Everton follow Chelsea and Aston Villa in selling women's team in bid to boost transfer funds and avoid PSR breach

The Times have reported that Everton have transferred ownership of their women’s team to Roundhouse Capital Holdings, a company controlled by Toffees owner Dan Friedkin. The internal sale is expected to generate an on-paper profit of around £60 million for the Merseyside club. This financial boost will help the club remain within the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules limits while strengthening their summer transfer budget.

Everton are the third Premier League club, after Chelsea and Aston Villa, to use this strategy. While controversial, the league currently allows such deals, provided they meet fair market valuations. UEFA, however, does not recognise these movements for financial compliance, creating a growing debate about their legitimacy.

Everton insists that the move will also allow the women’s side to attract outside investment, especially from the United States. The transaction comes at a time when Everton are managing high costs, including over £800 million spent on their new home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The women's team is expected to play at a scaled-down Goodison Park once the men’s team relocates to the new location.

The Toffees' internal sale may give them flexibility in the transfer market this summer. However, scrutiny over such financial manoeuvres is mounting within English football. Everton must now strike a balance between investment and compliance to avoid another points deduction, as they plan to give David Moyes the best possible squad for the future.