Everton would’ve been in deeper trouble with regards to their takeover had they not had a new stadium in the works, according to Jordan Gardner.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo on 3 September, the American football investor who owned Danish side FC Helsingor and is now an advisor for the sports intelligence firm TwentyFirst Group, stated that the takeover process is still going to be messy due to the 777 Partners’ debt.
However, he does state that there is every reason to be optimistic given the potential the Toffees have under the right owner.
He said: “I think that without the new stadium, Everton would be in deep, deep trouble, far deeper than they are now.
“The stadium, along with the fact that Everton are a globally recognised team with a strong history and big fanbase, is the reason why the likes of the Friedkin Group and John Textor have been interested. It offers enormous potential for new owners.
“The problem is that there are underlying issues there with the 777 Partners debt, and that makes for a messy transaction. What happens then is it comes down to the individual and their appetite for risk.
“Everton remains a club with huge potential, but it will take the right kind of owner to really turn it around, but it absolutely can be done, and the new stadium will be something that remains a draw for would-be investors over other clubs as having an asset like that is a huge pull.”
Everton may be set for more twists and turns with regards to their takeover
The takeover process for the club is anticipated to be messy primarily due to the financial entanglements involving 777 Partners, whose debt complicates the transaction’s straightforwardness.
