Everton takeover enters final stages

It's been a long time coming, but according to reports the partnership of John Jay Moores and Charles Noell has become increasingly likely and should be completed this month. The deal has been known since reports surfaced about the investors gaining access to the Everton books back in December to complete due diligence. It was rumored to be a six week exclusivity to arrange a deal and that time period seems to be up. As was reported by Rory Smith of the Times the deal was ongoing though as recently as last week.

There has been a lot of hand wringing in Everton circles about what kind of ownership this US group will bring, but I think the most immediate effect will be the development of a new stadium. No purchase of controlling interest in the club will proceed without a strict regimen in place to build a new stadium or redevelop Goodison Park at the least. That should be a positive start and what happens to players like Ross Barkley, John Stones and Romelu Lukaku this summer will also say volumes.

The club has spent a long time admitting a sale of controlling interest was in the best interest of the club. While a hometown life long fan would be in the best interest of the fans that ship has sailed and is unlikely at any point. The new ownership must view the team as a longtime investment and not an immediate payout when TV money starts rolling in. Hopefully that is the case and Everton have found owners willing to not only do what it takes to win, but also build the following of Everton worldwide and especially right back in the USA.