Everton still have unresolved 'massive problem' after what's been heard about TFG intentions

The Friedkin Group are looking to sell up at Everton already.

It was only back in December 2024 that TFG completed their takeover of the Toffees.

At the time, it was heralded as a new era for Everton after the tumultuous days suffered in the final years of Farhad Moshiri's ownership.

Under TFG, Everton have stabilised in the Premier League under David Moyes and moved to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

But a dismal transfer window led to fan unrest, and TFG have confirmed that they are looking for new investment and the potential of a sale.

The Athletic journalist Paddy Boyland has hinted at one "massive problem" that may have caused TFG to take this course of action.

Potential TFG reasons for Everton decision put forward

There had been rumblings for some time that TFG were potentially looking for new investment at Everton.

But their public announcement last week caught many off guard, and has led to more boardroom uncertainty at Everton so soon after the Moshiri days.

Boyland was discussing the situation on the Blue Room podcast, and suggested the tide of opinion started to change in the second half of the transfer window.

Everton endured a dismal end to the market, which saw them finish with just one senior striker in Thierno Barry, while Iliman Ndiaye was sold for £65million to Manchester City, which many considered below his market value.

Boyland thinks that the fact TFG also Roma may be playing a part in the thought process, even if he is surprised by how quick they are looking to sell.

There is a scenario whereby both Everton and Roma qualify for the same European competition, which would cause issues as UEFA has strict multi-club ownership rules for its tournaments.

Boyland said: "I would suggest based on those timeframes that things unravelled particularly quickly with regards to ownership and I'm talking about in the second part of that window.

"And you have loads of theories as to why I don't think Everton were ever really going to be a long-term investment for the Friedkin Group.

"But I think probably they've, from what I'm hearing, they're getting out potentially quicker than initially envisaged and there you can point to whole load of things.

"But for me, you've two clubs in Everton and Roma on the same level. You've got the multi-club problem, what happens if both qualify for the same European competition?

"Despite what they said last season that's still unresolved, it's a massive problem."

Everton deserve full priority

It is an entirely fair point to suggest that TFG's ownership of Roma is playing a part in the thought process here.

And if that is in anyway making TFG reticent to invest too heavily in Everton at this moment in time, then the right thing to do is sell up.

Everton have so much potential now they are in the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and looking to muscle into the conversation for European football again.

What Everton cannot ever be is a lower priority in a multi-club model, that is simply not what this club is about.

Clarity and stability is needed, but whatever happens next, Everton simply have to be the main priority for the ownership group.