both for the legends game as well as for the significant first game at the new stadium, Moshiri has now been spotted heading towards the ground.
Moshiri was unpopular during his time at Everton, but he was the one responsible for the stadium move, and he is in attendance to see his dream being realised.
Moshiri was key factor behind Everton’s stadium move
While Moshiri will not be fondly remembered at Everton, they do have him to thank for both driving and financing the stadium move, with the Hill Dickinson Stadium set to provide the club with the means to compete at top level.
Moshiri has previously admitted that he would love to return to Everton to see the stadium once it was completed, with it said to be his “dream” to be at a match.
“Our maintenance cost was one of the highest. I had to put in £400 million, the rest had to come from other investors,” Moshiri stated in May.
“The [new] stadium is complete, two tests have been done successfully and the club has managed to finance £800 million with a £350 million loan.
“That shows how strong the balance sheet is. There is no risk. We have achieved the objective.”
The takeover from The Friedkin Group has helped get the move over the line, and Everton will now compete at a world-class stadium, with extra financial means to strengthen their team.
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