Opinion: Everton’s Links with John Textor May Continue as Fresh Update Emerges from Brazil
Everton Takeover Nears Completion, but John Textor's Goodison Park Connection Could Continue
Textor was in contention to purchase Everton from Farhad Moshiri and was reportedly close to transferring funds to finalize the deal before being outbid by Dan Friedkin, as reported by The Athletic (23 September).
Although the takeover process has been prolonged, it is expected to conclude by December (The Guardian).
However, this does not necessarily mean that the club and Textor are parting ways entirely.
A new development from Brazil on Sunday (8 December) suggests that Everton and Textor may find themselves back at the negotiation table, albeit for a different reason.
Everton have reportedly expressed interest in signing Igor Jesus during the January transfer window, according to journalist Felipe Silva of UOL.
The Brazilian forward is currently under contract with Botafogo, a club owned by Textor, until 2027.
This means that if Everton wish to secure the striker’s services for the second half of the season, they will need to negotiate directly with Textor.
Interestingly, the U.S. billionaire had reportedly planned to bring Jesus to Everton had he successfully completed the takeover (Alan Nixon).
However, his stance on the potential transfer now remains unclear.
Meanwhile, Everton face competition for Jesus from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest.
Forest were previously informed it would cost at least £16.6 million to sign the former Shabab Al-Ahli forward, suggesting Everton would need to pay a similar fee.
It remains to be seen whether Textor’s involvement in the takeover talks could work in Everton’s favor during the negotiations or if it will complicate matters further for manager Sean Dyche’s side.
