Kieran Maguire reveals Friedkin ‘horror stories’ but dismisses Everton 777 comparison

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire says he has heard “a few horror stories” about The Friedkin Group at Everton but has emphatically dismissed suggestions the club would have been better off under Josh Wander.

The Friedkins completed their takeover of Everton in December 2024 after Wander’s 777 Partners had previously agreed a deal with Farhad Moshiri to buy the club. TFG are now exploring new investment options, including the potential sale of a controlling interest, prompting renewed discussion about Everton’s ownership.

Maguire dismisses Everton and 777 comparison

As reported by Goodison News, Maguire said on The Price of Football podcast that some Everton supporters had asked whether the club might have been better off under Wander. His response was emphatic: “No. No, no, no, no and no.”

Maguire acknowledged there could be disappointment with TFG’s ownership and said he had heard “a few horror stories”, without providing further details. However, he argued that the Friedkins would leave Everton in a stronger financial position, saying the club’s debt profile was in “better order” than when they inherited it.

The comments come after Wander, the co-founder and former chief executive of 777 Partners, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and securities fraud in the United States. US prosecutors said Wander admitted his role in a scheme which defrauded 777’s lenders and investors of more than $500m. He has agreed to forfeit at least $500m and is due to be sentenced in March 2027.

777 had previously loaned Everton around £200m while attempting to complete its takeover, before the proposed deal eventually collapsed. Wander’s downfall and the implications for Everton were examined in our recent look at the club’s failed 777 takeover.

TFG said earlier this month that Everton had faced “significant financial uncertainty” when it took control and that the club’s financial foundations were now safely in place.

Whatever frustrations surround the Friedkins’ ownership, Maguire’s assessment is clear: he sees no reason to believe Everton would have been better served by 777.

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