Everton

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Everton are back to square one on the takeover front after the latest proposed acquisition of the club fell through.

The Friedkin Group, who also own Serie A side Roma, had undertaken four weeks of due diligence on the Toffees during their period of exclusivity but decided not to go ahead with their purchase.

The club has been left in limbo again but sources insist Everton as a business is "absolutely not in a precarious position".

So what happened with the latest takeover bid and what does the future hold?

Friedkins deem takeover too risky

Everton were preparing for their first pre-season friendly of the summer against Sligo Rovers in Ireland when the news broke on Friday morning that the Friedkin Group had called off the deal.

BBC Sport understands the major stumbling block was a situation involving previous prospective buyer 777 Partners, whose proposed takeover plan had been backed by funding from financial insurers A-Cap.

The 777 group loaned Everton £200m during their takeover attempt and the issue was not paying that off, but the legal action that 777 faces in the US.

In May, 777 and the firm's co-owner Josh Wander were accused of a "fraudulent scheme" by a lender in a civil court filing in New York.

Friedkin Group did not know how long this would last for, was unclear about who was in charge of the loan, and was wary of any potential risk, so decided to walk away rather than wait for the issues to be resolved.

It is understood the loan from the Friedkin Group is a 'stable' one which means the group is not looking to call it in immediately.

The group could return for talks in the unlikely scenario that 777's litigation case is settled quickly and without further issues or delays such as an appeal.

Who will be willing to step up now?

Everton are back on the market again and the Friedkin Group were the fourth party over the past two years to be granted exclusivity by owner Farhad Moshiri without completing a takeover, after 777 Partners, Maciek Kaminski and MSP Sports Capital.

They had agreed a deal in principle on 14 June, leapfrogging five other rival bidders for a detailed survey of the club's books.

A consortium led by Kevin Malone, former general manager of American baseball club the LA Dodgers, made a takeover offer and was willing to commit more than £78m for football operations this year.

The complications surrounding the debt is a major concern and BBC Sport has been told by Malone his group is "seriously evaluating the opportunity" before deciding whether to reignite their interest.

A consortium of international investors, which involved a member of the Saudi royal family, made a £400m offer and a UK-based investment firm, backed by two 'western billionaires', also made a bid.

It remains to be seen whether either of these parties will return to the table.

Meanwhile, a £200m loan provided by the Friedkin Group paid off a £158m loan to the club from MSP Sports Capital and local businessmen Andy Bell and George Downing, with the remainder covering the costs for the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

The club's cash flow will also soon be improved by receiving - if they haven't already - the next portion of Premier League broadcasting revenue which is worth around £30-40m.

The financial situation was strengthened by selling forward Lewis Dobbin to Aston Villa and defender Ben Godfrey to Atalanta for a combined £20m before the 2023-24 profit and sustainability deadline on 30 June, while midfielder Amadou Onana also left for Villa in a £50m deal earlier this week.

Branthwaite to stay and more incomings?

Image source, Everton FC

There was an air of positivity around the squad during their pre-season camp in Ireland last week, with players in jovial spirits despite being put through double training sessions on some days by boss Sean Dyche.

During down time, players had the choice of playing golf, table tennis, padel, going fishing or relaxing in the spa, while there was also a quiz night among the squad and staff.

That togetherness was fostered by securing their Premier League status with three games remaining last season, and Ashley Young told BBC Sport they are aiming for a top-10 finish this term, as new signings Iliman Ndiaye, Tim Ireogbunam and the returning Jack Harrison settle in.

Although the latest takeover attempt fell through, club sources have said there won't be a fire sale and the wider transfer plans remain the same.

More arrivals are expected with firm interest in both Napoli winger Jesper Lindstrom and Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.

Keeping hold of prized asset Jarrad Branthwaite would be a huge boost going into the new campaign and the Toffees have already rebuffed two offers from Manchester United.

BBC Sport was told on 10 June Everton would need a 'mega' offer to even consider selling the player and that stance remains the same.

Everton also have a new stadium to look forward to, which remains on track to open for the start of the 2025-26 season, highlighting signs of positivity amid the ongoing takeover uncertainty.

