John Textor, the American businessman and President of Olympique Lyon, is in talks with the Premier League to gain approval for his takeover of Everton Football Club. Textor is seeking to acquire a majority share in Everton, but currently holds a 43% stake in Crystal Palace, another Premier League club.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Textor has made contact with the Premier League to outline his plans and request an extension of time to sell his stake in Crystal Palace. Textor hopes to be granted a grace period, during which he would not be involved in Palace affairs, allowing him to focus on completing the Everton deal.
Textor’s interest in Everton is seen as a positive development by fans, who have grown frustrated with the current owner, Farhad Moshiri. Moshiri’s tenure has been marked by relegation battles and a lack of investment in the club, leading to widespread discontent among supporters.
Textor, on the other hand, has a reputation for stability and long-term planning, as seen in his work at Crystal Palace. His ambition to acquire Everton and invest in the club’s future is a welcome change for fans, who have been seeking a change in ownership for some time.
However, the takeover process is complex, and Textor faces challenges in navigating the Premier League’s rules. The league’s regulations prohibit individuals from having an interest in two clubs at the same time, which could pose a hurdle for Textor’s bid.
Despite these challenges, Textor remains committed to acquiring Everton and has outlined his plans to invest in the club’s infrastructure and squad. His willingness to take a hit on his Crystal Palace shares to accelerate the process demonstrates his dedication to the deal.
The next steps in the process will be crucial, with the Premier League’s decision on Textor’s request for a grace period likely to determine the outcome of the takeover. If successful, Textor’s acquisition of Everton could mark a new era for the club, one characterized by stability, investment, and a commitment to long-term success.