‘Big Drama’ – Keith Wyness reacts as Everton bidder Friedkin faces chaos
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed prospective Toffees buyer Dan Friedkin is facing the “biggest battle” of his Roma ownership to date.
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 – insisted Friedkin is “feeling the wrath” of fans in the Italian capital, just as he finalises a takeover on Merseyside.
Football Insider revealed on last week (25 September) that The Friedkin Group could receive Premier League approval within the next six weeks to complete a takeover at Everton.
Roma fans are currently unhappy and voicing their anger after the sacking of club legend Daniele De Rossi earlier this month.
The former I Giallorossi midfielder lost his job after just four games of the 2024-25 campaign, despite being handed a new deal in June.
Chief executive Lina Souloukou was forced to quit as a result, while fans in the Stadio Olimpico’s Curva Sud were silent for the opening 15 minutes of the 3-0 win against Udinese at the weekend.
Ex-Everton CEO reacts as Friedkin’s Roma reign descends into chaos
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “We’ve seen Friedkin do a lot at Roma in terms of bringing the fanbase back onside.
“But there have been some big blips in the last few weeks.
“There have been big dramas – the CEO has had to resign, the fans are threatening the management.
“The ultras are taking a big step in this.
“It seems to be about Daniele De Rossi, a club legend who came in as manager and did well last season.
“He was rewarded with a new contract but was sacked after just four games.
“It’s always a tricky situation with club legends. Everton went through it with Graeme Sharp, who was on the board.
“Certainly with Roma, the history has massive sway. It’s something Friedkin won’t have seen before, and he’s now feeling the wrath of the supporters.
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