Everton’s anticipated takeover by 777 Partners faces the possibility of being postponed until the end of the season, as the potential buyers are in a race against time to secure the necessary funds. With a deal amounting to £500m ($627m) on the table, 777 Partners had initially aimed to finalize the acquisition by the end of the current week. However, complications have arisen as they now find themselves indebted to Everton for a sum of £160m ($200m), prompting a request for an extension on the repayment, which was originally due on Monday.
The Premier League has placed stringent conditions and requirements on the takeover, including the immediate availability of £60m ($75m) for Everton to utilize, in addition to the mandate that 777 Partners demonstrate solid funding for the construction of a new stadium. Further complicating matters is the stipulation that the aforementioned £160m loan be repaid promptly, with ongoing negotiations aimed at establishing a more manageable payment plan for all parties involved.
Despite recent point deductions, Everton currently stands in 16th place in the Premier League standings, maintaining a slim two-point lead over 18th-placed Luton Town and with a crucial game in hand. Looking ahead, Everton faces a challenging series of fixtures, including matches against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Brentford, Luton Town, and Sheffield United. The outcome of these matches will carry significant weight in determining the club’s future and their standing in the league, particularly as several of these opponents remain embroiled in the battle to avoid relegation.
