Kieran Maguire issues emphatic Everton claim as Usmanov takeover details emerge
Everton know they have dodged a bullet after Alisher Usmanov’s failed attempts to complete a partial takeover last year.
So says finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Russian’s now-aborted relationship with the Toffees.
Usmanov’s sponsorship deals with the club totalled around £30million per year before he was hit with sanctions by the UK Government this month.
The oligarch’s assets have been frozen, leaving Everton in the lurch at a time when they are already struggling with financial fair play concerns.
But The Times reported last Sunday (13 March) that Usmanov attempted to formalise his investment last year but was rebuffed by the Premier League.
Maguire insists that Everton have had a lucky escape given the current situation with Chelsea and Roman Abramovich.
“It is a difficult one,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“We know what has happened with Abramovich and the fact that Usmanov has also been subject to sanctions by the Government.
“Everton will feel that their relationship with the current owner, Farhad Moshiri, is a far less problematic one in the eyes of the decision makers.
“That is something they will certainly bear in mind and factor into their future planning going forwards as well.“
The Premier League are understood to have rejected Usmanov’s attempt to buy into Everton because of the funding structure he proposed.
It is claimed that he favoured a loans-to-equity arrangement.
In other news, pundit claims Everton star Richarlison must “man up” after what he did against Newcastle