Everton takeover development casts doubt on Leeds United transfer

It is well documented that Everton are big admirers of Leeds United striker Jack Harrison. The wide man spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Goodison Park, helping Sean Dyche’s side retain their Premier League status.

Kevin Thelwell, the Toffees’ director of football, said in May that discussions about Harrison’s future would take place after United’s campaign. The Whites agonizingly missed out on promotion, losing to Southampton in the play-off final.

Harrison is keen on a return to Everton after contributing three goals and four assists in 35 outings last term. The 27-year-old is contracted to United until the summer of 2028. A report in the national media claimed that Harrison has a clause in his contract that allows him to re-sign for the Toffees on loan.

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But are Everton in a financial position to make a move for Harrison after 777 Partners’ proposed takeover of the club fell through? It has been a long process and the Toffees say they are evaluating “all options for the club’s future owner”.

Much-maligned Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has been tied down until May 31 in an exclusive period with the US investment group and has been unable to enter into alternative talks. But 777 Partners’ purchase agreement with Blue Heaven Holdings Limited to sell and buy a majority stake in the club has lapsed.

A club statement read: “Everton Football Club would like to provide the following update to all stakeholders, and in particular its supporters.

“The agreement between 777 Partners and Blue Heaven Holdings Limited for the sale and purchase of the majority shareholding in the club expired today.

“The club’s board recognizes the considerable level of financial support that 777 Partners has provided the club over the past few months and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for this.

“The club will continue to operate as normal while they work with Blue Heaven Holdings to assess all options for the club’s future owner.

“The board would like to thank everyone connected with Everton for their patience over the past few months and reiterate their commitment to provide further updates when appropriate through the club’s official communication channels.”

Moshiri told Everton’s Fans’ Advisory Committee last week that he had received unsolicited approaches from interested parties, with American businessman John Textor selling his 40% stake in Crystal Palace to buy the Toffees.

Asked if he had held discussions about buying Everton, Textor told The Athletic: “Yes. With existing constituents – different groups, different creditors, different equity holders. I asked them, “Is there a way to sort through all this confusion and address everyone’s problems”?

“I’m very open to it, but I don’t want to get into a situation where I’m not really welcome. I’m following it, but the 777 is still under contract. There are people close to the club who care a lot about it and who invest.

“He’s the guy who runs it, who still gives the power. Maybe we’re uniquely positioned to solve a lot of problems for people, but we’re just looking at it right now because there are other people who already own pieces of that club and want to figure it out. I’m looking into it, but it’s pretty confusing and some things need to be cleaned up.”