Former Premier League chief executive Christian Purslow has discussed Everton’s appeal to prospective buyers and whether The Friedkin Group can secure a valuation of more than £1billion for the club.
The former Aston Villa and Liverpool chief executive joined football writer Henry Winter to examine the ownership situation at Everton, after TFG confirmed earlier this month that it is exploring new investment options including the potential sale of a controlling interest.
The Athletic has reported that the Friedkins are expected to seek around £1bn, although the price a buyer would ultimately be prepared to pay remains uncertain. Winter highlighted Everton’s status, support, new stadium, playing squad and David Moyes among the factors which could make the club an attractive proposition as he and Purslow discussed the situation for The Football Boardroom on YouTube.
Purslow discusses £1bn Everton question
Purslow brings considerable experience to the debate, having previously served as Liverpool chief executive, Chelsea managing director and Aston Villa chief executive. The central question is not simply whether Everton can attract interested parties, but whether that interest will translate into a price approaching the figure reportedly being sought by TFG.
Winter highlighted the discussion on X, describing Everton as a famous club with a huge fanbase, a new stadium, talented players and an outstanding manager before pointing to whether the Friedkins can achieve a price in excess of £1bn.
That figure would represent a substantial increase on TFG’s initial investment – a profit in other words. The group completed its takeover in December 2024, bringing Farhad Moshiri’s ownership to an end and subsequently helping to stabilise a club which had been operating under considerable financial pressure.
Everton now a different proposition
Everton are in a markedly different position from when TFG took control. The club have moved into the Hill Dickinson Stadium, their immediate financial position has been stabilised, and Moyes has overseen a decent if unspectacular start to the season, while the new waterfront stadium offers further commercial potential alongside one of English football’s largest established supporter bases.
Those strengths, though, do not automatically establish a £1bn valuation. Everton remain a club requiring significant investment if they are to compete towards the top of the Premier League, while the financial commitments inherited by any prospective owner will form part of the calculations around a takeover.
That’s the key issue surrounding the valuation. Everton may now represent a considerably more attractive asset than they did when TFG arrived, but, as ever, the eventual price will only be determined by what prospective investors are prepared to pay for that progress and future potential.
Friedkins exploring Everton sale
TFG announced on October 9 that it had appointed Moelis & Company while exploring investment options, including the potential sale of a controlling interest. The owners said they would only entertain approaches from parties they considered suitable ‘stewards’ of Everton and stressed that their support for the club would continue while the process was under way.
But the reports of the potential £1bn valuation have subsequently placed the price of any deal under scrutiny. Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has suggested the market could settle closer to £800m, while Sky Sports’ Alan Myers has reported that he believes the Friedkins are looking for between £800m and £1bn.
What is clear is that Everton enter this ownership process from a considerably stronger position than during the uncertainty surrounding the failed 777 Partners takeover.
The question now is how much that transformation is worth to the next investor.
Watch Christian Purslow and Henry Winter discuss the Everton sale in full on The Football Boardroom.
For all the latest Everton ownership, transfer and team news, visit our Everton news page.
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