The protracted and dramatic takeover of Everton Football Club by US investment firm 777 Partners has hit another significant snag. In a development that will concern every Toffees supporter, the prospective new owners have been forced to push back their target completion date as they engage in a frantic scramble to secure the necessary financing, running into hundreds of millions of pounds. This exclusive insight from Baji live delves into the high-stakes financial battle unfolding behind the scenes at Goodison Park.
A Shifting Timeline and Mounting Pressure
According to information gathered by Baji live, 777 Partners has communicated to key stakeholders, including the Premier League and potential lenders, a revised expectation for finalizing the acquisition. The firm now anticipates the deal to be completed late next month, a notable delay from its initial goal of closing by the end of this week.
This postponement is not happening in a vacuum. The financial pressures on 777 are intensifying by the day. City sources confirmed that the investment group recently requested an extension on the repayment deadline for a substantial loan of nearly £160 million. This debt is owed to MSP Capital and a consortium featuring prominent Merseyside businessmen Andy Bell, the founder of investment platform AJ Bell, and George Downing. The repayment is currently due next Monday, and it remains unclear whether the lenders have agreed to this urgent request.
The Scramble for Financing and Premier League Stipulations
The core challenge for 777 Partners is raising the colossal funds required to see the deal through. The firm, which owns a portfolio of global sports assets, has approached a significant number of potential lenders to bankroll the Everton acquisition. Among them is Blue Owl Capital, a major US-based private credit provider, which was reportedly still in discussions with 777 as recently as Wednesday morning.
The Premier League has given its conditional approval for the takeover, but the hurdles remain high. The league’s stipulations are stringent and must be met in full for the deal to receive final ratification. These conditions include:
- Depositing £60 million into an escrow account specifically for the club’s use.
- Converting approximately £160 million in loans 777 has already provided to Everton into equity.
- Demonstrating proof of sufficient funds to complete the construction of the club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Football finance analyst Mark Richardson, a regular contributor to Baji live, notes, “The conditions set by the Premier League are designed to ensure the club’s financial stability under new ownership. The requirement to fully fund the new stadium is particularly crucial, as it is central to Everton‘s long-term future. 777’s ability to meet these conditions is the ultimate test of their suitability as owners.”
A Turbulent Season On and Off the Pitch
This ownership uncertainty casts a further shadow over what has been an incredibly turbulent season for Everton. Current owner Farhad Moshiri, a British-Iranian businessman who has pumped an estimated £750 million into the club, has been trying to offload it for some time.
The team’s efforts on the pitch have been severely hampered by two separate points deductions imposed by the Premier League for breaches of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). An initial 10-point deduction was reduced to six on appeal, but a further two-point penalty was announced just days ago, severely hindering the club’s battle to avoid relegation from the top flight.
This situation at Everton is part of a wider flurry of corporate activity within the Premier League. Manchester United recently welcomed INEOS billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a minority shareholder, Tottenham Hotspur’s chairman Daniel Levy confirmed the club is seeking new investors, and stakes in both Brentford and West Ham United are also on the market.
Baji live Conclusion: A Club in Limbo Awaits Its Fate
The Everton takeover by 777 Partners is at a critical juncture. The delayed timeline and urgent search for financing reveal the immense complexity of acquiring a Premier League club, especially one with Everton’s recent financial challenges and future capital requirements. For the Everton faithful, the prolonged uncertainty is a source of immense anxiety, as the club’s future direction, financial health, and very place in the Premier League hang in the balance.
The coming weeks will be decisive. Can 777 Partners assemble the financial package needed to satisfy both the current lenders and the Premier League’s tough conditions? The answer will define the next chapter in the history of one of English football’s most storied institutions.
What are your thoughts on the Everton takeover saga? Do you believe 777 Partners are the right owners to lead the club forward? Share your opinions and join the conversation in the comments below.
