Another Premier League club gets American owners - as hated Moshiri packs his bags

Farhad Moshiri, who owns a 94.1% stake in Everton Football Club, has reached an agreement to sell his entire ownership share to American investment firm 777 Partners. This deal marks the conclusion of Moshiri's ownership of the club, characterized by significant spending on player acquisitions, yet also marred by on-field struggles, including narrowly avoiding relegation in the past two Premier League seasons.

Moshiri had been actively seeking investors to assist in financing Everton's ambitious new stadium project at Bramley-Moore Dock, which carries a price tag of approximately $650 million and is slated to open its doors in 2024. His initial intention was to sell a minority share of the club, but this transaction sees him offloading his majority stake entirely.

It's noteworthy that Moshiri's financial capacity had been constrained due to sanctions placed on his long-time business partner, Alisher Usmanov, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Consequently, the search for investment became essential to fund the stadium project and the club's operations.

In his statement, Moshiri acknowledged the changing landscape of football club ownership, with an increasing number of top clubs being owned by well-funded private equity firms, specialized sports investors, or entities backed by states or funds. He expressed his belief that 777 Partners is the right partner to take Everton forward, given their experience and multi-club investment model.

This sale of Everton to the American fun is subject to approval by the club's minority shareholders and the Premier League. Everton is optimistic that the deal will receive the necessary approvals and be finalized within the coming calendar year.

When this sale is completed, there will be no excuses for the club's underperforming. Their manager, Sean Dyche, has started the season poorly and must find the way to win again unless they don't want to spend months in a sickening relegation struggle. Their next game is a home clash with Arsenal.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 5

Saturday

14.30: (7.00) Wolverhampton (4.50) Liverpool (1.45)

17.00: (1.95) Aston Villa (3.60) Crystal Palace (4.20)

17.00: (1.70) Fulham (3.80) Luton (5.60)

17.00: (2.25) Man.Utd. (3.70) Brighton (3.20)

17.00: (1.28) Tottenham (5.90) Sheffield Utd (9.50)

17.00: (6.75) West Ham (4.40) Man.City (1.53)

19.30: (1.55) Newcastle (4.30) Brentford (6.75)

Sunday

16.00: (4.60) Bournemouth (3.60) Chelsea (1.80)

18.30: (6.25) Everton (4.20) Arsenal (1.52)

Monday

21.45: (2.30) Nott.Forest (3.45) Burnley (3.30)

***odds are subject to change