AliousJohn Textor is a markedly different football club owner compared to Farhad Moshiri, as evidenced by numerous candid photographs showing his proactive involvement at Olympique Lyonnais.
Everton announced on September 15 that 777 Partners had signed an agreement with majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri to acquire his entire 94.1% stake in the club, with the transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023.
However, eight-and-a-half months later, the Miami-based private investment firm, which has faced payment issues and legal challenges, failed to secure approval from the five Premier League board members.
Everton confirmed in a club statement on Saturday that 777’s Share Purchase Agreement had ended, and Moshiri is now exploring all future ownership options.
A week prior, Textor, who has controlling stakes in Olympique Lyonnais, Botafogo, and RWD Molenbeek, as well as a 45% minority share in Crystal Palace, declared his interest in buying Everton. Sky Sports has since described him as the “front-runner” for the takeover.
Unlike the elusive Moshiri, who has attended only one game at Goodison Park in the past three years, Textor has been a regular presence at Olympique Lyonnais, his most prominent acquisition.
His proactive approach at Lyon may hint at how he could manage Everton if he completes the takeover.
Last weekend, Textor, donning an OL club blazer, joined PSG counterpart Nasser Al-Khelaifi and President of France Emmanuel Macron at the French Cup final in Lille.
Before the game, he was seen taking photographs, and after the defeat, he consoled Lyon head coach Pierre Sage.
Earlier in the week, Textor celebrated with Lyon players on the pitch and presented medals to the Lyon women’s team after they clinched their 17th title.
In April, Textor celebrated with fans after Lyon reached the French Cup final.
In January, he posed for photos with fans at a tiny 2,980-capacity ground near the Swiss border.
His hands-on approach extends to directors’ boxes, where he has been seen adjusting TV sets and untangling wires.
Textor’s proactive style raises the question:
could he unlock Everton’s full potential when they move to their new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next year?
In an interview with The Athletic, Textor expressed his vision:
“That kind of club is what I’m referring to, where the risk and the reward of your relationship and community is so great and you could come in, make promises and keep them.
How great would it be to take one of these great English clubs back to sort of glory?”
Alious
