Everton Takeover Saga Takes a New Turn as Donald Trump Associate Enters the Fray
The protracted takeover saga at Everton Football Club has taken another unexpected turn, with a former associate of Donald Trump emerging as a serious contender to purchase the club. British-Iranian businessman Farhad Moshiri, who owns a 49.9% stake in Everton, has been attempting to sell the club for over a year, but a deal has yet to be reached.
The latest development comes after Dan Friedkin’s decision not to pursue a takeover, which has prompted several groups to re-enter the fray. Among them is a group led by Kevin Malone, a former general manager of the Montreal Expos and LA Dodgers, who has a strong connection to Donald Trump.
Malone, who was appointed by Trump to lead a task force on anti-trafficking programs and policies, is leading a group of investors who have already seen a £300m bid for Everton rejected. Despite this, Malone remains optimistic, stating that his investor group is “seriously evaluating the Everton opportunity.”
The potential takeover has sparked interest due to Malone’s connection to Trump and his experience in sports management. However, it’s unclear how this will affect the club’s transfer dealings, with manager Sean Dyche and sporting director Kevin Thelwell already making moves in the market.
Everton has signed Iliman Ndiaye and Tim Iroegbunam for a combined total of close to £25m and is expected to bid for Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra. But if the takeover is not resolved soon, the club may need to make contingency plans, including potentially selling players to meet Profit and Sustainability Rules.
The takeover saga has been marked by twists and turns, with Moshiri entering exclusive talks with several parties only to fail to reach an agreement. The latest development raises questions about the future of the club and its ability to compete in the transfer market.
As the situation unfolds, Everton fans will be eagerly awaiting news of the takeover and its potential impact on the club’s fortunes. Will Malone’s group be successful in their bid, or will another party emerge to take control of the club? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the Everton takeover saga continues to be a complex and intriguing story.