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    Who is Dan Friedkin? New owner of Everton FC

    DAN Friedkin will be the new owner of Everton FC after striking a deal with Farhad Moshiri.The American billionaire is buying Farhad’s 94.1% stake in the club, which he will add to his huge business portfolio.By the age of 35, Dan was the CEO of two huge American companiesCredit: AP: Associated PressEverton FC were previously owned by British-Iranian billionaire Farhad MoshiriCredit: Getty ImagesThe deal has been a long time coming and Everton’s new owner is a big football fan.Here’s everything you need to about Dan Friedkin. Texas-richDan was born in San Diego, California, and studied for his Bachelor’s degree at Georgetown University.He later graduated from Rice University with a masters degree and, as of September 2024, he lives in Houston with his wife Debra and his four children. Read more on Everton The billionaire is the son of Thomas H. Friedkin, who founded Gulf States Toyota Distributors.The company is a private distributor of Toyota vehicles in the USA and, at one point, the company’s sales accounted for 13% of all Toyota sales in the country. Also, the company is owned by the Friedkin Group which is a holding group for all of the family’s assets. The group describes itself as a “privately held consortium of businesses and investments in the automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports and adventure industries”.Most read in FootballBy 35, Dan oversaw both Gulf States Toyota Distributors and the Friedkin Group.Dan has worked with big directors like Ridley ScottCredit: The Mega AgencyMovie starDan owns Neon, an independent film company which produced the smash-hit film Parasite. He also owns Imperative Entertainment, a studio that produced Martin Scorcese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, The Mule, The Square and Ridley Scott’s All the Money in the World. The billionaire is no stranger to the camera himself, as he piloted his vintage spitfire in the 2017 film Dunkirk for which he won a Taurus Stunt Award for Best Speciality Stunt. Dan also owns AS RomaCredit: PA MediaHard-won dealThe Friedkin Group agreed to acquire Everton FC on September 23, 2024.The deal is expected to be finished by the end of 2024 and is believed to have valued the football club at £500million. American businessman and Crystal Palace owner John Textor had previously tried to buy the club but could not complete the deal.This is because Premier League rules prohibit individuals from owning more than one team.The Friedkin Group have expressed excitement about the deal.They said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club. “We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”Dan has some experience with football already, as he owns the Italian club AS Roma. More

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    Everton takeover finally agreed as Friedkin Group set to buy crisis club in huge U-turn after pulling plug on £800m deal

    EVERTON’S takeover saga is set to finally come to an end as US billionaire Dan Friedkin has agreed to buy the club.This comes two months after The Friedkin Group’s proposed £800million takeover of the Toffees fell apart over concerns about the club’s debt to 777, an investment firm based in Miami.Everton’s takeover saga looks set to finally come to an endCredit: APUS billionaire Dan Friedkin has agreed a deal to buy out Everton owner Farhad Moshiri’s stakeCredit: GettyThe debt was said to come from a series of loans taken out by the club from the firm last season and was worth £200m.According to The Times, however, The TFG and departing owner Farhad Moshiri accelerated talks over the weekend and an agreement has been struck.The American is now set to overtake Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the club.The agreement, of course, remains subject to approval from the Premier League, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Football Association. Read More on FootballAnd that entire process may take up to eight weeks until it’s completed.A TFG spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club. “We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction.“We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTFG will be looking to clean up the club’s balance sheet and reduce debt of about £600m.The incoming new owners will also be overseeing the grand opening of the Merseysiders’ new 52,888-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock which will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.The mess Everton are in explainedFriedkin also owns Serie A giants Roma, but his leadership has come under increasing scrutiny following the sacking of manager Daniele De Rossi and the resignation of CEO Lina Souloukou.But the new ownership works as a boost amid Everton’s Premier League struggles as Sean Dyche’s side is second to last in the table’s relegation zone with only one point out of five matches.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    Leicester vs Everton SUSPENDED due to adverse weather as King Power Stadium battered by torrential rainfall

