The Friedkin Group announcement triggers questions galore for Everton fans

Predicting the outcome of the Everton takeover saga has been an exercise in futility over the past year, with several false dawns scuppering the fans’ hopes of a swift resolution.

For people inclined towards betting, they would have been well-advised to familiarise themselves with a craps strategy for beginners rather than wagering on the identity of Everton’s owners.

However, supporters may finally feel they have hit the jackpot following the announcement that The Friedkin Group (TFG) have reached an agreement to buy the club.

Having previously pulled out of talks with current owner Farhad Moshiri, TFG’s statement caught people by surprise. The big question now, is what does it mean for Everton’s future?

Read on as we assess some of the key elements of TFG’s potential takeover, starting with whether they will receive approval from key organisations.

Regulatory approval is expected to be a formality

TFG has some loose financial ends to tie up over the next few weeks which will require rubber-stamping from courts in New York.

They will also need to secure approval from three organisations – the Financial Conduct Authority, the Football Association and the Premier League.

The league’s approval tends to take the longest to acquire, but TFG should have little difficulty given they generate billions of dollars annually.

Assuming there are no major hiccups, it is not beyond the realms of possibility for TFG to assume the ownership mantle before the end of the year.

TFG takeover should deliver long-term benefits

The club has been treading water for quite some time now, so TFG’s potential acquisition will be music to the ears of long-suffering Everton fans.

Reducing the club’s debt and the provision of long-term financing are the key elements, particularly with regards to completing the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

Short-term cash flow issues have been resolved after TFG extended its debt arrangement, thus giving everyone connected to the club a more stable working backdrop.

However, having wealthy new owners who are seemingly eager to invest in making Everton successful on the pitch is the most enticing prospect for the fans.

Financial sustainability will be TFG’s mantra

While the prospect of new ownership is exciting, it is important to note that Everton will still be forced to work within the confines of Profit and Sustainability Rules.

As Newcastle United’s Saudi Arabian owners have discovered, having an endless supply of cash does not necessarily equate to spending freely in the transfer market.

TFG will be keen for Everton to operate as a sustainable business, and they will likely focus on improving the club’s commercial revenues to achieve this.

Gradual improvements rather than quick fixes are guaranteed to be the order of the day, meaning fans will need to temper their short-term expectations.

Dyche faces an uncertain future under TFG

While manager Sean Dyche is not everyone’s cup of tea, it would be churlish not to acknowledge that he has done a decent job in difficult circumstances.

However, given that he is now into the final year of his contract, it would be no surprise if TFG decided to head down a different route at the end of the season.

They previously demonstrated their ambition with Roma by appointing Jose Mourinho in 2021, and he subsequently guided the club to successive European finals.

Appointing a big-name manager such as Thomas Tuchel could be a distinct possibility, particularly given his track record of success across several top leagues.