Sport nationEverton FC’s takeover saga has taken a new turn, with American investors MSP Sports Capital potentially buying the club for a “holding season” before selling it on, according to Keith Wyness, a former Everton chief executive. This comes as 777 Partners’ attempts to complete a takeover continue to flounder.
777 Partners signed an agreement with majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri to acquire his 94.1% stake in the club in September 2023, but the deal has yet to be approved by the Premier League board due to technicalities and payment issues. The deadline for the share purchase agreement is May 31, and the deal is now looking unlikely to go through.
MSP Sports Capital, who have loaned Everton £158 million, could step in and buy the club outright, with a view to selling it on in 2025 when the club moves to its new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. Wyness suggests that the 2024-25 season could be a “holding season” for MSP, with the priority being to maintain Premier League status and make the club a more attractive asset for potential buyers.
Wyness, who now runs a football consultancy, believes that Everton will be a “totally different asset” by next year, with a new stadium and potentially a new owner. He told Football Insider’s Insider Track podcast: “It may be that someone like MSP Sports Capital try and hold the club together next season. They then end up with a totally different asset that they can sell on in 2025. It could be a club in the Premier League with a completely new stadium. 2024-25 could be a holding season. It becomes just as crucial as the last few relegation fights, with Premier League status the absolute priority.”
This development highlights the complex and ever-changing landscape of football club ownership and takeovers. As the situation unfolds, Everton fans will be keeping a close eye on developments, hoping for a resolution that benefits the club and its future prospects.
Amina Umar
Sport nation