    THE second half of Leicester’s Premier League clash against Everton was delayed.The next 45 was pushed back due to the thunder and lightning at the King Power Stadium.The second half of Leicester’s home tie against Everton was suspendedThe downpour ruined viewing for fans in the first halfA team were seen testing the pitch at half-timeSpectators were forced to wear disposable raincoatsReferee Darren England spoke to Steve Cooper and Sean Dyche in the tunnel.And an official was also testing the pitch by bouncing a ball on it. Both sets players were asked to remain in the tunnel as torrential train poured down over the East Midlands.Lightning also flashed over the opening half as Everton went 1-0 up after a brilliant Iliman Ndiaye finish.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut after five minutes of waiting for the heavens to close up, match officials were forced into resuming the 3pm blackout tie.Fans inside the ground could barely see the action as the thunderstorm continued.And both sets of players are completely soaked, with Everton’s white shirts almost see-through.There were fears at half-time that the game could be abandoned.Most read in FootballWhile a linesman’s headset and microphone equipment had to be checked 10 minutes into the second half.The rainstorm began before kick-offA general view from inside the groundBoth sets of players are soaked throughCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJordan Ayew went close shortly after the restart before a drenched El Khannouss was hooked off in the 55th minute.Leicester kept on making the wrong decision in the final third before Dominic Calvert-Lewin was denied on the counter in the 65th minute.Premier League Drama: Football Kicks Off and Glamour Models!But the rain didn’t completely ruin things for the home side who equalised through Stephy Mavididi.The Foxes continue to push for a winner.The BBC weather reports shows that the rainstorm is not able to let up any time soon.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    New Everton bidder wants JAY-Z to join his takeover of troubled Toffees to pump in some of his £2billion fortune

    JAY-Z is on the radar of John Textor to join his takeover of troubled Everton.Sean Dyche’s side threw away a 2-0 lead AGAIN and crashed 3-2 at Aston Villa last night.John Textor wants to add more financial muscle to his Everton takeover bidCredit: AFPHe has looked at award-winning musician Jay ZCredit: GettyBut mega-rich rap star Jay-Z could be talked into pumping in some of his £2billion cash to boost Dyche’s squad if Textor seals a deal.The US businessman, 58, has contacted several possible partners to help turn Everton into a super power.And last week he revealed there has been “progress” in his bid to buy Farhad Moshiri’s majority stake.Textor must sell his 45 per cent stake in Crystal Palace to meet Premier League rules.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he will still need help financing a buyout and signings.Jay-Z, husband of Beyonce, has become an entrepreneur on the back of his music success.And he may be open to joining Textor’s team.Textor hopes to sell the idea to others who could be attracted by using Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium for other projects.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEverton sit rock bottom of the division as one of only two teams yet to pick up a league win this season.However, their inferior goal difference to Southampton means it is them who are propping up the table, rather than the newly-promoted Saints who lost 3-0 to Manchester United this weekend.Everton star Iliman Ndiaye’s incredible rise from Sunday League to £15million Premier League star in just six years More

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    Aston Villa 3 Everton 2: Dreadful Toffees blow two-goal lead AGAIN as late Jhon Duran screamer seals frantic victory

    WHAT IS IT about the Toffees coming unstuck when they have a two-goal lead?They did it again, this time in an absolute thriller at Aston Villa that was won by one of the greatest strikes this famous old ground has seen -and it’s seen some.Dwight McNeil’s moment of brilliance gave Everton the leadDominic Calvert-Lewin doubled the lead for the visitorsCredit: RexBefore Ollie Watkin’s brought one back for Aston VillaCredit: PASubstitute Jhon Duran must have been 30 yards out when he sent a rocket into the top left-hand corner of the net with 14 minutes left.But save a prayer for Everton who were two-nil ahead again.That was the scoreline with just three minutes left of normal time against Bournemouth last time out they and managed to lose.This time they had stormed ahead through Dwight McNeil on 16 minutes and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on 27 minutes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThen a brace from Ollie Watkins on drew the sides level before Duran’s left-footed stunning screamer.That is not the whole story because at 2-1 the visitors had a great chance to extend their lead to two again but Calvert-Lewin fluffed it when through one-on-one.Even after Duran struck the Everton front man would rattle the cross bar as Sean Dyche’s side tried to at least regain a point.They remain at the foot of the table without any and the prospect of a first relegation in 74 years is looming even at this early stage.Most read in FootballJhon Duran scored an absolute screamer to earn three points for VillaYouri Tielemans couldn’t believe Duran’s worldieVilla goalkeeper Emi Martinez could not believe what he had witnessedCredit: Sky SPortsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhat a first half it was with Aston Villa seemingly in control in the early stages playing good possession passing football.But Everton were set up well and were clearly here for the fight.Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw, 63, in serious condition in hospital after suffering head injury in fallThey were ready to pounce and snatch the ball when they could and take their chances.That is exactly what they did for the opening goal from McNeil.He was on former Toffee midfielder Amadou Onana’s heels and wrestled him off the ball high up the pitch.Another referee might have blown but Craig Pawson rightly let it go.McNeil was off, taking the ball to the edge of the area before delivering a perfect low finish across Emiliano Martinez into the far corner of the net.Villa Park stunned, as it would be again when 11 minutes later the visitors had a second.McNeil was provider this time with a sweet dead ball delivery from a free kick wide on the right.Calvert-Lewin leapt to meet it and with the slightest clip of his forehead sent the ball past Argentina’s number one.There was a VAR check, but he was onside.Villa were back in it when Onana spread the ball out wide for Lucas Digne whose cross to the far post was met by Watkins.He was like an American NBA player the way he leapt and hung in the air to meet the cross with his head as his marker Michael Keane was on the way down.Unai Emery’s side should have been level four minutes after the break when Morgan Rogers was through one on one but what a save from Jordan Pickford with an outstretched leg.Credit the Everton and England number one who hobbled through most of this game after an early injury.In the 54th minute came the big moment for Everton when McNeil put Calvert-Lewin away with a clear run on the Villa goal from 30 yards out.Unai Emery came from behind to beat Everton 3-2 at homeCredit: GettyNobody was near him, he had time, maybe too much, but dithered, tried to round the goalkeeper and Evri Konsa got back to nick the ball away.Everton players held their heads in their hands as they would do again just four minutes later.How often does it happen when a great chance is missed at one end, a team is so quickly punished?READ MORE SUN STORIESSo it was as Youri Tielemans through ball was helped into the path of Watkins by Jack Harrison and the net bulged again.Duran would complete the comeback in stunning style and condemn Everton to another evening of misery wondering what could have been. More

