Alisher Usmanov: Kieran Maguire issues ‘£76m’ reveal as Everton now looking for ‘discount’ deals
Everton will be forced to replace sponsorship contracts linked with Alisher Usmanov with “discount” deals.
So says finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about dramatic developments involving the Russian oligarch.
Usmanov has been hit with sanctions by the United Kingdom in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Toffees have suspended all commercial tie-ins with the billionaire’s companies, as confirmed in a statement on Wednesday (2 March).
The Finch Farm training complex was sponsored by USM, while the women’s team is sponsored by MegaFon.
Usmanov also paid £30million for first refusal on a naming rights deal at the Toffees’ soon-to-be new home, the Bramley Moore Dock stadium.
Usmanov’s wealth was key to Everton’s annual commercial revenues of £76m and they may now be forced to look elsewhere, claims Maguire.
“The Finch Farm deal is estimated to be worth around about £11m per year,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“The option for the naming rights is over £30m. But that has already been paid and it can’t be unpaid.
“There is the sponsorship of the women’s team through MegaFon as well.
“When Moshiri took over, commercial income was £21m. It had increased to £76m by 2020.
“That did include the one-off payment of the naming rights. Even so, to have a £55m boost over that period of time allowed the club to double its wage bill.
“The club will still be looking for potential naming rights for the training facility and the stadium deal.
“But they might have to negotiate at a discounted price to what they are presently receiving.”
Ukrainian defender Vitaliy Mykolenko captained the Toffees in the 2-0 win over Boreham Wood in the FA Cup last night (3 March).
Usmanov is also facing severe sanctions from the European Union.
In other news, pundit demands “10-game ban” after update on “horrific” Everton controversy in last 48 hours.