Everton takeover alarm bells as John Textor disputes mass Lyon transfer reports
Everton supporters are absolutely desperate for an end to the Groundhog Day-esque feeling around the takeover situation at the club.
First there was the 777 Partners debacle, which ultimately ended up in collapse, then there was the Friedkin Group attempt, which also went kaput, and now John Textor is the man hoping to acquire Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the Toffees and entered into a period of exclusivity to do so earlier this month (BBC Sport).
Textor has been open about his desire to be the man to take the reigns at Everton and released a statement on Friday to signal his intention to sell his 45 per cent stake Crystal Palace – something that will have to happen to gain Premier League approval.
There were some takeover alarm bells ringing on Thursday (23 August) when L’Equipe reported that Lyon – one of the club’s under Textor’s ownership umbrella – were required to bring in €100million-worth (£84.7m) of sales to comply with financial targets set by French football authority the DNGC.
The French publication added that Lyon are looking to make around another €75m (£63.5m) in player sales.
Everton takeover hopeful John Textor denies Lyon mass sale reports
Textor has already moved to deny that there are conditions on the club to sell players and raise funds. The American businessman acknowledged that there may be sales sanctioned but that they are not necessarily a prerequisite as money could be raised via other means.
In quotes reported by news agency Reuters, (25 August) Textor explained: “We do not have sales targets, and we are not required to sell €100million of players as there may be other ways to bring in revenues to maintain financial sustainability.
“That’s certainly true, but that does not mean that we are required to hit that budget. If it’s a slow transfer window, then we hold players until the next window. It’s as simple as that.”
Journalist Paul Brown summed up the general concerns Everton supporters will have felt when he reposted a story from World Soccer Talk on X summarising the L’Equipe report, a post they subsequently deleted, and adding: “Reckless spending, FFP trouble, threat of a fire sale and risk of further punishment for financial problems? All sounds very familiar.”
However, Textor’s open dialogue and denial of the reports will at least offer some encouragement to a long-suffering fanbase desperate to see this club back on an even footing.
One thing is for sure, a resolution needs to be found one way or another because the previous setbacks and the state of flux are leaving a huge cloud of uncertaincty over the club.
In other Everton news, a Premier League rival are lining up a late move for one Toffees ace.
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