EXCLUSIVE: Former Everton striker Louis Saha believes the club are a great investment opportunity as The Friedkin Group look to sell

Former Everton striker Louis Saha is shocked that The Friedkin Group are planning to sell the club but he believes the Blues are a great investment opportunity.

Less than 22 months after purchasing the Blues from Farhad Moshiri, the Texas-based company announced on October 9 that they are exploring new investment options, including the potential sale of a controlling interest. Chairman Dan Friedkin has never watched Everton play or spoken to manager David Moyes, but Saha, who was brought to the club by the Glaswegian gaffer during his first spell in charge in 2008, admits he’s puzzled by the development.

The Parisian netted 35 goals in 115 games for the Blues, including one after just 25 seconds in the 2009 FA Cup final, and he played in a side that finished fifth, eighth and seventh in the Premier League in his three full seasons at Goodison Park.

Make sure you never miss the latest Everton news and opinion by making Liverpool Echo one of your Google preferred sources.

Speaking courtesy of BettingLounge, Saha told the ECHO: “I’m extremely surprised that the Everton owners want to sell. I thought that the momentum was good because since David Moyes arrived, they have had the chance to play in a beautiful stadium.

“There is a big vision and it seemed like the investment would follow but it hasn’t. David Moyes was left short in the transfer market, he does work well with a smaller squad, but he needed more back-up in certain positions.

“I don’t think the disruption will harm them on the pitch, but I’m really surprised by the owners, it’s not a great sign.”

The 48-year-old, who founded the social network Axis Stars after hanging up his boots and now has an estimated fortune himself of over £4billion, believes Everton would be an attractive proposition to buy. Saha said: “Everton are a great investment opportunity.

“It’s a great stadium, a great place to be in the Premier League. They’ve been there for many, many years, so it’s quite a stable club.

“There are so many aspects when you have such a fanbase and a rivalry that always attracts a lot of attention. So, there is definitely material there to think about in terms of investment.

“The trajectory of any club in the Premier League could be an enormous opportunity. But I still wonder about the reasons why this has happened, when you have such a position or a strong position, it’s very strange timing.”