Everton takeover: Keith Wyness has news on John Textor ‘negotiations’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed John Textor may not be able to complete a takeover of the club until 2025.
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 – claimed MSP Sports Capital could “move up” and take majority control until Textor sells his shares in Crystal Palace.
Textor has told The Athletic (26 May) that he has held talks about purchasing Everton as part of his ambition to win titles in England.
He currently owns 40% of Palace but will need to sell that stake to buy the Goodison Park club.
The US-based investor is also a major shareholder at Brazillian club Botafago and French giants Lyon.
Wyness suggests ‘elegant solution’ for Textor and Everton
777 Partners struck an Everton takeover deal in September 2023, but have so far been unable to complete the buyout – and now only have until 31 May to do so.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It’s been trailed heavily in the media, and Textor has gone public himself about Everton.
“There is one complication, and that is his Crystal Palace shares.
“Unless he’s already done work behind the scenes and has a buyer ready to go, I don’t see how he can move quickly.
“The most obvious situation is if MSP moves up, as I’ve said before, and stabilise the club for next season while Textor sorts out his issues ahead of a deal in 2025.
“He would bring another multi-club situation, with investments in France and Brazil, and there’s no doubt that he’s a passionate owner.
“He seems to have the resources behind him, as well as access to capital.
“Textor knows what Everton are about and what they stand for, and with the new stadium – it will attract people of his calibre.
“It may not be a quick deal, but I think there are negotiations going on behind the scenes which could see him takeover once he sells the Palace shares.
“It could be an elegant solution for all parties, but it’s a case of timing.”
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