Roma – Lessons for Everton Fans?

Are The Friedkin Group incompetent? Are they asset strippers? The answer is neither – but they do make mistakes. Those mistakes get exacerbated when running such a lean financial model. However, it is not all doom and gloom if you take a longer view.

Background

When the Friedkin Group took over Roma in 2020, the club was in a mess; losing money and stuck with a squad that needed rebuilding. Six years later, things look very different — and despite the usual Roma chaos, the direction of travel is finally upward.

Before Friedkin

Roma were a top‑six regular but financially shaky. The pandemic pushed them into real trouble: big losses, rising debt, and a squad that wasn’t improving.

What TFG Have Actually Done

Since 2020, TFG have poured around €1 billion into stabilising the club. The results:

• Losses shrinking year by year
• Commercial and matchday revenue rising
• Wage bill under control
• Squad quality improving
• Champions League qualification in 2026 — first time since 2018–19

It hasn’t been smooth, but the club is undeniably healthier than when they arrived.

Managers & Recruitment: The Rollercoaster

Using the (not to everyone’s taste) Transfermarkt squad values as a guide as to quality, this is how it shaped up.

Fonseca (2020/21)

7th place, with the 5th‑best squad. Underperformed. Recruitment was scattergun.

Mourinho (2021–24)

League finishes stayed at 6th, (underperforming the squad value) but he delivered:

• Europa Conference League win
• Europa League final

Spending was big at first (Tammy Abraham the headline), then suddenly stopped. Two summers of selling meant the squad stagnated. However, in some respects it was necessary pruning of high wage, aging underperformers.

De Rossi / Juric / Ranieri (2024/25)

A chaotic season with three managers, but still finished 5th. Spending returned — younger, cheaper players, plus the Dobvyk gamble.

Gasperini (2025– )

Finally, a coach who fits the club’s new model: smart recruitment and player development.

• 3rd place in his first season (outperforming the squad value)
• A young, balanced squad
• 2026/27: currently top of Serie A, with the 4th‑best squad on paper

With young, high-quality players like Wesley, Mora and Castro (and plenty others) Roma now look like a club built to compete for the title over the next five years.

Seven Years On: Where Roma Stand

Roma fans have lived through mistakes, misfires, and some baffling decisions — but the club now has:

• A strong core of experienced players (though not overly reliant on detiorating players)
• A wave of talented young players
• A manager aligned with the recruitment strategy
• A squad built to peak together

It’s taken time, but the plan has come together.

What This Means for Everton

TFG’s approach at Roma tells us a lot:

• They are determined to find value in the market
• They don’t throw money around 
• Once a squad is under control, they refer younger high quality players
• They want a squad that grows together
• They do learn from mistakes (and they’ve made plenty)

This summer has been a setback for Everton. TFG tried to do things too cheaply and (at the same time as material improvements in some areas) it’s hurt the squad. But Roma’s journey shows they do correct course.  Moyes might well be a good fit again for working with this kind of squad - but probably won't be retained.

In future seasons / windows expect:

• More signings
• Younger profiles
• Higher volume recruitment
• A manager chosen to fit the player development model
• Sustainability – no more lurching from one financial crisis to another

Not instant miracles — but still (acknowledging this summer’s setback) potential for a squad capable of competing for Champions League qualification within three years.