Since we started Friedkin Watch at Sport Witness, it’s quickly become a tale of the have and have-nots, with Everton firmly the latter.
Despite the family keeping the Premier League club at arms length, they’re altogether warmer with AS Roma. That hasn’t just been the case this season, and trips to Italy have happened repeatedly.
Last week, Corbin Friedkin travelled to Istanbul for Roma’s return to the Champions League. He attended the pre-match dinner and game itself. Corbin was thrilled by the occasion, and it’s not the first time he’s travelled for Roma.
Friedkins will feel Roma gets more bang for buck
AS Roma are second in Serie A, a point behind Lazio and with a game in hand. They’ve won all three of their matches, scoring 10 and conceding once in the process.
There’s a title battle on after finishing third last season. On top of that, Champions League football is likely to be secured again.
Roma spent just over €100m net in the summer. For that, they have a title race ahead and near certain European football.
For the same to be true with Everton then far more would need to be spent. Even then, the guarantees just aren’t anything like what such investment brings in Italy.
Difference in dynamic compared to Everton
Following the 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce in Roma, Corbin Friedkin was left ‘pumped’, as explained by multiple Italian sources.
The Sunday print edition of Corriere dello Sport explained dynamics which appear very different to those with Everton.
‘These words describe an owner who is present, involved, perhaps away from the spotlight but far from distant from the team. The emotionality, after all, was evident even in the stands. Corbin Friedkin, Ryan’s brother, made no secret of his feelings in Istanbul: he celebrated, suffered, and followed the match alongside the Roma management, living every moment of the match.
‘He’s increasingly involved in the club’s dynamics, even as he continues to work primarily on Cannes, Friedkin’s team in France. Ryan remains Roma’s decision-making centre, at the heart of the club’s strategies.
‘His relationship with (CEO) Galantic is daily, extremely close. The two contact about ten times a day to discuss everything from financial matters to sporting matters, inevitably including the transfer market. Because while football moves, the transfer market never sleeps.’
The gift for Gasperini
Gian Piero Gasperini is in his second season as AS Roma manager. He’s a very demanding manager, to both those above and below him.
Should things not be to his pleasing in the transfer market, then he’ll go public quickly. That’s happened on occasion at Roma and helped him get what he wants.
As Everton rue not adding a forward, or another fullback, at the end of the window, promises are already being made in Rome.
Corriere dello Sport report Ryan Friedkin is preparing a ‘transfer gift’ for Gasperini in January. The manager wants a forward, and Real Madrid’s Endrick is the name being worked on.
Indeed, Sporting Director Tony D’Amico is already working on the transfer. Roma would like a loan with a purchase option for the Brazilian. In return, Real Madrid can secure a buyback clause.
Endrick hasn’t got a minute of action so far this season. That will be a frustration after Madrid and Jose Mourinho blocked an exit.
The 20-year-old spent the second of last season on loan at Lyon. He scored eight goals and added eight assists, all in 21 matches for the French club.
AS Roma face Torino away this evening. Three points will see them go top of Serie A.
🇪🇸💫 Adam Aznou | Everton’s star-boy is wowing teammates in training ➡️ Hype may have foundation https://t.co/WcZQNlRm02 #efc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) September 11, 2026
