Everton deal expected to fall through after John Textor issues ‘odd’ takeover update
John Textor will not complete a takeover at Everton after he shared an “odd” new update on the deal, according to The Esk.
The Toffees blogger responded directly via X on 12 September to the question of whether the American will become the new owner claiming it won’t happen due to reasons laid out on his website the same day.
Following an interview with Sky Sports and further comments from Textor in a press conference at his Ligue 1 side Lyon on 11 September The Esk praised his willingness to engage with media on the subject but expressed doubt over his candidacy.
In his analysis of Textor’s latest public statements The Esk highlighted the need for the part-Crystal Palace owner to sell his share at Selhurst Park, and that until then he can’t see the full financial picture at Goodison Park so any deal is likely to move well past the 30 November expiry if his exclusivity agreement with Farhad Moshiri.
Textor told the media in France he thinks there is a 90% chance of completing the takeover [Le Progres, 11 September], and told Sky’s Alan Myers he plans to be in before the cut-off in order to influence the January transfer window.
The Esk also said it was “odd” that Textor has indicated he is looking to buy Everton independently of his Eagle Football Holdings company along with unnamed partners at a time when is he also planning to float Eagle Football on the stock exchange [Guardian, 10 September].
Crystal Palace shares must be sold for Everton takeover
Textor doesn’t seem unaware of the major complications involved in exiting Palace and coming in at Everton, but he definitely doesn’t appear as bothered as most observers.
That may be a refreshing outlook for a Toffees fanbase forced to get used to doom and gloom, but until it starts to work in practice there will be doubts.
On one hand it is going to take somebody with such an attitude to finally succeed in buying from Farhad Moshiri, especially after Dan Friedkin withdrew in the summer over what his group called “unresolvable” issues [Talking The Blues, 20 July].
But where positivity crosses the line into being unrealistic is the key question, so tangible progress will be needed sooner rather than later to convince doubters this is a viable move.
On the plus side Textor is not shy about discussing the situation and The Esk accepts the American may yet come forward with the answers to his doubts.
But while he is still attached to Palace, and therefore not allowed to see all the financial details at Goodison, it will be difficult to truly take his bid seriously.
He confirmed to in his interview a Sky News report from 26 August indicating he has two solid offers to buy his share of the Eagles.
Selling there would be a major step forward with his Everton takeover, so if and when he does that it will generate a lot more belief.
In other Everton news, a key name has emerged as a potential replacement with Sean Dyche’s job under pressure.
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