Crystal Palace investor John Textor is expected to be “stunned” by the state of Everton’s finances if he proceeds with a takeover bid, according to finance expert Kieran Maguire. Textor has emerged as a potential buyer for the club after the takeover deal with 777 Partners expired at the end of May.
Maguire, who has been following the situation closely, believes that Textor will be shocked by the club’s accounts, which have been a subject of concern for some time. “I suspect when he does that, it could be a bit like a Scooby Doo episode – he will be stunned by what he sees,” Maguire told Football Insider.
Despite the financial challenges, Maguire believes that Everton’s heritage and new stadium make it an attractive proposition for Textor. “Everton is a club with huge history and heritage and is in the city of Liverpool, which, as we know, is one of the senior football cities in the country,” Maguire said. “So you can see the attractiveness of that combined with their brand new stadium.”
Textor must sell his stake in Crystal Palace before completing a deal for Everton, but he is free to open talks with the club now. Maguire believes that Textor will have no problem selling his Palace shares, given the interest in the club. “There will be plenty of opportunities for John Textor to sell up at Crystal Palace,” Maguire said.
Once Textor has sold his Palace shares, he will be free to review the accounts at Goodison Park. Maguire believes that this will be a crucial step in the takeover process, as Textor will need to understand the full extent of Everton’s financial situation before making a bid.
Everton’s finances have been a subject of concern for some time, with the club struggling to balance their books despite significant investment from owner Farhad Moshiri. The club’s accounts have been criticized for their lack of transparency, making it difficult for potential buyers to get a clear picture of the club’s financial health.
Despite these challenges, Maguire believes that Textor will still see the value in Everton. “The club’s heritage and new stadium make it an attractive proposition, despite the financial challenges,” Maguire said. “Textor will see the potential for growth and development at Everton, and will likely be willing to take on the financial challenges in order to realize that potential.”
In conclusion, John Textor’s potential takeover of Everton is likely to be a complex and challenging process. While the club’s finances are a concern, Textor will likely see the value in Everton’s heritage and new stadium. With the right investment and leadership, Everton could be a formidable force in the Premier League once again.