US ownership group withdraws Everton investment

US investment group MSP Sports Capital withdrew its ownership interest in Everton. This deals a massive hit to the club’s goal of financial stability while the on-field product flounders. Everton drew interest from several American investment firms over the last year. Groups in Miami and Minnesota both had links to the Toffees.

Now, The Athletic reports MSP Capital is backing out of a previous deal it had with the Merseyside club. In May, MSP Capital agreed to invest $190 million in convertible debt in exchange for 25% ownership in Everton. Two-thirds of that investment was meant for the club’s stadium construction at Bramley-Moore Dock. Now, a hurdle with another financial group has meant the deal with MSP Capital has fallen through.

This does not mean all of MSP Capital’s money is going away, though. Instead, the $125 million meant for the stadium now becomes a straight loan. While Everton will need to pay this back with interest, it at least ensures construction at the stadium can continue.

That being said, The Athletic added that coming up with total funding for the stadium is now not guaranteed. The deal with MSP Capital would have led to a group including JP Morgan and other global banks submitting a $330 million loan. That loan was contingent on MSP Capital having the 25% ownership stake. Instead, Farhad Moshiri can repay a loan that helped get funding going.

Everton looks to other US ownership for potential help

In response, Everton and Moshiri are reopening talks with the Miami-based firm 777 Partners. This group sought total ownership of the club in May. There is no indication of what Moshiri is looking for in terms of ownership. According to previous reports, 777 Partners discussed a $745 million deal to acquire full ownership of Everton.

Moshiri and the Everton board are under serious pressure now more than ever. There are question marks surrounding off-the-field funding. Yet, the performances on the field are equally disappointing and frustrating. Each of the last two seasons needed late escapes from relegation. A 1-0 opening-day loss at home to Fulham preceded a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Aston Villa. If Everton drops points against Wolves at Goodison Park, panic may set in after just three league games.

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