Kieran Maguire issues ‘critical’ £500m claim as Everton trump Liverpool
The inclusion of the new Everton stadium in the shortlist of stadiums as part of the UK and Ireland’s bid to host Euro 2028 is an endorsement of the project.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the “critical” issue of funding Everton’s new ground.
It was confirmed earlier this month (16 November) that the as-yet-unfinished stadium is one of 14 grounds included in the bid.
Work is well underway at Bramley Moore dock on the new ground the club are yet to secure all the funding.
Global Capital reported in January 2020 that JP Morgan and MUFG have been enlisted to help raise £500million but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Asked whether the Euro bid is an endorsement of the ability to raise the money, Maguire told Football Insider correspondent Ewan Kingsbury: “Yes.
“It wouldn’t have happened at Goodison so that’s indicative of Everton aiming to be a progressive club, aiming to be in a position where they can host large events.
“Liverpool can’t do it, I believe, because the pitch is too small. When they extended the stadium, the price they paid was not being able to host finals.
“I think Everton will be looking at all avenues in terms of revenue, expansion and going beyond that traditional 25-day-a-year earner so that makes sense.
“That funding issue is going to be the critical one.”
Everton’s new stadium is set to have a capacity of 52,888.
It is set to be opened in time for the 2024-25 season.
In other news, Everton are set for an FA investigation after an Alexander Iwobi controversy.