Brand new twist in Everton ownership saga as Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor plots shock takeover of Toffees

John Textor first bought into English football after acquiring a 45 per cent stake in Palace in 2021 but is now considering his options. Textor, and his Eagle Football Holdings company, have expressed to The Athletic their interest in buying Everton amid the ownership chaos haunting the Toffees. The American businessman would have to first sell his existing stake in Palace and has spoken to investment banking firm Raine to help find a potential suitor.

Speaking to The Athletic, Textor said: “Yes [I’ve had conversations around buying Everton] with the existing constituents – different groups, different lenders, different equity holders.

“I’ve asked them ‘is there a way to solve all this confusion and address everyone’s problems?’ I’m very open-minded to it but I don’t want to come into a situation where I’m not really welcome.

“Everton represents the best of English football: the struggles, the glory, the want. I love that it’s out of London. Everybody should want to buy Everton right now."

Everton's current owner Farhad Moshiri could be set to pull the plug on a deal to sell the club to 777 Partners. In September 2023, the American firm had agreed to purchase 94.1 per cent of the club, but there are doubts around 777's finances and the Premier League are yet to approve the takeover. The collapse of the 777 deal opens up the window for other investors to try their luck and try to purchase the Toffees.

Having survived the threat of relegation, even with multiple points deductions, Everton will be eager to put this ownership nightmare behind them as soon as possible. Manager Sean Dyche will be hoping to strengthen his squad over the summer but will have little movement without a fixed owner in place.