Everton now in takeover ‘end game’ as ‘last negotiation’ held – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed the club are now in the “end game” of their takeover saga after months of uncertainty.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – backed a new equity partner to join forces with Rights and Media Funding and MSP Sports Capital, “take out” 777 Partners and inject “stability” on Merseyside.
As per reports this week, US investment group 777 Partners have been set a deadline of 31 May to complete a deal before Everton are able to pursue other options.
They initially agreed a deal with Farhad Moshiri in September 2023 but have been unable to satisfy Premier League conditions and convince top-flight chiefs to approve the deal.
777 have invested around £200million into the club through loans, while MSP Sports Capital and Rights and Media Funding (RMF) are owed similar figures.
New party to come in and ‘take out’ 777 Partners in Everton takeover saga, says Wyness
Wyness backed all three parties to sit down for discussions as the “end game” approaches.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It’s getting towards the end game now, is how I feel.
“We’re coming to the last act of negotiation between the present debt-holders.
“The key players are Rights and Media Funding who have the largest and strongest position in terms of debt owed.
“There’s then MSP Sports Capital from the US, who have a very strong position in regards to the stadium.
“Then we have our friends 777, who have around £200million in debt in the club as well.
“There will have to be some discussions between these parties. It’s always hard when you get to this time and no-one wants to take a haircut, as it’s called in the private equity world.
“I think these parties will have to give and take to maintain Everton’s position.
“Hopefully a new equity partner will come in and take out 777, and work with the other two parties to stabilise and spread the debt over a longer period.
“That will get us into the new stadium and provide an injection of stability at the club.”
In other news, Sean Dyche could quit Everton in stunning twist.
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