Everton’s hopes for a favorable resolution to their sale saga have risen after it emerged that one of the world’s wealthiest individuals is backing the bid of two lifelong fans. Andy Bell and George Downing’s proposed takeover has gained the support of Texan billionaire Michael Dell, the founder of Dell Technologies, whose net worth is estimated at £84 billion.
Dell’s backing comes through his ‘family office,’ established to manage his finances. Bell and Downing are urging Everton’s majority shareholder, Farhad Moshiri, to grant a period of exclusivity to finalize a deal. Should they succeed, Dell’s private investment firm, MSD Partners, will provide financial support rather than leading the bid.
Bell and Downing have already invested around £50 million into Everton and are among the creditors that 777 Partners failed to repay before the May 31 deadline, resulting in the collapse of their exclusivity agreement and a controversial purchase attempt.
Dell’s interest in English clubs is not new. The 59-year-old was partially involved in a potential takeover at Sunderland in 2019, with three investors from MSD Partners loaning £12 million to the holding company of ex-Black Cats owner Stewart Donald. MSD has also funded the owners of Derby County, West Bromwich Albion, Burnley, and Southampton.
Ranked 13th on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Dell amassed around half of his fortune from the Texas-based computer company he founded in the mid-80s while still a student.
Although Everton has not announced a preferred bidder, Bell and Downing are among several groups aiming to buy out Moshiri following the collapse of the 777 deal. Moshiri had tied himself to a period of exclusivity with the Miami-based investment group, despite serious concerns about their viability as Premier League owners. These concerns grew throughout the last season. Moshiri persisted with talks with 777 Partners longer than many thought logical, given their financial issues, ultimately conceding defeat with a statement at the end of last month.
Fans are hopeful for a positive outcome. In a statement, Everton said: “The agreement between 777 Partners and Blue Heaven Holdings Limited for the sale and purchase of the majority shareholding in the club has expired. The club’s board of directors recognises the considerable level of financial support 777 Partners has provided the club over recent months and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for this.”
Since then, various interested parties have pushed to close a deal. A-Cap loaned funds to 777 as part of their unsuccessful attempt to gain Premier League approval, while MSP provided funding to ensure the continuation of the £500 million Bramley Moore Dock project. Having previously attempted to buy the club before 777 became the preferred bidder, MSP is looking to increase their stake.
Crystal Palace part-owner John Textor has also been suggested as a potential buyer, but he would need to end his association with the London club to comply with Premier League rules. Among Everton supporters, the Bell and Downing bid, backed by Dell, is currently the most attractive. They have pledged immediate funding for Everton during any exclusivity period, which could be crucial given upcoming payments for the transfers of strikers Beto and Youssef Chermiti.
Dell’s backing suggests Bell and Downing have the necessary capital to bring much-needed stability, despite ongoing economic challenges following years of poor management at the boardroom level. Everton’s financial mismanagement has resulted in points deductions on two occasions during the 2023-24 season, with another charge pending further investigation
Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, and manager, Sean Dyche, have admitted that the club may need to sell at least one of their most prized assets in the summer transfer window to avoid further sanctions. The club is set to move into its new 52,000-seater dockside stadium in 12 months for the start of the 2025-26 season. The new stadium, despite numerous challenges on and off the field, adds to the club’s attractiveness as a purchase.
