It would be easy for most fans to forget that there is still a takeover going on at Everton.
After all, it has been a hugely protracted process, still dragging on to this day despite a deal actually being struck back in September.
Farhad Moshiri has been keen to offload the club which he has only taken backwards for some time now, having finally given in to fan pressure by first sacking the board, and now departing himself.
But it seems the party he has chosen is not without their controversies, which continue to crop up and slow down the process.
Writer and finance expert Paul Quinn, better known as ‘The Esk’ on X, has now sought to give his thoughts.
What did The Esk say about 777 Partners?
Speaking to The Toffee Blues, Quinn would offer updates on everything from the Premier League’s changing rules to his argument with David Ornstein.
However, most people patiently awaited his views on the takeover, as someone who has vocally condemned 777 Partners on many occasions.
He took this opportunity to reinforce that opinion, noting when asked about their recent appearance at Goodison Park: ‘I thought that it was an act of desperation, it was a PR stunt, it was an act that said: ‘Look guys it’s business as usual, we’ve lent the club money, we’re wanting the deal to go ahead and we’re here for you!’ There was no substance to it other than it was a PR stunt.
‘It’s quite simple. We’re 17, nearly 18 weeks into the due diligence process, the fit and proper person test. Had 777 provided the information that the Premier League need, the Premier League would have made a decision one way or another.
‘The duty, the obligation is upon 777 to provide the information that is required, and it’s my understanding that they still haven’t provided audited accounts. And the reason why they haven’t provided audited accounts is because there are no audited accounts for the partnership.
‘If I’m wrong in that respect, and I’m sure 777’s lawyers will be listening to this at some point, then I’m happy to apologise and retract what I’ve just said.
‘But that to me is the only logical explanation for why it’s taking so long.’
Who else could potentially take over at Everton?
It is no secret that Moshiri is desperate to leave Everton, and the fans are equally desperate to see him leave.
His willingness to sell to seemingly the first bidder that showed up is a testament to this, having failed miserably since his 2016 introduction and seeking a quick way out whilst recouping some of his vast fortune invested.
Evertonians will be delighted to see the back of the Iranian, although not if it is into the hands of people even less reliable than their current owner.
Fortunately, there have been reports over the last few months suggesting other parties are interested.
In fact, it was detailed earlier this month that a US consortium was readying a bid, should the takeover collapse. Given what Quinn says on that matter, it certainly seems plausible.
Even back in November, another report also suggested that a mystery Indian group were also sitting in a similar position. It seems like no matter the outcome with 777 Partners, Everton will not be short of suitors.
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