John Textor’s potential takeover of Everton Football Club gained momentum recently after receiving backing from US investment firm Aliya Capital Partners.
The American businessman, currently the Executive Chairman of FuboTV, announced that negotiations with the club were progressing well and Aliya’s support could help solidify the deal. Reports are also suggesting another unlikely candidate could be investing in the club as part of the deal.
The acquisition could involve other high-profile figures, with The Sun reporting that hip-hop artist and entrepreneur Jay-Z is being considered as a potential investor. Jay-Z, with a net worth of $2.5 billion, is no stranger to sports ownership, having held a minority stake in the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets before selling it in 2013.
Aliya Capital Partners expressed their enthusiasm, telling BBC Sport, “We are thrilled to support John Textor in his investment in Everton. Having worked closely with him for years and witnessed his success with Botafogo, we see him as both a partner and a close friend. Our involvement reflects our shared commitment to innovation and transformation in football. We are eager to see Everton thrive under John’s visionary leadership.”
The investment firm, which manages over $1 billion in assets, has a track record of backing major companies, including the US gambling firm Betr and helping fund Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022.
However, before finalising the Everton deal, Textor must sell his 45% stake in Crystal Palace to comply with Premier League ownership rules.
In addition to Crystal Palace and Everton, Textor also holds stakes in other football clubs, including Olympique Marseille and Brazil’s Botafogo.
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