Everton owners The Friedkin Group (TFG) are exploring the sale of the club less than two years after taking control.

The American group completed a takeover of the club in 2024 in a deal believed to be worth in excess of £400m.

In a statement, TFG said after prioritising stability, investment and the opening of Everton’s new stadium last year, the time is right “to consider the next chapter”.

“The Friedkin Group is exploring new investment options for Everton Football Club, including the potential sale of a controlling interest,” TFG said.

“When TFG became custodians of Everton, the club faced significant financial uncertainty and challenges both on and off the pitch. The immediate priority was to provide the stability, investment and support needed to secure the club’s future, including helping to bring the long-promised stadium to completion for its deserving supporters.

“With that foundation now safely in place, the time is right to consider the next chapter for Everton.”

TFG, led by chairman Dan Friedkin, outlined a vision for a “sustainable and successful” future for the club when they took over, but its leadership came under scrutiny during the summer transfer window.

In September, David Moyes said he had never met or spoken to Friedkin, who is based in Houston, since returning as manager in January 2025.

Friedkin leaves the day-to-day running of the club to his son-in-law Rishi Majithia, who works in tandem with chief executive Angus Kinnear.

Fans reacted angrily when news broke that Everton had accepted a £40m bid from Nottingham Forest for one of their prized assets, England Under-19 midfielder Harrison Armstrong.

Everton eventually pulled out of the deal, but supporters remained frustrated by the selling of Beto to Fiorentina shortly after.

The move left the Toffees with just one recognisable striker in 23-year-old Frenchman Thierno Barry.

TFG added that they will only “entertain interest from parties who we strongly believe will be the right stewards to take the club forward”.

“Throughout this process, TFG’s focus will remain unchanged. We will support the club in all ways necessary to achieve success on the pitch and will continue efforts to make a positive difference in the communities the club serves,” the statement continued.