Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has categorically claimed that the club is not up for sale despite recent reports he was ready to approve a £500m takeover.
The Everton billionaire was reportedly in talks with Peter Kenyon’s consortium, amid reports that the former Chelsea CEO was eager to complete a deal this month. Just a couple of weeks ago, the American group were in advanced talks to buy Everton but those talks never resulted to anything serious.
Last season, Everton fans openly stated their displeasure at Moshiri, amid a campaign where they saw relegation stare them in the face until very late in the season. It comes after years of poor transfer dealings that have left the club somewhat and even on a decline in some sense.
It is no secret that Everton are in a dire financial situation at the moment but the owner insists he will hold on to the club and try to return them back to usual standards that fans have been accustomed to in recent years.
Everton is not for sale, says Moshiri
Responding to rumors of a potential sale, Moshiri said as quoted by the Daily Mail: “There has been much talk of investment in our football club recently – even takeovers – but I want to clarify that there is no ‘for sale’ sign currently hanging outside Everton Football Club.”
“It will always be pragmatic to explore all potential investment opportunities and, as I have been transparent about, I am focused on completing the financing for our fantastic new stadium as well as strengthening the playing squad and that might include a minority investment. That will continue.”
“But I want to reassure all of you that Everton Football Club is not for sale” said the Everton owner.
Moshiri added: “My commitment to the Club remains strong and focused and Kevin Thelwell and the Chairman are currently working hard to bring in new players to improve Frank Lampard’s squad.”
“There will be new signings and I would ask supporters to judge us at the end of the transfer window – not now – and to listen to official club channels for information.”
Moshiri has been at Everton since 2016 since he sold his stake in Arsenal to business partner Alisher Usmanov and ultimately used the proceeds to buy a 49.9% stake in the Merseyside outfit. In January, he increased his stake at the club to 94% and was intent on his commitment to proper investment and a competitive outlook for the club.
However, those promises now look to be failing and Moshiri is entering what could be his last chance to prove to the Everton fans that he is a deserving owner of the club.
