Ornstein explains why Everton fans should be optimistic despite TFG uncertainty

Everton should continue to receive financial backing from The Friedkin Group while the owners explore new investment options, according to David Ornstein.

TFG announced last week that it was considering several possibilities, including the potential sale of its controlling interest in Everton.

Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, Ornstein said that process should not mean less funding is available while TFG remains in charge, with Everton expected to be active in the January transfer window.

A new striker is among the positions the club intends to address.

Ornstein sees ‘fantastic opportunity’ at Everton

The ownership announcement has created another period of uncertainty at Everton less than two years after TFG completed its takeover. Ornstein acknowledged that supporters could understandably have a sense of “here we go again”, but believes there are reasons for optimism about the club’s position.

“There is a fantastic opportunity at Everton, I’d be pretty excited,” he said.

Ornstein pointed to Everton’s new stadium, increased revenues and training facilities when assessing the club’s prospects. He also said TFG would not simply sell to the first interested party as it considers the next stage of Everton’s ownership.

“They only want to sell to the right buyer,” Ornstein said. “They want to sell to a custodian who will take the club to the next level.”

That is consistent with TFG’s public position. The owners said last week that they would only entertain interest from parties they believed were the right stewards to take Everton forward. For David Moyes, the more immediate issue is January.

Everton were left with Thierno Barry as their only recognised senior centre-forward after Beto joined Fiorentina and a proposed move for Folarin Balogun collapsed late in the summer window.

The club has subsequently been linked with several forwards, including Bayer Leverkusen’s Christian Kofane and Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul.

Ornstein’s update indicates that TFG’s search for new investment should not prevent Everton from addressing that position if the current owners remain in control when the window opens.

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