An intriguing situation has developed this summer at Everton, with an unexpected takeover bid launched by a consortium headed by former Chelsea and Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon. The 68-year-old is heading a consortium that the Echo claims include USA-based businessmen Maciek Kaminski and John Thornton, both of whom are reported to have considerable financial backing behind them.
The group have reportedly agreed on an exclusivity deal with Everton while talks continue over a potential sale. However, any agreement is believed to be in its early stages.
Farhad Moshiri is looking to sell the club
According to recent media reports, Everton’s majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri is now prepared to sell the club if the price is right. Originally, the plan was to bring in investors in order to fund the club’s new stadium at Bramley Moore, which is already under construction.
However, it seems that plans have changed. If Moshiri has the chance to recoup some of his investment in the club, which is massive, then the Iranian-born may decide to sell.
Moshiri values Everton at around £500million, a figure that includes the club’s debt. However, any prospective deal new ownership group would also have to agree to fund the new stadium build. The stadium reportedly could cost around £500million on completion.
That is a massive amount of money to invest in an underperforming club in recent years. After the stadium is built, though, Everton will be an infinitely more attractive proposition. The new stadium will likely bring in far more considerable revenue than Everton’s current ground.
Takeover won’t change Everton’s transfer situation
On the playing side of things, a takeover will not change Everton’s transfer activity. The Toffees have struggled with FFP (financial fair play) for a while. That is why Demarai Gray was their only summer signing that cost money under Rafa Benitez.
The club’s recruitment team and head coach Frank Lampard will have to be creative when strengthening their squad this summer. Of course, the men from Merseyside could fund signings from player outgoings. Brazilian international Richarlison has been heavily linked with a summer move away from the Toffees. However, according to sources close to the Blues hierarchy, the club is yet to receive an official bid.
Other players may well be moved on, in the shape of Andre Gomes and Allan. Meanwhile, West Ham reportedly holds an interest in centre-back Michael Keane.
It is plain to see that whoever owns the club will not change Everton’s FFP situation this summer. If the new owners are clever, create better commercial deals, and bring in more revenue, it could make a difference to future windows. It means nothing for the team at the moment, however.
Interesting few weeks ahead for the club
It could be a highly interesting next few weeks for Everton and the club’s fans. The unexpected talks over a takeover have been met with scepticism amongst the fanbase.
Moshiri’s reign as Everton’s majority shareholder has been underwhelming, to say the least. During his tenure on Merseyside, the club has spent a ridiculous amount of money without improving the team.
There has been speculation that Moshiri has interfered with the club’s director of football’s doing their work. If this is true and he has not allowed the football people to do their job, it suggests Moshiri doesn’t know what he is doing.
The fans will be behind a new owner if they allow the director of football, Kevin Thelwell, to do his job. If Peter Kenyon is a proper football man who knows the game inside and out, that shouldn’t be a problem with him involved.
Nobody knows whether new ownership will be successful at a football club. However, many Evertonian’s will claim that any new ownership could not do a worse job than Moshiri.
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Will Everton be under new ownership before the Premier League season kicks off?
