Everton, after yesterday’s win over Nottingham Forest, do finally seem set to stay in the division again after much worry about whether their form would let them down.
After all, before this month, the Toffees had not won a Premier League game since December. And now, they have won two of their last three.
It is remarkable the work that Sean Dyche and his staff have done in navigating this already confidence-shy and quality-lacking side through a campaign relentlessly blighted by off-pitch antics.
Whether it be takeover turmoil or additional PSR sanctions, there has simply been no rest for the players.
However, despite being told that the former was finally reaching a conclusion, this latest report suggests otherwise.
777 Partners could finally fail in Everton takeover bid
Late last month, Farhad Moshiri assured us that 777 Parners’ deal to acquire his full stake was in the ‘home straight’.
And yet, the New York Times’ claims suggest they are anything but.
They write: ‘Advisors for Everton, one of the oldest teams in English soccer and a founding member of the Premier League, have begun searching for an alternative buyer for the financially stricken club, according to people familiar with the decision who requested anonymity to discuss private talks.
‘A spokesman for Mr. Moshiri said the agreement with 777 “remains in place” and they continue to work toward completion.
‘But with concerns about the club’s perilous state growing, Deloitte has reached out to other potential saviours, including the sovereign wealth funds of several Middle Eastern nations, including Qatar. The Premier League already has team owners from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.’
Everton could be the latest state-owned club
Should it be Qatar who affirm their interest in Everton, it could prove a hugely profitable move for the club.
After all, whilst Moshiri is a billionaire, his actions ever since Alisher Usmanov was removed from his side have drawn questions over the legitimacy of his fortune.
However, with state investment, the funds would be limitless.
Naturally, issues surrounding PSR restrictions would prohibit how much they could actually spend, but with the new stadium on the horizon, it might be the perfect time for an organisation of this financial power to get involved.
After all, further fiscal freedom is guaranteed in the coming years, especially with PSR also due to change this summer.
Everton need their next owner to either have deep pockets or an extremely intelligent strategy to turn their fortunes around. Ideally, this proposed Qatari investor, will boast both.