Napoli and Denmark winger Jesper Lindstrom, 24, has completed his medical at Everton. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Jarrad Branthwaite is intending not to sign a new deal at Everton unless they can match the £160,000 a week being offered by Manchester United. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Danish football writer Toke Theilade believes Everton target Jesper Lindstrom, who currently plays for Serie A side Napoli, will be a "very versatile" player in Sean Dyche's squad.

It is rumoured that the Toffees are closing in on a loan deal for the 24-year-old attacking midfielder, who would be the club's fourth summer signing.

Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside's Phil Munns, Theilade - editor-in-chief at Vilfortpark.dk - praised the Denmark international: "I think Everton are getting a really exciting player. I have been following him ever since he was a youngster at Brondby and Denmark.

"He is a very versatile midfielder, but he is primarily an offensive-minded midfielder and he has a strength in that part of the game. A hard-working guy, very likeable, and the kind of player you love to see playing for your team.

"He has really good technique and a lot of pace when on the ball. He isn't a super fast guy in the normal sense of the word but, when he has the ball, he just has another level. He is a very dynamic player.

"I think he is definitely best when he plays centrally - that is where he played for both Brondby and Frankfurt - and he was very successful.

"He can play either as a number eight or a number 10. He isn't a traditional number 10 because he is more dynamic, good at finding extra space, and he can drift to the wing or a little bit further back on the pitch. He can even be used as a second striker."

Everton are closing in on a loan deal for Napoli attacking midfielder Jesper Lindstrom. The 24-year-old Denmark international would be the Blues' fourth summer signing. (Liverpool Echo), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

It isn't quiet in one specific part of the major football clubs - the acquisitions department.

I know that because I was once the acquisitions department - well me and the manager mostly. While each player returned from holidays like a bronzed Adonis, we were cooped up in a small darkened room, beavering the daylight hours away like vampires.

There is plenty of guesswork in the media and a fair bit of leaking from the players and their people, but the clubs usually try to keep their transfer moves as quiet as possible.

If word gets out that a player is available, they know they might lose him to another club or else the price will increase as a bidding war erupts.

‌These are high stakes games and many are impressed by those who gamble and go early.

Manchester City have always been good enough, and let's be honest wealthy enough, to be able to do this well.

The problem is that some clubs are trying to do the same thing and are ending up paying top dollar for less able players, because they haven't done their due diligence in the market.

This is another area where the use of data, or maybe over-reliance on pure data, comes into play - feed all of the numbers in, let the technology do the crunching, and out comes the answer.

The problem is that everyone else has got the same or similar data.

What is needed, of course, is good human knowledge and the vision to aid the use of the information they have got. This is why these departments should be busy just now, they shouldn't just be doing deals which are admittedly very complex legal and financial documents these days.

Even more time should be spent on ensuring the new £75m player hasn't got a hidden weakness in his game or even the odd skeleton in his closet.

Pat Nevin was writing for the BBC Football Extra Newsletter

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Everton striker Beto says he needs to "have haters" and people "criticising" him in order to prove them wrong - and admits he struggled to adjust during his first season in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old joined the club from Udinese for £25m last summer, having scored 10 goals for the Serie A side the previous season.

The Portuguese frontman enjoyed a dream Toffees debut by scoring against Doncaster in the Carabao Cup in August but netted only four further goals last season.

When asked whether the criticism he receives on social media is a source of motivation for him, Beto told BBC Sport: "We need to understand one thing: football is simple.

"We play football in our lives. They are working like eight or 12-hour shifts and they come [to watch].

"Not everybody in this life is going to love you and not everybody in this life is going to hate you. In this sports life, for me, it's OK.

"Sometimes I like to read my comments when I played badly or missed chances. They will say: 'Beto is [expletive] with missing chances', but I like it because I say: 'OK, I will make this guy shut his mouth'.

"I take it personal too. When I'm in training the next week or the next day, I remember it and I say: 'No, this guy is not going to say this about me anymore' and I keep going."

