Everton’s ownership situation has taken a dramatic turn after The Friedkin Group confirmed that it is exploring new investment opportunities, including the possibility of selling its controlling stake in the Merseyside club.
The announcement has immediately fuelled speculation about who could emerge as a potential buyer, with former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley among the names attracting attention.
However, while the prospect of Staveley returning to the Premier League has generated excitement among sections of the Everton fanbase, completing a takeover could require an enormous financial commitment.
Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson has suggested that purchasing Everton outright could cost in the region of £1 billion, putting the scale of the potential deal into perspective.
🚨 THE FRIEDKIN GROUP OPENS THE DOOR TO A FULL EVERTON SALE
The Friedkin Group, led by American businessman Dan Friedkin and his family, took control of Everton in December 2024 after bringing Farhad Moshiri’s turbulent ownership period to an end.
During their time at the club, the American investors have worked to improve Everton’s financial position, address outstanding debt and oversee the transition to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The change in ownership initially offered supporters hope that the Toffees could finally move beyond years of uncertainty and establish a more stable future.
However, Everton’s limited activity during the summer transfer window prompted questions about the owners’ long-term intentions, particularly as supporters expected stronger investment to help David Moyes improve his squad.
Those concerns have now intensified following the announcement that TFG is considering a potential sale of its controlling interest.
The owners have stressed that any prospective investor must be capable of taking Everton forward, suggesting that finding the right buyer will be more important than simply completing a transaction quickly.
Although no agreement has been announced, the possibility of a full takeover has opened the door to fresh discussions about the club’s future.
💣 AMANDA STAVELEY EMERGES AS A POTENTIAL EVERTON BUYER
Staveley has become a prominent name in the speculation surrounding Everton’s ownership after reports of potential investment evolved into suggestions that she could consider purchasing the club outright.
The 53-year-old previously played a significant role in the consortium that acquired Newcastle United in 2021, becoming a familiar figure during the club’s transformation under its new ownership.
Her involvement at St James’ Park helped establish her reputation as a major player in English football investment, and a possible return to the Premier League would represent another substantial move.
According to Borson, Staveley’s interest in returning to the English top flight means the Everton opportunity should not be dismissed.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Manchester City financial adviser indicated that a full purchase remained a possibility, although the financial demands would be considerable.
He suggested that Everton could command a price approaching £1 billion.
That figure highlights the scale of the challenge facing any potential buyer, particularly one seeking complete control rather than a smaller investment in the club.
At this stage, however, there is no confirmed agreement for Staveley to purchase Everton, and the reported valuation should be understood as an estimate rather than an officially announced asking price.
💰 WHY AN EVERTON TAKEOVER COULD COST £1 BILLION
Borson believes Everton could present an attractive investment opportunity despite the substantial cost involved.
He explained that the club’s new stadium provides a valuable platform for future development, potentially making the Toffees an appealing proposition for investors seeking a long-term presence in English football.
The completion of Hill Dickinson Stadium gives Everton a modern home with opportunities to develop additional commercial activity, hospitality facilities and other revenue-generating projects.
For a prospective owner, those possibilities could form an important part of the club’s long-term financial strategy.
Borson also drew comparisons with the opportunity Staveley pursued at Newcastle United, suggesting that Everton could offer a similarly interesting proposition, albeit with a different set of circumstances.
Newcastle’s takeover came with significant sporting ambitions, while Everton’s new stadium provides a major infrastructure asset that is already in place.
The challenge for any incoming owner would be to translate that infrastructure into stronger commercial revenues, a more competitive squad and sustainable financial growth.
Nevertheless, a potential £1 billion price tag would make the deal a major undertaking, requiring substantial financial resources and a convincing plan for the club’s future.
🔥 WHAT COULD STAVELEY BRING TO HILL DICKINSON STADIUM?
Everton supporters have experienced considerable uncertainty over recent years, and the prospect of an ambitious new ownership group is likely to attract attention.
Staveley’s previous involvement with Newcastle gives her experience of the pressures and expectations that come with investing in a Premier League club.
Her supporters may point to the transformation at St James’ Park as evidence that she understands the importance of combining financial investment with a clear sporting vision.
However, any potential Everton takeover would come with its own challenges.
An incoming owner would need to assess the club’s finances, determine how much additional investment is required and establish a recruitment strategy capable of helping Moyes compete more consistently.
The new stadium also creates opportunities that would need to be developed carefully, with commercial growth and matchday revenue potentially playing important roles in Everton’s long-term ambitions.
For supporters, the central question will be whether a new ownership arrangement can deliver the investment and stability needed to turn Everton into a stronger force in English football.
🔵 EVERTON FANS REACT TO THE STAVELEY POSSIBILITY
The idea of Staveley becoming involved at Everton has reportedly attracted some positive reactions, particularly because of her previous association with Newcastle United.
For supporters who want the club to make greater progress, the possibility of an investor with Premier League experience could be an encouraging development.
However, enthusiasm alone will not determine the outcome.
Any proposed takeover would depend on the financial terms, negotiations with The Friedkin Group and whether Staveley could put together the resources required to complete such a substantial transaction.
There is also an important distinction between exploring an investment opportunity and reaching an agreement to buy a football club.
Everton have confirmed that their owners are considering potential changes to the club’s investment structure, but Staveley has not been confirmed as the preferred buyer.
Until further details emerge, the speculation surrounding her involvement remains just that.
🚨 THE BIG QUESTION: CAN AMANDA STAVELEY AFFORD EVERTON?
The possibility of Staveley returning to the Premier League has added another intriguing dimension to Everton’s ownership story.
With The Friedkin Group considering a full sale and Borson suggesting the club could be worth around £1 billion, the financial scale of the opportunity is becoming clearer.
Everton’s new stadium, established Premier League status and potential for commercial growth could make the club attractive to the right investor.
But any prospective buyer would need to demonstrate not only the ability to complete the acquisition but also the financial strength to support the club afterwards.
For now, no takeover has been agreed, and Everton’s ownership future remains uncertain.
Could Amanda Staveley be the person to lead Everton into a new era, or will the reported £1 billion cost prove too much even for an ambitious Premier League investor?