‘You don’t want that’: Kieran Maguire warns Everton fans that they narrowly avoided a ‘disaster’ takeover

Kieran Maguire, a football finance expert, has warned Everton fans that the club narrowly avoided a “disaster” takeover by 777 Partners. Maguire, who hosts the Price of Football podcast, spoke on talkSPORT about the close call, stating that 777 Partners’ ownership would have been a “disaster” for the club and its fans.

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri had been in talks with 777 Partners for several months, and the takeover seemed imminent. However, the Premier League’s rigorous assessment process ultimately prevented the deal from going through. Maguire believes that this was a lucky escape for Everton, citing 777 Partners’ questionable track record in their other investments.

Maguire pointed to the example of an airline owned by 777 Partners that went into administration and the troubles at some European clubs where players haven’t been paid. He warned that similar problems would have arisen at Everton if 777 Partners had taken over. Maguire’s comments suggest that Everton fans should be relieved that the takeover bid failed, as it would have led to a “frying pan to fire” situation.

The failed takeover attempt has left Everton in a state of limbo, with fans uncertain about the club’s future ownership. However, Maguire’s warnings about 777 Partners should serve as a cautionary tale for any potential investors. The Premier League’s assessment process may have been lengthy and challenging, but it ultimately prevented a potentially disastrous takeover.

Everton fans have been protesting against the current ownership and management, calling for change. However, Maguire’s comments suggest that change isn’t always an improvement, and in this case, avoiding 777 Partners’ takeover was a blessing in disguise. The club’s future remains uncertain, but fans can take solace in the fact that the Premier League’s rigorous assessment process protected them from a potentially catastrophic takeover.

In the meantime, Everton fans will continue to push for change, hoping that a new owner will bring stability and success to the club. Maguire’s warnings about 777 Partners serve as a reminder that the club’s future is fragile and that any potential investors must be thoroughly vetted to ensure they have the best interests of the club and its fans at heart.