TFG cause Everton surprise after what was said in private conversations

Everton find themselves in the familiar position of facing uncertainty in the boardroom.

The Friedkin Group completed their purchase of the Toffees back in December 2024.

That brought an end to a period of turmoil in the latter years of Farhad Moshiri's tenure on the Blue half of Merseyside.

Under TFG, Everton moved into their new Hill Dickinson Stadium home at Bradley Moore Dock.

But a dismal summer transfer window led to concerns about the level of interest TFG still had in running Everton.

And their announcement last week that are open to selling Everton caught the Athletic journalist Paddy Boyland off guard for one reason.

Why have TFG caused surprise with their Everton announcement?

TFG announced via a statement that the time is right to consider the next chapter for Everton's future.

They confirmed that new avenues for investment are being considered, including selling a controlling stake in the club.

There had already been reports that potential outside investment was being explored.

Boyland said it was not a shock given reports about looking for new investment coming from private conversations.

However, Boyland - speaking on the Blue Room Podcast - was caught off guard by TFG's decision to go public with their intentions.

He said: "I wasn't surprised by the news and I think that's because we all saw how the final part of the window shaped up.

"And also we were aware of the reports, including from ourselves (the Athletic) over their interest in external investment.

"We did mention although TFG sources were talking primarily at that stage in public and in private, in those private conversations about a minority stake, a lot of the chatter in the market was that Everton are actually for sale at the right place.

"So, the report itself coming out did not shock me. What surprised me slightly was that they were prepared to publicise this after a period of radio silence.

"I found that interesting that this very open indication to the market through the media that they were willing to effectively sell Everton at the right price."

Clarity is needed at Everton ASAP

The timing of this whole situation is what is really catching people off guard right now.

If the last transfer window was a sign of things to come, then there will be few tears shed if TFG do find a buyer.

What is imperative is that a buyer is found who has Everton as a priority project, because the potentially of the Blues is so high.

With a shiny new stadium, and stability back in the Premier League under David Moyes, there is an opportunity there for someone to really profit.

If TFG have decided that this is no longer the project for them then so be it.

But what is an absolute must is that there is a solution found as soon as possible, because Everton cannot go through another period of volitility.