Everton and 777 Partners have been intrinsically linked for nearly nine months now, ever since the latter confirmed their interest in purchasing the club from Farhad Moshiri.
It was clear way before this official announcement that the Iranian businessman hoped to leave Merseyside, having funnelled untold riches into Goodison Park and seen little to no return.
However, in seeking to sell, many have since questioned his burning desire to only offload to this one particular firm, despite the assumption that many alternatives existed.
Middle-eastern interest in Everton has been noted, whilst other American parties have plotted an Everton takeover themselves.
But now, as of this weekend, we have learnt of a new interested party.
What John Textor said about buying Everton
Having enjoyed a hugely successful year with the likes of Lyon, Botafogo and Crystal Palace, John Textor has made the bold move to depart from the latter.
After enjoying long-lasting and steady success in the Premier League, on Friday he admitted to The Athletic: ‘I want to be involved in an English club that wins championships.’
Inexplicably, he seems to have earmarked Everton as the side capable of such long-term growth, as he continued: ‘Yes (I’ve had conversations around buying Everton), with the existing constituents – different groups, different lenders, different equity holders. I’m watching it, but 777 still has a contract. There are people that are close to the club, who care a lot about it, who are also investing.
‘Everton represents the best of English football: the struggles, the glory, the want. I love that it’s out of London. Everybody should want to buy Everton right now. That kind of club is what I’m referring to. How great would it be to take one of these great English clubs back to sort of glory?
‘I suspect the problem with Everton is it won’t be available by the time we would be ready for it. We’re not going to rush the situation at Palace, no matter how good another opportunity looks.’
The most important part of Textor’s takeover claim
Of all the things Textor claims about Everton, there is one particular extract which should have fans excited.
After all, regardless of whether he takes over from Moshiri or not, it is a claim that should reverberate around the football world, and mark a stern stance that should encourage other parties to try and battle 777 Partners for the club.
The line in question reads: ‘Everton represents the best of English football: the struggles, the glory, the want. I love that it’s out of London. Everybody should want to buy Everton right now.’
This proves that, despite outstanding hardships, Everton remain an enticing prospect for the right, ambitious character.
Their stock may be somewhat low, but the magnificent status of the Toffees remains as high as ever within English football, and even if relegation remains a looming threat year after year, it will never diminish how revered the club remains.
Other suitors will surely emerge soon after this vote of confidence from Textor.