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    Dele Alli in limbo as he’s left out of Everton Premier League squad after contract ran down… but star handed lifeline

    DELE ALLI has been left out of Everton’s Premier League squad following the end of his contract last season.The 28-year-old midfielder had reportedly been working towards gaining a new deal with the Toffees, after being named on the club’s retained list in May, but remains unemployed.Dele Alli has not been named in Everton’s Premier League squad after failing to win a new contractSean Dyche had suggested their was a chance for Alli to win a new dealBut Alli has been offered a lifeline as there remains hope for a space to open up in Everton’s 23-man squad .According to Prem rules, free agents can join the squad after the deadline if less than 25 players have been named.With Youssef Chermiti, Roman Dixon and Harrison Armstrong classed as youth, there is room on the first-team list of free agents.Any Prem squad with 25 players or more cannot add free agents until the next registration window in January.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAlli made just 13 appearances for Everton in two-and-a-half years and didn’t feature once in the previous campaign due to fitness issues.But he continued to train with Everton, who have remained supportive, at Finch Farm despite technically being a free agent.Dyche suggested in August that Alli could play his way into a new deal if he impresses in some behind-closed-doors friendlies.After leaving Tottenham for Everton in January 2022, Alli joined Turkish team Besiktas on a season-long loan with an option to buy eight months later.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe has not played competitively at all since he was substituted at half-time for Besiktas in a goalless draw against Antalyaspor in February 2023 and returned to Everton last summer.In July 2023, Alli bravely opened up on his mental health battle after previously revealing his childhood trauma over being abused and selling drugs.Dele Alli hailed for opening up on mental health battles as Everton star joins Monday Night Football panelThe 37-capped England international also went to rehab for a sleeping pill addiction.But Alli told Monday Night Football that he was getting back to a better place.He said: “I’m doing really well, it’s been nearly a year now. I’m feeling good, obviously injured which is disappointing. “I think when I did that interview that I’d said it was the best I’d felt at that time, obviously coming out of rehab and getting ready to be back playing.“It’s been tough but it’s a journey I’ve been on and I’m enjoying it and just waiting to get back now.“The reaction and support that I got was obviously overwhelming. “It was amazing to see how many people that did help and I’m definitely very proud of it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAt his pomp, Alli looked to have the world at his feet after scoring 67 goals and providing 58 assists in 269 games for Spurs.Meanwhile, Dyche’s own job is safe for now after a vote of confidence from the Everton board following three defeats from three this season.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    Former Everton star Ben Godfrey ‘already rejected’ by Atalanta and could be axed in January transfer window

