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Ex-Everton CEO: 'I know of' multiple investors ready to hijack takeover and 'save' the club in 'last-minute deal'
Ex-Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has revealed multiple groups are ready to “save” the club if the 777 Partners deal collapses.
The 66-year-old, who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs, claimed the Toffee’s under-construction Bramley-Moore Dock stadium could attract buyers even considering the club’s dire financial situation.
US-based investment firm 777 Partners reportedly agreed a deal worth more than £500million to buy Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1% stake in Everton back in September.
But fresh doubts have been raised over 777’s ability to complete the takeover with the Premier League, Financial Conduct Authority and Football Association still ratifying the deal.
Football Insider revealed last week (22 November) that the Miami-based firm are preparing to re-enter negotiations over the price of the club’s takeover following Everton’s bombshell 10-point deduction.
The Toffees’ new 52,888-seater stadium, which could cost more than £750million, is expected to be completed in late 2024.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness said: “If the takeover does collapse, it will be interesting to see if Moshiri can actually re-invest.
“I don’t know if he’s selling up because he has no more to give – that’s one line of thought.
“What I think could be interesting is the new stadium. The cost of that stadium has caused all these problems, but it could actually end up being what saves Everton.
“There are [investment groups out there, that I know of, who are interested in the club and in the stadium asset.
“I do think there would be last-minute deals to be done if the 777 Partners deal collapsed.
“I experienced this at Aston Villa when we had problems with a lack of funding from a Chinese owner.
“Because it was such a quality asset, there are always buyers out there.
“I think Everton will be the same, particularly with the new stadium.
“There will be some scary moments, but I believe a very good owner will come out of the woodwork. That’s my hope, at least.
“The serious, qualified buyers will sit and watch and try and get the club at a lower price. That’s how businesses become very successful.
“Particularly the American investors. There’s no need to rush in at the moment – why would you?
“With the 777 situation, the points deduction – why would you rush in? If you’re sensible then you sit and wait.”
In other news, Everton set sights on Aston Villa star.