How AS Roma have fared in four years under the Friedkin Group as Everton takeover finally edges closer

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Everton’s takeover appears to be edging ever closer as the Friedkin Group look set to buy Farhad Moshiri’s stake in the club.

The Toffees have been awaiting fresh ownership for a while, with several prospective buyers attempting but ultimately failing to complete a deal.

The Friedkin Group were one of those initially interested in buying the Merseyside club and making them part of a planned multi-club model.

Those plans appeared to fall through in July, but since then, reports have stated that the Friedkin Group are set to complete a takeover of Everton.

It comes as a huge boost to Sean Dyche and the Goodison Park faithful as the club look to rebuild from previous mistakes.

The Toffees wouldn’t be the only club in the Friedkin Group’s portfolio though, with AS Roma one of those also at the top of their multi-club model plans.

• READ MORE: Insiders claim that Farhad Moshiri made one key Everton change to ‘smooth’ Dan Friedkin takeover

The Friedkin Group’s takeover of AS Roma

Dan Friedkin, chairman of the Friedkin Group, helped push through a takeover of Italian giants AS Roma in 2020.

In a statement confirming the takeover, the chairman said: “Our commitment to Roma is total. We will be very present in Rome, a city that holds a special place in our hearts, as we embark on this exciting journey.

“We recognise we are entrusted with a team that is a vital part of the soul of Rome, and this is a responsibility that we find humbling and will always take very seriously.

“As business owners, we look to identify and back strong management teams and leadership. Guido Fienga has proven to be a great CEO of Roma, and together we have developed an ambitious and disciplined business plan.

“We will give him the support, guidance and means to deliver on this plan and, to help maintain focus over these crucial weeks ahead, it will be primarily his voice that will speak for AS Roma.

“Our shared vision for the club and the team is to favour a sustained, long-term investment approach rather than quick fixes of questionable durability.”

That will certainly be music to the ears of Everton supporters who will be hoping their team can make a rise back to the top in a sustainable manner.

What the Friedkin Group have done at AS Roma

Some of the Friedkin Group’s work at Roma over the past few years could point towards a potential plan put in place for Everton.

In the 2020/21 season, the group had little chance to influence the transfer strategy but did see the side finish seventh in Serie A under Paulo Fonseca. reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League.

By the end of the season, the owners made their first major move as Fonseca stepped down and was replaced by Jose Mourinho.

A huge £80million window followed with some big transfers, with Tammy Abraham the most notable signing from Chelsea, signalling a huge shift in age profile in the squad as a whole.

The 2021/22 season saw Mourinho deliver the UEFA Conference League trophy to the club, coming as a success – though they only jumped one place to sixth in Serie A.

After that success, Roma were hungry for more and signed Paulo Dybala and Andrea Belotti, with hopes their goals could help the side over the line in big matches.

The league form continued into the following campaign though, with another sixth-placed finish, though Europa League success almost followed as the side fell short at the hands of Sevilla in the final.

2023/24 saw tensions rise between Mourinho and the ownership as improvement wasn’t seen in the Serie A league table.

The serial winner was dismissed in January 2024, with former player Daniele De Rossi handed the reigns instead.

The World Cup winner helped guide the team to another sixth-placed finish as well as the semi-finals of the Europa League.

This summer saw De Rossi backed with a huge transfer spend, but faith in him didn’t last long as he was sacked just four games into the current Serie A season.

Supporters showed their dismay at the decision in their side’s 3-0 win over Udinese on Sunday.

It suggests that the ownership group still have some work to do to progress beyond their middling finishes in the league, despite trophy success.

What Jose Mourinho has said about Dan Friedkin

Following his dismissal, Mourinho aimed a swipe at Friedkin surrounding the decision to make him leave Roma.

Speaking to Football.com, he said: “The European competitions are about to begin, in particular the Champions League, perhaps the world’s most important competition on the calendar.

“I won’t be there at these final stages, not because I have already been eliminated, but because I was ‘eliminated’ by someone who knows little about football.

“That’s life, full of ups and downs, and I’m growing, despite the unexpected and unfair dismissal. But I will return, and with even more enthusiasm and confidence, for these UEFA matches.”