777 Partners’ protracted takeover over Everton Football Club is finally over – and Evertonians are all in agreement after the club’s announcement on Saturday morning.
With the Miami-based firm clearly in no position to purchase the club, reports emerged on Friday of Farhad Moshiri readying himself to enter discussions with other interested parties.
It’s believed Crystal Palace minority shareholder John Textor and an unnamed US group are interested in the club.
Everton release statement on 777 Partners
On Saturday morning, the club provided an update on the current off-the-field situation.
The statement read: “The agreement between 777 Partners and Blue Heaven Holdings Limited for the sale and purchase of the majority shareholding in the club expired today. The Club’s Board of Directors recognises the considerable level of financial support 777 Partners has provided the club over recent months and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for this.
“The Club will continue to operate as usual while it works with Blue Heaven Holdings to assess all options for the Club’s future ownership.”
Everton fans are all in agreement on 777 Partners
The much-maligned Miami-based group should never have been allowed to enter into negotiations in the first place.
Several of777’s sporting ventures are currently in choppy waters financially, and it’s highly likely Everton would have followed suit had an agreement been reached.
After the club’s statement, it’s fair to say an overwhelming sense of relief has emerged among Evertonians.
Natalie Bargery wrote on X: “Huge relief to finally have got to this point. Thanks, but no thanks, Kendall Roy…I mean Josh Wander.”
Benjwinst added: “Over to you Farhad Moshiri, time to do what’s best for Everton. No more caps with suits next year.”
Mr Kev also exuded a sense of relief. He wrote: “Thank god it’s not 777, but come on, someone buy us and make us ace again….pleaseeeeee.”
Several high-profile journalists have even expressed their relief over 777 Partners’ failed takeover attempt.
Former chief football correspondent for The Times, Henry Winter, wrote: “Everton’s search for proper owners continues. Dodged a bullet here. “The agreement between 777 Partners and Blue Heaven Holdings Limited for the sale and purchase of the majority shareholding in the Club expired today.”
Paul Brown added: “Good news” part one… But a decision which should have been taken a long time ago.”
Everton, clearly, have dodged a bullet. But, as highlighted in plenty of these posts on X, Moshiri’s decision-making will once again be tested ahead of what is a crucial period.
New direction is required in the boardroom ahead of the summer window to avoid yet another relegation dogfight in the 2024/25 season.