Keith Wyness drops big update on Friedkin’s Everton takeover – ‘I’m told…’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has revealed The Friedkin Group is close to completing their due diligence on the takeover deal.
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 – insisted Farhad Moshiri has accepted a lower figure to relinquish control as the US-based buyers are more “serious” than 777 Partners.
According to Everton insider The Esk (7 July), the Friedkin Group will pay less to Moshiri than the reported £64million offered by 777 Partners – with a minimum figure of £25million suggested.
It was also claimed the total deal has an enterprise figure of around £800million once debt and equity are taken into account.
The Friedkin Group and Moshiri agreed to a period of exclusivity to complete the takeover at Everton last month.
‘I’m told’ Everton takeover deal is progressing ‘smoothly’, says Wyness
Wyness revealed he has been told “things are going smoothly” at Goodison Park as the US-based buyers prepare to take control.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “When you’re a real buyer with real money, which I don’t think 777 were, you’re going to be treated a lot more kindly by Moshiri.
“He knows that whatever he’s offered, he will get.
“777 were never going to be able to fulfil the promises they made, and that was proven.
“Friedkin is a very serious buyer, all the signs so far are very positive.
“He’s been quiet, which I like because actions speak louder than words in these situations.
“It’s all about focusing on getting the due diligence done.
“I believe they’re not far away from completing that process, as I understand it. There will then be the Premier League stuff to handle.
“Things are going smoothly, as far as I’m told. It’s all good news so far.
“Moshiri has done the right thing by handing Everton over to a good owner, at last.
“He’s handing the club over with a superb stadium. He can hold his head up after making some mistakes – he’s getting out of it as best he can.
“Potentially, there could be bonuses in the deal for him. The delivery of the stadium, Everton staying in the Premier League for two more seasons – those events could trigger bonuses.
“He might be getting a smaller amount in the short-term, but he’ll get back his investment.”
In other news, West Ham and Everton make moves to sign Serie A star.
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