Iranian billionaire Farhad Moshiri is set to become the largest stakeholder of Everton FC on Wednesday. Moshiri has pledged 100 million pounds on transfers to ensure that they break into the top four of the Premier League.
Moshiri sold off his 200 million pound stake in Arsenal FC last week and is keen to reinvest the amount in Everton FC, according to the Mirror. The proceedings, which will be completed on Wednesday, will see him become the biggest stakeholder of Everton with 49.9% of the shares.
Moshiri has also reached an agreement with the club that will see him acquire a controlling interest within a few years. However, current chairman Bill Kenwright will retain his stake at the club and will continue in his role.
“I am delighted to take this opportunity to become a shareholder in Everton, with its rich heritage as one of Europe’s leading football clubs. There has never been a more level playing field in the Premier League than now. Bill Kenwright has taught me what it means to be an Evertonian and I look forward with excitement to working with him to help deliver success for Everton in the future,” Moshiri was quoted as saying by Everton’s official website.
Future Plans — a new stadium and keeping the boys together
Farhad Moshiri is planning to kick-start the development of a new stadium for the side, and make sure that Everton become a top four club within the next few years. He believes that quality players are needed to achieve that goal and has pledged 100 million pounds to transfers.
This includes keeping hold of the talented core that Everton already has. Players like Ross Barkley, John Stones, Seamus Coleman and Gerard Deulofeu will be offered new lucrative contracts to keep them at Goodison Park. However, a big question mark hovers over the future of Toffees star forward Romelu Lukaku. It is believed that the Belgian could actively seek a move away from the club, given his talent and the interest from top clubs across Europe. But Moshiri is ready to splash out the money on a top notch replacement for Lukaku, as well as recruit top talent in other key areas.
