Everton have confirmed that American billionaire Christopher Sarofim has joined the club as a new investor.
The 62-year-old, who is also a minority shareholder of the NFL’s Houston Texans, has joined their ownership group Roundhouse Capital and will be given an observer position on the board.
However, the Toffees will remain under the control of The Friedkin Group (TFG), which completed their takeover of the club in December last year, ending Farhad Moshiri’s eight-year tenure as the majority shareholder.
Sarofim is a friend of Everton owner Dan Friedkin and boasts a personal wealth in excess of $3.7 billion. His family company, Fayez Sarofim & Co, reportedly manages over $30bn in assets.
Sarofim is the first new investor to join the Merseyside club, but the latest football news suggest more are expected to join as well.
Everton have been completely transformed since they appointed David Moyes as their manager in January.
There were relegation fears when the Scot first arrived, but he has led them to Premier League safety in impressive fashion, although concerns remain whether the club can retain Jarred Branthwaite next season.
Collecting 38 points from 33 matches, the Blues are now sitting 13th in the league table, ahead of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
Everton lost 2-0 to Manchester City at the weekend, but it was far from a one-sided encounter.
They made Pep Guardiola’s side really work for the victory at Goodison Park, as the hosts put in an excellent defensive display.
Ultimately though, late goals from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic proved decisive in City taking maximum points back to Manchester.