Keith Wyness

Fri 2 May 2025 7:00, UK

Everton owners The Friedkin Group have added NBA legend Jason Kidd and US billionaire Christopher Sarofim to their holding company in recent days.

Kidd, who is head coach at the Dallas Mavericks and was a 10-time NBA All-Star during his playing career, insisted he was “honoured” to become part of the Merseyside giants.

Meanwhile, Everton executive chairman Marc Watts has insisted the 52-year-old will be an “incredible resource” for the club due to his experience in basketball.

Kidd is not entering uncharted territory, with NFL legend Tom Brady “engaged 365 days a year” at Birmingham City – according to club chairman David Wagner.

However, Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed David Moyes is unlikely to be leaning on Kidd’s experience as much as the League One champions.

Kidd and Sarofim’s Everton investment is a ‘surprise’, says Wyness

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted he is “surprised” to see new investment within The Friedkin Group.

Everton will move into their new Bramley Moore Dock home next season and play their final game at Goodison Park against Southampton on 18 May.

Wyness told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “This has surprised me.

“I did think The Friedkin Group had enough financial firepower, but it seems the Dallas Country Club has set here – and you can’t have enough billionaires on the shareholder list.

“Christopher Sarofim has an impressive business track record, I’m sure when it comes to refinancing and growth – he will be good news.

“Jason Kidd coming in does surprise me. He had been linked with the Crystal Palace takeover.

“There may be another agenda in US sports as well. Kidd isn’t an obvious pick, he’s got a great career in the NBA.

“But I can’t see him and Moyes sitting down and discussing high performance and tactics, I don’t think Moyes would like that very much. It’s not an obvious hole that needed filling.”

Everton open talks over Gueye deal

Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (28 April) that Everton are in talks with midfielder Idrissa Gueye over a new contract.

Like Keane, the 35-year-old’s current deal is set to expire in June – but sources say the Toffees are expected to extend the midfielder’s stay at the club.

Gueye has been ever-present since Moyes‘ return to Everton earlier this year.

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