The Friedkin Group has confirmed it is exploring a potential sale of its controlling interest in Everton. In a statement released on Friday, the club said the time was right to consider the next chapter after establishing a stable foundation.

"When TFG became custodians of Everton, the club faced significant financial uncertainty and challenges both on and off the pitch," the statement read. It added that the immediate priority was to provide the stability and investment needed to secure the club's future, including the completion of the new Hill Dickinson Stadium. "With that foundation now safely in place, the time is right to consider the next chapter for Everton."

The club said it would only entertain interest from parties believed to be the right stewards to build on the momentum established. Manhattan-based investment bank Moelis and Company is leading the sale process. The Friedkin Group, which completed its full takeover in December 2024, is reportedly seeking an asking price of around £800 million, a figure that includes approximately £380 million of club debt.

The decision follows a period where the owners believe they have transformed Everton into a more attractive proposition. Revenues have increased by 50 per cent under their ownership, with the next set of accounts expected to show another rise. Having viewed the club as a 'distressed asset' upon purchase, they now feel they can sell from a position of strength. This confidence is bolstered by the team's current form under manager David Moyes, with Everton sitting fifth in the Premier League on 10 points and unbeaten in their last five matches.

The recent run includes a 2-2 draw at Hull City last weekend, where Thierno Barry scored his third goal of the season to maintain his status as the club's top scorer.

Despite the on-pitch progress, manager David Moyes has had a distant relationship with the ownership. The manager, now in the final year of his contract, confirmed he has not spoken directly to owner and chairman Dan Friedkin in the 21 months since his return to Goodison Park. Moyes has dealt with TFG representatives, including executive chairman Marc Watts and owner’s representative Rishi Majithia. He had wanted to meet the Friedkins during the recent international break but no meeting was arranged.

When asked about the sale process, Moyes offered a defiant response. "No, because I love this club," he said. "They could have sold me it at any time and I'd still have taken it."

Fan relations have been strained, particularly after a controversial attempt to sell academy product Harrison Armstrong in August, which signalled a shift towards a sell-to-buy approach in the transfer market. This policy saw the sale of Iliman Ndiaye and left Moyes with a thin squad at the deadline. The owners' low-profile appearance at a golf event alongside Everton supporter Tommy Fleetwood last week did little to ease concerns about absentee ownership. The Everton Shareholders' Association, however, has expressed approval for the timing of the sale decision.

The club's immediate focus returns to the pitch this weekend. Everton host Chelsea at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, a match that pits fifth against sixth in the table. Moyes has hinted at the need for a special performance, stating, "Sometimes you need to do something special in football and we will attempt to do something special." The outcome of this high-stakes Merseyside fixture will be played out against the backdrop of a major ownership review.

This story first appeared at Daily Mail Sport