The Friedkin Group’s decision to return to Everton on Monday has certainly caused ripples at AS Roma, where the coverage is likely to go into overdrive.
Calciomercato provide the latest today and the ‘corporate earthquake’ that has hit the Italian side over the last week.
First was the dismissal of Daniele de Rossi, then on Sunday morning the resignation of CEO Lina Souloukou. Monday then saw the announcement that the Friedkin’s are buying Everton and an agreement is in place.
They’ll be the third club added to the American group, who also own French side Cannes. Roma fans didn’t consider them a threat, but the addition of Everton has them wondering about the future of the Giallorossi.
The Friedkins have already moved to ease those fears with a statement and an insistence that Roma remain in their focus.
They’re currently working to find a new CEO and have entrusted the search to agency CAA Base, who handle numerous high-profile players but also sports directors and management figures too.
Everton fans will recognise a few names on their list, with Richarlison among the players and former managers Carlo Ancelotti and Frank Lampard also on their books. That connection certainly opens up interesting options for future Everton deals.
For now, the focus is on Roma, but questions remain about whether the Friedkins will remain in charge there.
Rumours of a sale continue despite their statement, with Saudi Arabia continuing to be a potential outlet for them. They’re already well settled in Roma thanks to sponsors Riyadh Season, which brings in around €12m per year.
There was also an initial offer from a Saudi fund last year which was refused, but the synergy is there with Saudi Arabia, even extending to the transfer of Abdulhamid this year. He’s the first Saudi national to play in Serie A.
Thus, a sale to a group from the region would make sense and some fans, as well as the media in Italy, continue to whisper about the possibility thanks to the push to get Everton.