Read the full story here

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Amadou Onana's £50m move from Everton to Aston Villa has been completed and it is one that suits all parties.

The 22-year-old did not fulfil his potential on Merseyside after joining from Lille in 2022, and he will have jumped at the chance of testing himself in the Champions League next season.

Unai Emery has worked wonders since being appointed as Villa boss and he will be excited at the opportunity of working with a player of Onana's talent.

The deep-lying midfielder represented Belgium at Euro 2024 but was not an automatic starter in his final few months under Sean Dyche at Goodison Park.

Many Toffees supporters will be unperturbed by his departure, having not taken to his languid demeanour and feeling like he often went missing in games.

The deal will allow Everton to reinvest the cash in other parts of the squad, with firm interest in Napoli winger Jesper Lindstrom and Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.

Everton will offer Jarrad Branthwaite a much-improved contract to compensate the defender for missing out on a big-money move to Manchester United. (Sunday Mirror), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Sunday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Everton's 3-3 friendly draw at Sligo Rovers.

Here are some of your responses:

Michael: Really don't understand the point of this as a sporting event. It was great to see Seamus Coleman coming back to his old club but that's about it. Jenson Metcalfe was probably the best player on show but under Sean Dyche we probably won't see him again all season. Very poor performance when you consider Sligo were playing their reserves!

Andy: Just seeing the likes of Mason Holgate and Neal Maupay playing in the royal blue shirt again only compounded the misery for me after the takeover collapse. Another miserable season beckons, I feel.

Daire: I was at the game. That first half was one of the worst halves of football I've ever seen. My Sunday league team would have played better. The second half was a lot brighter, though. I have to single out Jack Harrison, Youssef Chermiti and Ilman Ndiaye for great performances - but we should have played better.

Bill: Typical pre-season. mix of youngsters and first-team squad. Lots of missed chances by Everton and Sligo took everything that fell their way. Two sets of 11s in each half that will never play a competitive game together. Sligo put up an excellent display as well. Everyone entertained.

Stu: I know it’s only a friendly, but is going to be another long season, isn't it? Ho hum.

Everton fought back from 3-1 down as they opened their pre-season campaign with a 3-3 draw away at Sligo Rovers.

Mason Holgate scored the Toffees' first goal, before a late brace from Youssef Chermiti.

What did you learn from this first game back?

Let us know your thoughts, external

With the news on Friday that takeover talks with potential buyers Friedkin Group fell through, we are asked you to have your say on the situation and Everton's future.

Here are a selection of your comments:

James: It's very disappointing but with the amount of debt that Everton are accruing maybe Moshiri will have to lower his asking price. Looks like 777 were the wrong investors to get involved with in the first place. Who else would want buy the club whilst 777 are involved?

Spider: It's a little bit of a concern. Until they resolve the 777 problem, will anyone want to buy our club? We must remember, however, we have an amazing new stadium next season, the best supporters in the world and manager and team that in my opinion is going in the right direction. The people's club.

Jon: The nightmare continues -777 were always a risk everyone seemed to know about but Mr Moshiri. A proud history being devalued by people you can't trust to buy some groceries.

Dave: The mismanagement of EFC before and especially after Farhad Moshiri had taken over is the reason our club is in such a mess. The Friedkin Group are a reputable group, so if they see as too much of a risk, who out there would do what they won't? It's a disaster and I struggle to see a permanent fix right now. Moshiri has a lot to answer for and he needs to do so.

John: Terrified to be honest, who else is going to come in now knowing the inherited problems of the loan from 777? Also really worrying that we are relying on Moshiri to get us through this.

Carter: The more it keeps on happening, the worse it seems and the worse we look. I fully believe that Dyche took us forward last season and without the drama and stress of our points deductions, the 48 points we earned would have been closer to, or even over 60. We don't need more things getting in our way, the job is hard enough. The future? What future?

Simon: Everton fans deserve better... It's as simple as that.

Giulia Bould
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

After what has been a positive few weeks for Everton fans with some early business in the transfer window, fending off low offers for Jarrad Branthwaite and a successful pre-season in Ireland, you can understand why many supporters have a feeling of dread again.

