Everton owner Friedkin may ‘think twice’ after ‘fan backlash’ – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has suggested incoming Toffees owner Dan Friedkin could “think twice” about selling Roma after recent “fan backlash”.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested Saudi Arabian investors could relieve the new Toffees owner of his asset in the Italian capital.
Roma fans are currently unhappy and voicing their anger after the sacking of club legend Daniele De Rossi last month.
Chief executive Lina Souloukou was forced to quit as a result of protests from I Giallorossi supporters.
Reports in February suggested a two-way bidding war is taking place between the Saudi Sovereign Investment Fund (PIF) and Saudi investor Turki Alalshikh for the purchase Roma.
Friedkin has since agreed a takeover at Everton and has told fans that “the potential addition of Everton to our portfolio does not alter our focus on AS Roma”.
Everton incoming owner Friedkin could now sell Roma, says Wyness
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It was a rumour going around earlier this year, Saudi interest at Roma.
“That was a time when Friedkin was seen as the favourite American owner in Italy.
“He was doing well, but now he’s probably one of the most hated.
“He and his son came out with a strong statement last week, insisting they would carry on with Roma and talking very long-term about how both clubs could co-exist.
“But this fan backlash could make him think twice about selling.
“I don’t know if the Saudis are genuinely interested in Roma. The situation as it is, they are linked with everything. You have to take it with a pinch of salt.
“But his CEO at Roma has had to resign, and that could make Friedkin think twice about moving on.”
In other news, Everton’s new owners make secret Sean Dyche sack plan.
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