The futures of Crystal Palace and Everton have become somewhat interlinked over recent months, due to interest from John Textor in buying the Toffees.
The American currently owns a 45% stake in the Selhurst Park outfit, joining forces with Steve Parish along with other investments along the way.
However, Textor revealed his interest in completing a takeover of Everton this year, with the Premier League rivals looking for a buyer of Farhad Moshiri’s stake.
Those plans were complicated by the fact that he would first have to sell his stake in Crystal Palace to allow him to purchase the Toffees.
With some interest seemingly shown by investors to join the boardroom, it appears as though John Textor’s plans may have been scuppered slightly.
Everton takeover update impacts John Textor
While Textor was hopeful of making his way to Merseyside as their new owner, it seems as though another group has got their first.
A recent statement from Everton the club website confirmed that an agreement had been reached with the Friedkin Group to buy the majority of shares.
The group, chaired by Dan Friedkin, also own Italian giants AS Roma after completing a takeover there in 2020.
A statement from the Friedkin Group spokesperson reads: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club.
“We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction. We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”
Unless there is a twist in the tale, it would seemingly put Textor’s takeover hopes on hold, at least until the end of an exclusivity period.
Everton are no strangers to takeovers falling through, though the Friedkin Group have a track record of completing deals elsewhere.
- READ MORE: Tony Cascarino thinks £25m Crystal Palace player is not enjoying himself under Oliver Glasner
John Textor has bridges to rebuild at Crystal Palace
So it seems as though Textor is destined to stay as co-owner at Crystal Palace, at least for the time being, with the Everton takeover progressing with a different group.
It means that the American businessman may have some bridges to rebuild after previous comments made about the club.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports earlier this month, he said: “With no disrespect to Crystal Palace, they have wonderful fans, but they have never had that sense of greatness and being on top and then losing that.”
While it was in reference to Everton, it’s something that supporters and those in the boardroom wouldn’t have wanted to hear.
It puts things in an awkward position as the club looks to improve and push for that greatness they crave.