The news the Friedkin Group's takeover is off has shocked many because the American investors had already paid off a loan of £200m.

My understanding is the issue lies with the money 777 put into the Blues during their failed takeover.

After missing deadlines to complete the deal and then news a number of lawsuits against them were being made, the Miami-based consortium stepped away last month.

It is those lawsuits that the Friedkin Group feel are too big of an issue to resolve right now and Everton are back on the market.

If you want to look for the positives, their loan means the new stadium on Liverpool's waterfront is funded and construction will complete at the end of this year.

I also understand it means currently there's no financial uncertainty at the club, with the stance on Branthwaite unchanged so there won't be a fire sale and the wider transfer plans remain the same with incomings still likely in the next 10 days.

But it isn't ideal with a pre-season friendly on Friday against Sligo Rovers meaning manager Sean Dyche will face the media for the first time since the summer break and will again be asked a lot of questions about the ownership saga rather than his plans for the new season.

Image source, Getty Images

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has been discussing the news of Everton takeover talks with Friedkin Group being called off on BBC Radio Radio 5 live: "The Friedkin group was doing its due diligence into the finances of Everton and they had reservations with regards to some of the outstanding loans.

"They were hoping some of the lenders would take a reduction in what was owed to them. One of the lenders, 777, they have quite a complicated backstory and Friedkin took the view that it was becoming to complex and risky from their point of view.

"They were going to inherit some huge amounts of debt and if they couldn't guarantee some of the lenders were going to cut back on what was owed they felt it wasn't a worthwhile deal to go ahead with.

"The main concern will be on an operational level and making sure the commitments to the new stadium are met, and there are still some substantial amounts outstanding in terms of continuing to build the stadium so contractors will be monitoring things very closely.

"The potential owners, the Friedkin Group, had put in around £200m themselves as they had effectively paid off some exiting debts, so what they will want to do with regards to their investment to date we will have to monitor.

"It is a set back but Everton is still a very attractive proposition if the right price can be agreed for the club."

So, Everton's talks with the Friedkin Group over a takeover of the club have been called off after the two parties failed to reach an agreement.

The Friedkin Group, which also owns Serie A club Roma, had agreed a deal in principle to buy the Toffees in June.

How concerned are you by the club's position? What do you think will happen?

Tell us here, external

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The Friedkin Group seemed like being the latest saviours of the Toffees but talks have fallen apart and they informed owner Farhad Moshiri of their desire to pull the plug on the deal on Thursday.

BBC Sport understands the major stumbling block has been a situation involving previous prospective buyer 777 Partners, whose proposed takeover plan had been backed by funding from financial insurers A-Cap.

The 777 group loaned Everton £200m during their attempt to take over and the issue was not paying that off, but the legal action that 777 faces in the US.

They go into 2024-25 with renewed vigour in, what will be, a season of celebration during the club's final games at Goodison Park before moving into their new home on Bramley-Moore Dock.

Friedkin Group did not know how long this would last for, was unclear about who was in charge of the loan, and was wary of any potential risk, so it decided to walk away rather than wait for the issues to be resolved.

Now The Friedkin Group have become the latest creditor to the club after lending them £200m during their short period in trying to purchase Everton.

For Moshiri, it's back to square one as he seeks to find another buyer.

Image source, Getty Images

Seamus Coleman has become an Everton mainstay, amassing 422 appearances in all competitions and has the honour of being the club's longest-serving Premier League player, featuring 364 times in the top flight.

He cost the Toffees £60,000 - a fee that works out at £142 a game.

Despite the churn of players and managers during his time at the club, serving 11 different bosses, Coleman remains – at the age of 35 – the first-choice pick at right-back when fit.

The team has battled against relegation in recent seasons, a period which Coleman describes as being "tough for everyone".

"It is a special club full of hardworking and honest people like the fans," he says. "There are times when it is tough and they tell you the home truths but don't we all need that sometimes?

“I think I have been very fortunate that I didn't leave the city and I am very grateful that I didn't.

