Dan Friedkin told to expect half of what he wants for Everton sale due to underwhelming revenue numbers

The Friedkin Group's decision to sell Everton outright has come as a shock after their plans were confirmed on Friday.

Everton confirmed in a club statement on 9 October that TFG are "exploring new investment options".

They added that the US owners believe they have provided the Blues with stability and a solid foundation to build upon so that the Merseyside club can move into their next chapter.

TFG added that they will only speak to interested parties who they believe will be "the right stewards" to take Everton to the next level.

However, it's not even been two years since TFG completed their purchase of the Premier League club from former owner Farhad Moshiri for around £400million.

And that's taken football finance expert Dr Dan Plumley by surprise.

How ice hockey could have played a role in TFG's decision to sell Everton

Dan Friedkin and co were the subject of criticism from Evertonians in the latter stages of the summer transfer window due to David Moyes being left with a threadbare squad for the Premier League season.

Since buying the club, Friedkin hasn't attended an Everton game and hasn't even been pictured in the city of Liverpool.

It doesn't seem like he's all that interested in Everton, but some football club owners do behave that way.

For Plumley, a senior lecturer in sport finance at Loughborough University, there could be external factors that have led to TFG's decision to sell Everton.

And that includes TFG's bid to start an ice hockey franchise in Houston as part of the upcoming NHL expansion.

"I’m a little surprised that they are open to a full sale given the takeover only happened a couple of years ago," Plumley told Goodison News. "That said, they have already secured investment before and have a big NHL franchise project in Houston on the go, so maybe that is taking some of the focus up as well."

How much can TFG sell Everton for?

Away from who the next owners of Everton might be, the big question that a lot of people are asking is how much the Merseyside club is now worth.

According to Plumley, TFG can expect to make a substantial profit on the £400m they paid in December 2024 when the club's life support was close to being completely switched off by Moshiri.

"In terms of valuation, they have certainly stabilised the club and the new stadium adds value (which we can’t quite see in the accounts yet)," Plumley added.

"They bought the club for circa £400m, reportedly, so I would say a bit higher now is reasonable.

"It feels like a circa £500m club at the moment. Revenue is pretty flat still (for now) - just under £200m in 2025. On a 2x multiplier that’s £400m. 2.5x multiplier and factoring in the stadium puts it around £500m.

"A range of £500-550m is sensible to me."

Sky Sports reports that TFG are hoping for upwards of £1billion, double what Plumley is expecting them to actually get.