Everton owner Ryan Friedkin is expected in Rome this evening for “one of the most important games” of his time at the Italian club.
The blockbuster clash with Inter Milan this week has attracted hundreds, from press to VIPs. One of the latter who is expected to attend is Roma owner Dan Friedkin, clearly far closer to the Italian than David Moyes and Everton.
Roma are currently top of Serie A on goal difference, having a gap four goals to Inter. Victory later on today would be huge.
Friday’s print edition of stated that 61 photographers, over 250 journalists, more than 50 accredited media outlets and eight foreign broadcasters have made the trip. Over 400 accredited professionals, including league officials and production crews will be in attendance.
Sense of anticipation
There is also a ‘sense of anticipation’ in the air as there may be a ‘surprise arrival of Ryan Friedkin. Meanwhile, Dan Friedkin’s right had man – Ed Shipley – has already arrived ahead of the game. That is another sign of the ownership’s intentions to be at the game and visible.
It is worth remember that nobody from the ownership has ever attended an Everton game. Even the important games, such as the last at Goodison Park or the first at the Hill Dickinson, were not attended by the American owners.
That came into focus this week as the UK Prime Minister and the Canadian Prime Minister were in attendance for the cup clash with Wolves. Again, even despite that celebrity attendance, there was no sign of the Friedkins.
But it appears that when it is a Serie A clash with Inter Milan, the situation is different. That, according to journalist Piero Torri from Radio Manà Manà, is one of the biggest games of their leadership.
“This is one of the most important matches that Roma play under Friedkin ownership, as against Napoli last year,” he said.
“It is a great challenge and Roma, however, have all the prerequisites to look Inter in the eye without ever lowering them. The offensive trio of Roma can absolutely make the Nerazzurri defensive trio struggle. Today at the conference Gasp will not give too many indications.”
| Every Everton signing 26/27 | Previous Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Brennan Johnson | Crystal Palace | Swap Deal |
| Tyrique George | Chelsea | £18m |
| Merlin Röhl | Freiburg | £17.5m |
| Hayden Hackney | Middlesbrough | £16.5m |
| Christian Nørgaard | Arsenal | £7m |
| Ainsley Maitland-Niles | Lyon | £4.2m |
| Jack Grealish | Manchester City | Loan |
Financial reality
The game has certainly been earning attention, with Sport Witness reporting yesterday how the Italian media had been comparing the two clubs in terms of finances.
Their reports made it clear that the Friedkins are willing to spend money when it comes to the Italian club. Indeed, it outright said as much “We know Friedkin well: he spares no expense for Roma, and were he not held back by UEFA’s constraints, he would spend even more.”
Then there was the squad value rise. In the two years since Gian Piero Gasperini’s arrival, Roma’s squad has also risen in value by €15m. In comparison, Everton’s squad is now the fifth cheapest in the Premier League.
That, coupled with Ryan’s potential appearance for the clash with Inter, shouldn’t go unnoticed at Everton. The evidence that the Friedkins have lost interest – or were never that interested in the first place – continues to grow.
Fraser Hornby | 27-year-old on leaving Everton and career since
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💬 “I wanted to prove myself and didn’t want to spend another year playing exclusively in the youth ranks.”…— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) September 18, 2026
