The American ownership group announced on Friday, 9 October 2026, that it was exploring new investment options, including the potential sale of its controlling interest in Everton.
Moyes said he had only learned of the development that morning, raising fresh questions about the club’s ownership and long-term ambitions.
“I truly believed with new ownership we were in it completely,” Moyes told reporters ahead of Everton’s Premier League fixture against Hull City.
He added that the summer had been difficult for the club, acknowledging that he was surprised by the announcement, although events during the transfer window had given him some reason to question the owners’ intentions.
Friedkin Group considers Everton’s next chapter
The Friedkin Group completed its takeover of Everton from Farhad Moshiri in December 2024, inheriting a club that had experienced significant financial uncertainty and instability.
Since then, the owners have overseen Everton’s move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium while working to improve the club’s financial position.
In its statement, the group said it believed the foundations were now in place to consider the club’s next phase. It also stressed that any potential buyer would need to demonstrate the ability to build on the progress already made.
The ownership group added that it would continue supporting Everton throughout the process and confirmed that investment bank Moelis & Company had been appointed to advise on the options available.
No sale has been completed, and the announcement does not mean a new owner has been confirmed.
Difficult transfer window raised concerns
Moyes’ comments followed a summer transfer window that attracted criticism from sections of the Everton fanbase.
The club generated significant income from player sales but made comparatively limited additions to the squad, leaving questions about its ability to strengthen sufficiently for the season ahead.
The uncertainty surrounding the ownership has added to supporters’ concerns, particularly after years of financial difficulties and previous unsuccessful attempts to secure a change in control.
Moyes returned to Everton in early 2025 with the ambition of restoring the club to a position where it could challenge more regularly for European qualification.
He acknowledged that the new development was unexpected, given that The Friedkin Group had taken control only around 18 months earlier.
Moyes focuses on Everton’s future
Despite his surprise, Moyes said his priority remained the team and its performances on the pitch.
The manager also expressed sympathy for Everton supporters, who have endured prolonged uncertainty over the club’s direction in recent years.
He had not yet considered in detail what a possible change of ownership could mean for his own future, instead emphasising the importance of keeping the players focused on upcoming fixtures.
Everton were seventh in the Premier League table after five matches, according to the report, and were preparing to face Hull City on Sunday.
Everton await potential investment
The Friedkin Group has indicated that it will consider proposals only from parties it believes can take Everton forward.
The process could bring fresh investment or lead to a change in controlling ownership, but the group has not announced a buyer or a timetable for any potential transaction.
For now, Everton’s immediate challenge is to maintain their progress on the pitch while supporters await greater clarity about the club’s future.
Moyes’ reaction highlights the uncertainty created by the announcement, particularly after he had returned to Goodison Park’s successor with hopes of building a more stable and competitive Everton.