Friedkin Group completes Everton takeover after receiving Premier League OK

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

London, Dec 19 (IANS) The Friedkin Group on Thursday completed the takeover of Premier League club Everton, ending the ownership of Farhad Moshiri and years of uncertainty over the club’s future. The deal, which makes Everton the 10th club in the Premier League under American control, is thought to be worth more than 400 million pounds (502 million U.S. dollars) and comes before the club moves to its new 60,000 capacity ‘Everton Stadium’ for the 2025-2026 season.

The Friedkin Group is owned by Dan Friedkin, who has a personal worth of almost eight billion U.S. dollars and also owns the historic Italian club AS Roma.

“I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, the Friedkin Group. Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution,” said the new owner in an open letter to Everton supporters.

“Whilst we are new to the club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world,” he said. “We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city,” he added.

Everton’s first game after the takeover is a difficult match at home to Chelsea on Sunday lunchtime.

Earlier last week, Everton produced an excellent defensive display to hang on for a point away to Arsenal, who had 13 shots to Everton’s one but failed to find its way past a solid defense and an excellent Jordan Pickford.

–IANS

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Guwahati, Dec 23 (IANS) NorthEast United FC’s forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie has been crowned the Indian Super League’s (ISL) Player of the Month for November. This is the third consecutive Player of the Month award he has received since the start of the season, making him the first player to do so. The Moroccan has been a shining star for the Highlanders since his arrival this season, consistently delivering standout performances.

These standout performances resonated with fans and analysts alike, as reflected in the Player of the Month voting results. The award is decided through a selection process where fan votes and expert opinions contribute 50% to the final result.

Ajaraie earned an overwhelming 51.30% of the final votes, leaving other contenders far behind. Vishal Kaith (21.38%), Jesus Jimenez (12.78%), Manvir Singh (8.46%), Sandesh Jhingan (5.67%), and Diego Mauricio (0.42%) were the other contenders for the award.

Ajaraie played 357 minutes across the month. In November, he netted four goals and provided one assist, cementing his role as NorthEast United FC’s talisman up front. The Moroccan forward maintained an attacking presence with 18 shots on goal, consistently testing opposition defences.

He was instrumental in NorthEastUnited FC’s win against Odisha FC, scoring a brace that helped them secure a 3-2 win at home. Despite the 2-2 draw with Bengaluru FC that followed, he helped the team bag a point, scoring both goals. Ajaraie has scored a total of 11 goals, making him the leading goal scorer at the stage, and four assists since the start of the season, contributing to more than half of the Highlanders goals.

–IANS

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Premier League: Manchester Derby headlines weekend of drama in England

London, Dec 13 (IANS) A derby clash between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium will make for a dramatic moment, with City manager Pep Guardiola facing his biggest crisis and United’s new coach, Ruben Amorim, grappling with challenges. Last weekend’s 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest highlighted the steep road ahead for Amorim.

Man City suffered a 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, plagued by the same sluggish attacks and defensive errors that have defined their poor form over the last six weeks, reports Xinhua. Injuries to defenders Nathan Ake, John Stones, and Manuel Akanji, along with the suspension of Rico Lewis, have left City’s back line stretched thin. Meanwhile, Kyle Walker appears to be showing signs of decline.

United’s struggles in defending set pieces in their loss to Forest underscore the defensive issues Amorim must address. Backroom instability isn’t helping the coach settle in, but Guardiola arguably faces more pressure heading into this clash.

League leader Liverpool pulled off a hard-fought win in Girona on Tuesday and face another tough test on Saturday, hosting a resilient Fulham. Liverpool will be without suspended midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as they look to maintain their lead at the top of the table.

Arsenal host Everton, whose last match was a victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 4 after last weekend’s Merseyside derby was postponed due to bad weather. Bukayo Saka shone in Arsenal’s midweek win over Monaco, but Everton will aim to secure points with challenging matches against Chelsea, Manchester City, and Nottingham Forest looming. Both Arsenal and Everton excel at set pieces. Arsenal have scored 23 goals from corners since last season, while more than half of Everton’s goals come from dead-ball situations.

Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa square off in what promises to be a competitive match between the fifth- and sixth-placed teams. Villa, hampered by midweek Champions League fatigue, will miss Leon Bailey due to injury, while Ollie Watkins is doubtful. At the bottom of the table, relegation drama intensifies as Wolverhampton Wanderers face Ipswich Town. Both teams sit on just nine points from 15 games. Wolves coach Gary O’Neil could be sacked if his team suffers a fourth straight loss.

Elsewhere, Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy takes his side to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United. Despite Leicester remaining unbeaten under Van Nistelrooy’s leadership, the team has allowed 47 shots in two games, offering Newcastle hope for a victory. Crystal Palace, unbeaten in four matches, visit Brighton, whose coach Fabian Hurzeler has praised Palace boss Oliver Glasner as an inspiration from their time coaching in Germany.

Brentford aim to extend their strong away form at Stamford Bridge. Despite winning their last three visits there, this Chelsea side, unbeaten in seven matches and boasting 35 goals this season, poses a different challenge under coach Enzo Maresca. Southampton, with just five points from 15 games, look to climb the table at home against Tottenham. Saints coach Russell Martin has called his team’s position “hurtful” and “embarrassing,” while Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou faces pressure over his team’s inconsistent performances.

Finally, Bournemouth host West Ham in a battle of Basque coaches. Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth sit eighth, while Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham narrowly defeated Wolves on Monday. Another loss could reignite speculation about Lopetegui’s job security.

–IANS

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