The takeover saga at Everton Football Club continues to unfold, with Andy Bell and George Downing emerging as frontrunners in the race to acquire the club. According to journalist Tom Morgan, the two lifelong Toffees fans have informed Farhad Moshiri that they have immediate funding available, but the British-Iranian businessman is yet to make a decision on the sale.Moshiri had previously sold 94% of his shares to 777 Partners in September, but the deal fell through due to the investment firm’s inability to complete the purchase. This has led to a host of other investors expressing interest in buying the club, including Bell and Downing, who are backed by the Dell family.
The consortium led by Vatche Manoukian, a London-based Armenian, has submitted an offer of £400 million, which is described as an equity that will not deleverage the heavily indebted club. Additionally, a member of the Saudi royal family has joined a consortium of international investors to buy Everton, while Roma owner Dan Friedkin has also registered interest in taking control of the club.
John Textor, who is currently trying to sell his stake in Crystal Palace, is also a contender, although there are suggestions that he is no longer in the running. Kenneth King of investment firm A Cap is another potential buyer.However, Bell and Downing are the fans’ favorite to take over the club, and they have assured Moshiri that they are the safest pair of hands for Everton.
They have also emphasized their experience in maintaining the development of the stadium project at Bramley-Moore Dock.While an initial agreement could be announced before the start of next season, the takeover process is unlikely to be completed before October.
The situation is complex, with multiple parties involved and various offers on the table.Bell and Downing’s bid is seen as a genuine and serious offer, with the duo having the funds readily available. Similarly, Manoukian’s consortium has also submitted a credible offer.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Everton Football Club, with the fans eagerly awaiting a resolution to the takeover saga.