John Textor in Talks to Buy Everton

American businessman John Textor, who currently holds a 45% stake in Crystal Palace through his Eagle Football Group, is pursuing the purchase of Everton from majority owner Farhad Moshiri. However, any potential acquisition hinges on Textor selling his stake in Palace, as Premier League regulations prohibit ownership of two clubs in the same division. Textor has engaged the Raine Group to find a buyer for his Palace shares, indicating a strategic approach to his investment in English football. Textor expressed his admiration for Everton, describing it as embodying "the best of English football" and highlighting the club's rich history and potential for revival. He emphasized the importance of not rushing into a deal, stating, "We don’t need to jump right out of Palace right into something." His comments reflect a cautious optimism about the future, acknowledging that Everton may not be available by the time he is ready to proceed. The landscape for Everton's ownership has been tumultuous, with two recent takeover attempts failing. The Friedkin Group and 777 Partners both withdrew from negotiations, citing concerns over the club's significant debt. This has left Everton fans anxious for a change in leadership, especially given the club's reported losses of nearly £400 million from 2019 to 2023, which have resulted in penalties from the Premier League. As Textor navigates this complex situation, he remains open to exploring other opportunities while maintaining a focus on the potential sale of his Palace stake. His commitment to finding a solution reflects a broader desire to contribute positively to the English football landscape.