Friedkin Group insiders claim Everton takeover still off as ‘confusing’ latest update emerges
The Friedkin Group changing their stance on an Everton takeover has been played down by sources close to them, according to i News.
Mark Douglas reported a “confusing” update for the outlet’s website on 17 September that while they have remained in “constant” communication with the Toffees since their previous attempt Friedkin “insiders” claim he has not returned to the negotiating table.
Bloomberg reported on 16 September that the Roma owner had reignited his interest after pulling out in July.
Friedkin lent Everton £200million while his takeover was originally in the offing and recent communications are said to have focused on this debt, which will have to paid off in full if Farhad Moshiri sells.
One source has suggested: “There may be some brinkmanship going on at the moment.”
John Textor remains in Everton talks with Farhad Moshiri
Just when the takeover picture had seemingly been set out by John Textor the whole matter has been thrown into question again.
Journalist Paul Brown had reported three weeks ago that there was a belief that Friedkin would return to the fold (29 August), and with the deal Textor says he has with Moshiri by the club or the majority shareholder it appears the door is in fact open for his compatriot to restart his own bid.
All parties have seemingly been in contact thanks to the £200m debt, so if Friedkin is again interested in a takeover the situation gets ever stranger.
Textor’s bid is already complicated hugely by the fact that he remains part owner at Crystal Palace, where he holds 45 per cent of the shares, and so cannot move forward until he has sold up at Selhurst Park, nor can he see the full finances at Goodison Park since he is attached to a league rival.
He has surely had to discuss the repayment of Friedkin’s loan with his fellow American’s camp so would likely be put out to find himself suddenly communicating with a takeover rival.
The Friedkin Group’s bid initially collapsed due to their unwillingness to take a risk on uncertainties associated with money owed to previous buyers 777 Partners [The Athletic, 19 July].
So there is no obvious barrier to them completing a deal outside of their own sensibilities, giving them the inside track on Textor who is faced with the regulatory block of his Palace holding.
He says he has two strong bids to assess in order to sell in South London, which was also reported by Sky News on 26 August, but it remains to be seen whether Friedkin is actually back in or not.
If he is then it would likely serve his interests to play it down in case it jolts Textor into rushing through a deal first, when he reportedly believes he can get a deal done in the next three weeks [Guardian, 10 September].
In other Everton news, a BBC journalist was left shocked by the reaction to Sean Dyche and Ashley Young at Goodison Park.
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