The glass panels of Everton’s new home at the Bramley-Moore Dock sparkle impressively, radiating ambition beyond the dust of Liverpool’s dock road and the huge lorries rolling in and out of the city’s port.
Expected to open next year, the site is a feat of engineering considering the narrow dimensions of the fresh land below it. Old waters have been drained to create a 52,888-capacity arena that has been earmarked to host matches at the 2028 European Championship.
The Everton Stadium, nearly 30 years in the making, hasn’t had a straightforward construction process. With three other proposed sites never materializing and ownership changes, it has faced challenges. Dan Friedkin, a Texan-based billionaire, will oversee the inauguration of the stadium after his group’s long-awaited takeover was completed on Thursday.
The week marked a momentous occasion for Everton and the region. Both of Merseyside’s Premier League clubs are now controlled by Americans with the Friedkin Group’s takeover. Additionally, the potential takeover of League Two side Tranmere Rovers by a consortium led by Donald Trump’s former lawyer Joe Tacopina could add another layer to the American ownership in English football.
In a significant cultural shift, Liverpool is on the verge of becoming the USA’s 51st state, a contrast from the days when the city’s sporting organizations had local owners. Excitement and caution surround Everton and Tranmere’s takeovers as fans wonder about the implications of U.S. ownership.
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Inside Everton’s Friedkin takeover: From the precipice to fresh hope thanks to new U.S. owner
Everton is a club rooted in contrasts. Local support from economically challenged districts in the north end of Liverpool contrasts with the club’s ongoing growth and changes in ownership over the years.
Meanwhile, Liverpool and Everton’s histories are intertwined with the evolution of English football, corporate influences, and the challenges of maintaining tradition while seeking progress.
Under Moshiri, Everton’s direction and approach shifted significantly, leading to a dual identity within the club. Friedkin’s takeover offers a fresh start for Everton, with questions about the potential impact of U.S. ownership on the club and its future.
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How Liverpool 2.01 was built – and FSG abandoned any plans to sell
Liverpool’s ownership and evolution under FSG serve as a cautionary tale for Evertonian fans as they navigate changes in ownership, stadium transitions, and potential shifts in the club’s identity and operations.