John Textor Dismisses “Idle Gossip” Surrounding Everton Takeover Bid
American businessman John Textor has categorically rejected claims that his partners in Eagle Football are hesitant to support his bid to buy Everton due to concerns about the group being “overstretched.” Textor, who owns a significant 45% stake in Crystal Palace, is leading a separate bid to purchase Everton with new partners, sparking speculation about the motivations behind his move.
According to The Athletic, multiple sources suggested that Textor’s partners in Eagle Football are more focused on recouping their investments than taking on another challenging project. The report claimed that Textor’s partners are “more worried about getting their money back than taking on another difficult project,” casting doubt on the viability of the Everton takeover.
However, Textor has vehemently denied these claims, stating that his relationships within Eagle Football are “solid” and dismissing the rumors as “idle gossip.” In a press conference, Textor emphasized his commitment to buying Everton and replacing current owner Farhad Moshiri, despite the complexities surrounding his existing stake in Crystal Palace.
Textor’s bid to buy Everton has been complicated by his existing stake in Crystal Palace, which he must sell before completing the takeover. He has received offers for his shares in Palace and is also exploring other options, including buying out his fellow owners. This has led to confusion about the future of Eagle Football and its involvement in the Everton takeover.
Despite the challenges, Textor appears to be gaining significant backing for his Everton bid, with Aliya Capital Partners and Alexander Bafer expressing interest. This could be beneficial for Everton, as it may allow the club to be kept separate from Eagle Football’s other interests and focus on its own development.
However, concerns remain about the financial implications of Textor’s bid, particularly given the failed attempt by 777 Partners to buy the club last season. Textor’s ability to secure Premier League approval for the takeover also remains uncertain, adding another layer of complexity to the deal.
In response to the rumors, Textor has emphasized his commitment to buying Everton and replacing current owner Farhad Moshiri. While doubts persist, developments suggest that the bid is moving in the right direction. Everton fans will be watching closely as the situation unfolds, hoping for a positive outcome for the club.