An unnamed US consortium is reportedly 'very strong' on a potential takeover of Everton.
The Lowdown: Takeover speculation
There has been plenty of speculation over a potential takeover at Goodison Park, as it was reported in October that a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) fronted by the nephew of famed hedge fund heavyweight George Soros had held preliminary talks over a deal.
Jeff Soros and Simon Horsman, Los Angeles-based film producers, were the men behind the reported talks, done through their LAMF Global Ventures Corp vehicle.
It has also been reported that Maciek Kaminski has launched a new takeover bid on Merseyside, as the American businessman was in talks with Farhad Moshiri over a reported £400m deal.
He was part of the group spearheaded by former Manchester United and Chelsea CEO Peter Kenyon who reportedly had a ‘phone call’ with Moshiri over a potential takeover in the summer, but that deal never materialised, with the Toffees' owner thought to be reluctant to sell.
The Latest: Takeover close?
As per Football Insider, a 'source close to the Everton boardroom' has claimed that there have been 'new developments behind the scenes' with regards to a potential takeover.
It is claimed that a deal to buy the club is 'closer than what people think', with an unnamed US consortium 'very strong' on a possible deal.
This is thought to be 'especially significant' as Moshiri is still yet to secure the funds for the Blues' 2024 proposed move to their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. He is expected to help finance the construction, but 'cannot commit' the full £500m it would take to complete it.
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The Verdict: Exciting
The news of a takeover potentially being closer to completion will be music to the ears of Everton supporters.
Since Moshiri increased his stake as the major shareholder back in 2018, they have finished in the bottom half of the Premier League table in three of the last four campaigns, including narrowly avoiding relegation last season (Transfermarkt).
He has also spent nearly £400m in transfers during that time as well, with the Toffees accumulating heavy losses and flirting with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations (Sky Sports).
Frank Lampard's team are currently just one point and one place above the relegation zone, and so face the realistic chance of going down again.
Nonetheless, the majority of Moshiri's signings clearly have not worked, and now it is time for him to sell up ahead of the club's move to the proposed new stadium.