Everton have announced the addition of Christopher Sarofim, a wealthy American investor and fund manager, to their ownership group, Roundhouse Capital. Sarofim, 62, is also a minority shareholder in the Houston Texans NFL team and manages assets through his family firm, Fayez Sarofim & Co, worth approximately $31 billion.
While Sarofim’s investment will go into Roundhouse Capital rather than directly into Everton, he will take on an observer role on the club’s board. His involvement is seen as a strategic move to enhance the ownership group’s access to broader financial networks.
Despite this addition, day-to-day operations at Everton will remain under The Friedkin Group (TFG), which acquired the club from Farhad Moshiri in December. TFG has focused on recruiting strategic, well-connected investors rather than celebrity names—setting themselves apart from clubs like Swansea, Burnley, and Leeds, which feature star-studded investment rosters.
TFG’s chairman and CEO, Dan Friedkin, praised Sarofim, saying: “Christopher brings experience, sound judgment, and wisdom that will help us continue driving the club forward.”
Since taking over, TFG has been highly active. Notable moves include:
- Appointing David Moyes as manager, replacing Sean Dyche in January.
- Hiring Angus Kinnear from Leeds as the new chief executive (joining this summer).
- Deciding not to renew Kevin Thelwell’s contract as sporting director.
- Slashing club debt and securing a £350m refinancing package for the new 52,888-capacity Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, which opens this summer—expected to save the club up to £50m annually in interest.
TFG is also exploring a future for Goodison Park as the home for Everton’s women’s team, with a feasibility study due by the end of next month.
