John Textor backed to complete Everton takeover after new bid – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted John Textor could put his Crystal Palace shares into escrow before completing a Goodison Park takeover.
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 Textor could follow the measures taken by the ownership at Man United and Man City this summer to ensure there is no conflict of interest.
The Guardian revealed last week (9 August) that the American billionaire has made a new bid to become the majority owner of Everton.
One complication is Textor’s 45% stake at Crystal Palace, which he would need to sell before taking control on Merseyside.
United and City’s owners were forced to place their shares in Nice and Girona respectively into a blind trust by Uefa this year as each side is involved in continental football in the 2024-25 campaign.
Wyness reveals how Textor could complete quick Everton takeover
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It seems like everyone’s saying it’s impossible while he’s still got 45% of Palace.
“But then again, if you look at how Uefa have managed to get around the rules on ownership at Man United and Man City – they put the shares into escrow, into a blind trust.
“That’s to make sure Ratcliffe or the City Group don’t have control, especially over football matters.
“I don’t see any reason why Textor can’t do something similar.
“I’m sure there could be some resolution to ensure Textor can complete both transactions.
“It’s one possible route – those Palace shares could be held in escrow until they are sold on.
“I don’t think it’s that complicated.”
In other news, Man United re-open talks to sign Jarrad Branthwaite.
For more Everton and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.