Farhad Moshiri has insisted he is not looking to sell Everton but remains open to “minority investment” to finance the club’s new stadium at Bramley Moore dock and to strengthen Frank Lampard’s squad.
A consortium led by the former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon and including the US real estate magnate Maciek Kaminski has held talks in recent months with the Everton owner over a possible takeover. Moshiri, however, is adamant Everton are not for sale and he is only seeking additional investment into a club that has recorded losses of more than £370m in the past three financial years. The club has made only one signing this summer, the defender James Tarkowski on a free transfer, and has sold the influential Richarlison for an initial £50m to Tottenham.
In an email to Everton fans, Moshiri wrote on Thursday: “There has been much talk of investment in our football club recently – even takeovers – but I want to clarify that there is no ‘for sale’ sign currently hanging outside Everton Football Club.
“It will always be pragmatic to explore all potential investment opportunities and, as I have been transparent about, I am actively focused on completing the financing for our fantastic new stadium as well as strengthening the playing squad and that might include a search for minority investment. That will continue. But I want to reassure all of you that Everton Football Club is not for sale.
“My commitment to the club remains strong and focused and [director of football] Kevin Thelwell and the chairman [Bill Kenwright] are currently working hard to bring in new players to improve Frank Lampard’s squad. There will be new signings and I would ask supporters to judge us at the end of the transfer window – not now.”