AliousJohn Textor Eyes Full Everton Takeover Amidst Crystal Palace Shares Hurdle
John Textor is keen on a full takeover of Everton, sources have revealed to Football Insider.
According to senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the American businessman’s pursuit of the club is complicated by his existing 45% shareholding in Crystal Palace.
Premier League rules prohibit ownership stakes in multiple top-flight clubs, meaning Textor would need to sell his shares in Crystal Palace to proceed with the Everton acquisition.
O’Rourke noted that the 58-year-old is seeking some leniency from the Premier League, hoping to pursue the Everton takeover while offloading his Palace shares.
This interest comes after 777 Partners failed to finalize a £500 million deal for Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1% stake in Everton last September.
Football Insider previously reported that American bidders, including Textor, had approached Moshiri about purchasing the Merseyside club.
Textor’s company, Eagle Football Holdings, owns shares in four teams: Crystal Palace, French side Lyon, Brazilian first division club Botafogo, and Belgian side RWD Molenbeek.
Despite this portfolio, O’Rourke suggests Textor views Everton as a “bigger project,” especially with the club’s impending move to their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next year.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness mentioned to Football Insider that Textor could potentially complete an immediate takeover at Goodison Park by placing his Crystal Palace shares into a “blind trust.”
This maneuver could allow Textor to navigate the Premier League’s ownership rules while pursuing his ambitions with Everton.
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