Everton Takeover Twist: Kevin Malone’s Bid Could Join Club with Elite £9bn Group
The protracted takeover saga at Everton has taken another intriguing turn, with American investor Kevin Malone publicly revealing his interest in acquiring the club. Malone’s bid could potentially join Everton with an elite group of Premier League clubs owned by investors with links to Major League Baseball (MLB), including Liverpool’s Fenway Sports Group.
Malone, the former general manager of the LA Dodgers, is leading a consortium financed by American investment groups. His interest in Everton adds to the list of potential buyers, including Vici Private Finance, Vatche Manoukian’s consortium, and a mystery bidder expected to emerge soon.
The appeal of Everton lies in its attractive asset value, despite the club’s significant debt of around £800m. Malone’s bid could provide a much-needed injection of capital to address the club’s financial struggles.
The growing trend of MLB investors in the Premier League is noteworthy. John Henry’s Fenway Sports Group, Stan Kroenke, the Glazer family, and Todd Boehly all own stakes in MLB teams, recognizing the untapped value in Premier League clubs, particularly in the US market.
Football Benchmark’s analysis reveals that MLB’s TV rights are valued at an astonishing £9bn, presenting a significant opportunity for Premier League clubs to tap into the US market. A recent report by CLV Group highlights the commercial crossover potential between Premier League clubs and MLB, suggesting an extra £850m in commercial revenue for European clubs before the 2026 World Cup.
Malone’s bid, if successful, would bring Everton into this elite group, potentially unlocking new revenue streams and opportunities for growth. However, the takeover process remains complex, with Farhad Moshiri demanding £50m for his 94% stake in the club.
The increasingly uncertain debt situation at Everton, including a £200m loan from MSP Sports Capital, adds to the complexity of the takeover. The club’s financial struggles have raised concerns about its ability to operate in the transfer market, with Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell facing challenges in managing the team.
The future of 22-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite remains unresolved, with Manchester United bidding for the defender but failing to match Everton’s £70m asking price. The club’s cash flow issues and lack of capital to fund its day-to-day operations may force the sale of Branthwaite, despite not being an immediate concern.
In conclusion, Kevin Malone’s bid for Everton presents an intriguing opportunity for the club to join an elite group of Premier League clubs with links to MLB. The potential for growth and new revenue streams is significant, but the takeover process remains complex, and the club’s financial struggles pose a significant challenge.