"It wasn't until we had the last two or three years that I did fully realise and understand how massive this football club is to the people.

"I know it sounds extreme but the people I have seen and talked to, they live for Everton. That is what gets them out of bed on a morning."

Read more from Coleman as Everton face the captain's former club

Image source, Getty Images

It seems inevitable a host of Premier League managers will point to fixture congestion in the months to come.

When injuries mount, or when time on the training ground is squeezed, coaches often reference the intense nature of the calendar.

But research conducted by the respected CIES Football Observatory has delivered data which shows clubs are - on average - not playing more competitive games than they have in the last couple of decades.

The CIES looked at 677 clubs across 40 leagues. In looking at a period from 2012 to 2024, its findings show in 2023-24, the average club played 42.4 competitive matches. In 2014-15 that figure was 42.6 and in 2020-21 it hit 43.9.

And if focus is placed on sides competing in the Champions League, data gathered between 2000 and 2024 also shows sides are not setting fixture records in the current game, as some managers may like to loosely imply.

In looking at the five major European Leagues, the CIES claim Champions League competitors played an average of 50.8 matches last season.

In 2020-21 they averaged 57.9 and in 2002-03 they contested 55.2.

Manchester United played in 52 competitive games last season, down from highs of 71 in 2020-21 and 66 in 2008-09.

Across all of the clubs analysed, only 4% played more than 60 games last season. In 2012-13, the figure stood at 5.1%.

While clubs may play added friendlies and - it would be fair to say - individual matches tend to be longer given increased injury time in the current game, the data shows that competitive fixture numbers are flat or have in most cases fallen, even if disgruntled managers say otherwise.

The full study is here, external

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Everton are interested in signing forward Jesper Lindstrom from Napoli.

The 24-year-old Denmark international joined the Serie A side from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer for £25m but has failed to make an impact in Italy.

Lindstrom made just two starts all season and did not manage to score a goal or register an assists.

The Toffees are looking to add a winger to their squad this summer.

They are also known to have a long-standing interest in Leeds United's Wilfried Gnonto and had three bids for the 20-year-old Italy international rejected last summer.

Image source, Getty Images

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite says he wants to "keep developing as a player" as he looks to build on a fine personal season that ended with an England debut.

Branthwaite, 22, played a key role in the Blues ending last season with the fourth-best defensive record in the Premier League and has been the subject of interest from Manchester United this summer.

"It's just about taking on what I learned last season and the season before and putting it all together and keeping it going into this season," Branthwaite told club media.

"Last season, playing all the games I did helped me put performances in and get the experience I needed. I'm going to take that into this season and keep learning.

"For any young player it's about playing as many games as you can. That gives you the experience you need."

Despite their defensive solidity in Sean Dyche's first full campaign in charge, Everton only confirmed their safety late in the season after being deducted a total of 10 points for breaching Premier League financial rules.

"When you've got a good defensive record it gives you confidence going into the new season," Branthwaite added.

"It's how the manager has got us set up to give us the best possible chance to win games.

"It'll be the same this season and hopefully we can pick up a few wins early on and get the momentum early."

We asked for your thoughts on the new Everton home kit to be worn for the final season at Goodison Park.

Here are some of your responses:

Dean: A complete disappointment. The 125th Goodison Park anniversary jersey should have been the basis for our final one at the ground. Original crest, small collar with sponsor and manufacturer in a similar blue to the shirt (a nod to the early jerseys we wore at the Old Lady).

Noel: Love the new home shirt. I will certainly be buying it.

Lee: Loving the nod to history, but very underwhelmed with Castore's first effort at producing our strip. I'd have preferred a solid royal blue with white trim (without any fuss) and the original EFC badge on the back of the neck as a tribute. Given the time they've had to come up with this, it's a poor attempt.

Adam: Very average and uninspiring. Terrible looking sponsor (still). And far too expensive.

Lewis: The home kit is really nice - it's better than the one last season. Will miss Hummel but a strong start from Castore. Hope away and third kit are as nice.

Tony: So boring. Expensive and lacks innovation or creativity. Poor.