Are the Friedkin Group really committed to Everton as £450m funding now needed?

The Friedkin Group aren't exactly popular among Everton supporters.

While better than the possible future under the likes of 777 Partners before their takeover, you can't rest and expect progress.

Farhad Moshiri had taken Everton as far as he could before this takeover, with Hill Dickinson Stadium his parting gift.

While that was positive, he left the Toffees drowning in debt.

The Friedkins restrcutured that debt and left the past of PSR breaches and points deductions behind them.

But, it feels like now they have taken their foot off the ball, or they're simply more interested in their other ventures.

How much does it cost to run Everton?

Like any Premier League club, the answer is a lot.

But, there are caveats to that, including the Premier League television jackpot that is shared among clubs over £100million each.

Recent estimates from The Esk have stated that £450million may be needed in further equity over the next five years at Everton.

That's because projected cash requirements are currently higher than they're expected to have in operations and current liquidity.

Of course, that's not one bill, but an accumulation, including costs such as transfers, amortisation, commercial and infrastruture bills.

If Everton want to consistently qualify for Europe again, they need more ambitious transfers like Jack Grealish and the facilities to aid that.

Should Everton fans be worried by the Friedkins?

While not massively, there are small hints that the Americans aren't exactly as committed as one would think.

David Moyes straight admitting that he never speaks to them is one, and with his contract running out next summer, you'd have expected at least small conversations.

On top of that, they're actively hunting new investment, not too long after their takeover.

The Friedkins are said to be looking at new minority investors, with the main goal being to push Everton towards where they want to be.

While that may sound positive, wasn't that the goal when first arriving? And now they need help to do that only a small number of years later.

Another huge sticking point is their ownership in AS Roma.

It's not a secret that they possibly see the Italians are their main priority, with them fighting for silverware and in the Champions League.

With no plan in place should both qualify for the same European competition, they may have to step away from one in future.

With plans in place that cost up to £1.2billion for a new stadium complex in Rome, too, it's clear where their main priority lands.

Can they also be on the hook for nearly £500m in England with Everton over the coming years?

Minority investment may cover some of that, but nowhere near enough.

Small clues are starting to fall that may not end well for those in blue, but let's hope there's a plan in place to get Everton back to where they belong.