Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has voiced concerns about American investor John Textor’s reported plan to sell shares to fans as part of his £600 million takeover bid for the club. Speaking on the Football Insider podcast Inside Track, Wyness, who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009, said he would be “unhappy” if Textor relies on fan money to complete the deal.
Reports from The Guardian (10 September) suggest that Textor is considering offering Everton fans the opportunity to purchase shares if his bid to take control of the club from current owner Farhad Moshiri is successful. Textor, who owns Eagle Football Group—a company that controls clubs such as Lyon, Botafogo, and Belgian club RWD Molenbeek—is reportedly seeking around £400 million in funding and plans to float his holding company on the New York Stock Exchange this month.
However, Wyness expressed concern about the strategy, saying, “I won’t be happy if that’s the case. If he’s relying on fan money to get this over the line, that wouldn’t be a good sign.”
He added that while there may be interest from fans in buying shares, Textor’s motives are crucial. “If he’s doing it as a way to get fans involved—that’s a whole other debate. But if it’s to help his finances, that’s not ideal.”
Wyness also shared his thoughts on fan shareholding in general. “Many fans I speak to would love to have a share, even if it’s just to frame it and hang it over the fireplace. It’s a way to show loyalty. They’re not interested in making money or the valuation.”
Before the Everton takeover can move forward, Textor will need to sell his stake in Crystal Palace, where he currently holds 45% through Eagle Football Group.