Everton's Ownership Struggles: A Cautionary Tale of Hope and Disappointment

Everton Football Club's recent ownership saga mirrors the cautionary themes presented in the film *The Big Short*, particularly the notion of underestimating risks. The club's hopes for a fresh start with potential new ownership from MSP Capital Sports were dashed when the New York-based investment firm abruptly withdrew from negotiations last May. This setback was compounded by the protracted and ultimately fruitless discussions with 777 Partners, which raised further concerns about the club's future. The situation worsened for Everton when they faced a second points deduction in April, pushing them perilously close to relegation for the first time since the early 1950s. This alarming development has left fans and stakeholders questioning the club's stability and direction. The repeated failures in securing new ownership have only intensified the sense of urgency surrounding the club's financial and competitive viability. Currently, Everton's owner Farhad Moshiri appears to be pinning his hopes on John Textor, co-owner of Crystal Palace, as a potential savior. However, the club's recent history of ownership negotiations raises skepticism about whether this latest pursuit will yield positive results. The Friedkin Group's hasty exit from discussions has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the club's future. As Everton approaches what could be its final season at Goodison Park, there are growing concerns about the future of the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium project. While largely funded by Moshiri, there are fears that new ownership could burden the stadium with debt or even consider selling it, further complicating the club's already precarious situation.