    BEN GODFREY could be axed by Atalanta in January, it’s been sensationally claimed.The defender joined the Italian outfit from Everton in June for a fee in the region of £10million.Ben Godfrey joined Atalanta from Everton earlier this summerCredit: GETTYBut the Serie A club are reportedly not impressed with the 26-year-oldCredit: REXLast season’s Europa League winners had high hopes for the 26-year-old, who can play across the backline.But the Serie A club are said to have not been impressed by what they’ve seen of him so far.According to TuttoAtalanta, Godfrey is “struggling” to adapt to the system deployed by manager Gian Piero Gasperini.And they claim he could be lined up for a loan move after being “rejected” and deemed a “flop” by his gaffer.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSGodfrey’s Italian adventure hasn’t gone to plan, with the England international only playing 22 minutes of first-team football this season.But he was full of optimism after his move to Bergamo was announced, writing on Instagram: “My new home @atalantabc.”So happy to be here, looking forward to meeting everyone at the club! Forza Atalanta!!!”Shortly after expressing his delight at moving to Serie A, he issued a heartfelt message to the Goodison Park faithful.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBen Godfrey has only played 22 minutes of football so far this seasonCredit: GettyHe said: “When I joined the club in 2020, everyone at the club from fans, staff and players made me feel welcome.”I’ve made some great memories at this football club and will always appreciate my time there.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese model”And I feel like I can leave knowing I gave 100%.”Now it’s time to move onto my next challenge.”Thank you for all your support. All the best Everton.” More

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    Everton dubbed ‘reverse Chelsea’ with only 12 players including flop striker contracted beyond this season

    EVERTON have been dubbed the “reverse Chelsea” due to the club’s worrying contract situation.The Toffees only have TWELVE players in their 24-man squad who are contracted past the end of the season.Ashley Young is one of 12 players who could leave Everton at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyMichael Keane’s contract is also expiringCredit: GettyDominic Calvert-Lewin could depart on a free transferCredit: ReutersThat means the Everton could lose star players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Michael Keane for nothing next summer.Veteran stars such as Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young are also in the final year of their contracts at Goodison.While four stars, Jack Harrison, Armando Broja, Jesper Lindstrom and Orel Mangala, are with Sean Dyche’s side on loan.Everton do have the option to make both Broja and Lindstrom permanent deals at the end of the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBy comparison, SunSport revealed this week how Chelsea have TWENTY-ONE players contracted into the 2030s.And fans were amazed by the difference.One fan posted: “The reverse Chelsea.A second wrote: “Wonder how many of them [the 12 under contract] have relegation clauses.”Most read in FootballA third commented: “Chelsea’s got 27 they can borrow.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA fourth said: “The anti-Chelsea.”A fifth joked: “It’s fine. You can only play with 11 players anyway.”Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsJordan Pickford is contracted until 2027Credit: AlamyJake O’Brien signed a four-year deal with Everton in the summerCredit: AlamyChelsea’s ten longest contractsHere are the ten players at Chelsea with the longest contracts…Cole Palmer, contract expiring 2033Enzo Fernandez, contract expiring 2032Joao Felix, contract expiring 2031Pedro Neto, contract expiring 2031Filip Jorgensen, contract expiring 2031Moises Caicedo, contract expiring 2031Nicolas Jackson, contract expiring 2031Renato Viega, contract expiring 2031Mykhailo Mudryk, contract expiring 2031Noni Madueke, contract expiring 2030Another added: “Tbf if you had to choose 12 players to keep out of this Everton squad, it would look like this for the most part.”Chelsea have only one star, young goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom, whose contract expires at the end of the season.While Enzo Maresca’s side have star men such as Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez tied down until 2033 and 2032, respectively.Ben Chilwell is the only big name that the club could lose on a free transfer, should his contract not be renewed by June 2027.Everton do have some key players tied down to longer deals, including Jordan Pickford and summer signings Jake O’Brien and Iliman Ndiaye.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut, with Everton in relegation trouble this season, all three could be looking to move on should the club drop down to the Championship.That could leave the already cash-strapped Toffees needing to build an entirely new squad in the second tier. Everton’s expiring contractsHere is a full look at the players that could leave Everton at the end of the season…Ashley Young, contract expiry 2025Seamus Coleman, contract expiry 2025Abdoulaye Doucoure, contract expiry 2025Dominic Calvert-Lewin, contract expiry 2025Michael Keane, contract expiry 2025Idrissa Gueye, contract expiry 2025Joao Virginia, contract expiry 2025Asmir Begovic, contract expiry 2025Armando Broja, loan contract expiry 2025 (option for permanent)Jesper Lindstrom, loan contract expiry 2025 (option for permanent)Orel Mangala, loan contract expiry 2025Jack Harrison, loan contract expiry 2025 More