Having agreed to purchase Everton from Farhad Moshiri back in September, it is alarming the lack of speed being shown in finalising the deal.
Wading through mountains of legal trouble to ratify the move, whilst also navigating the various pitfalls the club has run into of late, it would have been easy for the Miami-based firm to abandon ship. But, acquiring distressed assets is seemingly their preferred method of operation.
They are keen to add the Toffees to their sprawling multi-club model full of downtrodden outfits, with their enthusiasm seemingly unending.
So with this, we thought it prudent to compile a complete timeline of all the rumours and reports of the 777 Partners’ bumpy takeover of the blues, starting ever since the news broke of a deal being struck…
15th September, 2023: Farhad Moshiri agrees to sell his Everton stake to 777 Partners
After months of speculation, the Iranian billionaire confirmed his burning desire to depart Merseyside as the news broke from Goodison Park.
777 Partners had come up with the right number to pry Everton from Moshiri‘s hands.
Boasting a 94.1% stake, his tumultuous tenure finally seemed set to come to an end subject to mass approval from a number of bodies. Whilst that would likely have been a simple task for most, the uncertainty surrounding their fitness as owners, as well as the yet-to-be-divulged devastation to come, Everton’s changeover has since been delayed.
That is, even with the 68-year-old penning an open letter to his shareholders, effectively begging them for their support in the deal.
25th October, 2023: Rumours emerge of Everton’s potential points deduction
Before the unthinkable had actually been confirmed, Everton’s points deduction was mere rumours as of late October despite the well-documented financial mess the club were in.
Whilst many worried what such an eventuality might do to Sean Dyche and his squad, it was arguably the thoughts of 777 Partners that were more important.
However, it was reported at the time that they had actually planned for such an event, with all these possible permutations ‘priced into’ the deal for the club.
29th October, 2023: Members of 777 Partners spotted at Everton game
As if to affirm their interest in purchasing the Merseyside outfit, Josh Wander and a number of other key figures were spotted at Everton’s 1-0 away win over West Ham United.
They would later visit their emphatic home win in the EFL Cup, brushing aside Burnley to reach the quarter-finals.
15th September, 2023: 777 Partners receive big boost from the FA
With the Premier League by far the most important barrier 777 Partners must overcome to ratify their takeover, they still patiently await their confirmation.
However, it was a welcome sight to see it reported that the Football Association had reportedly given their blessing, likely aided by the key figure who was set to join…
5th November, 2023: Mystery consortium emerges as rival for 777 Partners
Despite things seemingly trundling on smoothly, there was a slight bump in the road when rumours emerged of a new party showing interest emerged.
Whilst there was a certain element of exclusivity for Josh Wander and his crew, a ‘mystery’ consortium likely worried the would-be buyers, but excited fans at the prospect of a bidding war.
The silence that would follow suggested this was nothing more than an unsubstantiated rumour.
6th November, 2023: 777 Partners recruit key figure to smooth takeover
In an effort to make one last push towards a smooth takeover, 777 Partners had reportedly enlisted the help of former Arsenal and FA chairman David Dein.
He joined the group as one of the most knowledgeable figures within the English game, and will likely be imperative if they are to achieve success should they soon acquire the club.
20th November, 2023: Funding structure of 777 Partners’ takeover drawn into question
However, again just as things seemed to be easing, a fresh report threw further doubt into the legitimacy of the investment fund’s fortune.
It was revealed that the group planned to loan the bulk of the funds to purchase Everton, with many fans rightly sceptical.
10 weeks on, the 25th November 2023: As it stands…
Although they remain firmly at the front of the race, it seems their conquest to add Everton to their portfolio is far from finished.
The 777 Partners, at this point, have seemingly done all they can do. Navigating some of the most uncomfortable and unprecedented moments in the Toffees’ history, they are likely desperate for the Premier League’s verdict just to know whether they can be done with this nightmare, or run headfirst into it.
The fanbase too are craving confirmation so that they can brush aside the points deduction and bring an end to the saga, instead focus on building a proper future.
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