A Saudi royal is backing a $510 million bid to acquire Everton FC through a new consortium, according to BBC Sport. The offer puts fresh competitive pressure on existing discussions involving 777 Partners, the American investment firm that had been in advanced talks to purchase majority owner Farhad Moshiri's 94 percent stake — an agreement reached in September 2023 that had yet to be finalised.
Vatche Manoukian Leads the Consortium
According to the BBC report, the new consortium is headed by Vatche Manoukian, a London-based businessman and lawyer who is also an Everton supporter. While the Saudi royal family member remains unnamed, the group also includes ultra-high-net-worth families from the United States.
The all-equity proposal — reported at £400 million ($510 million) — is structured to avoid loading additional debt onto the club. The consortium says it has a long-term business plan in place that covers signing fresh talent and developing a new football stadium in Liverpool.
Everton's Ownership Saga
Everton's ownership situation has been one of the most prolonged in recent Premier League history. Moshiri acquired his controlling stake years ago and had reached a sale agreement with 777 Partners, but that deal remained unresolved amid continued scrutiny of 777's finances. The Manoukian-led consortium is among several parties understood to have expressed interest in the club.
The Sleeping Giant of English Football
Everton, Merseyside rivals to Liverpool FC, are widely regarded as one of English football's historically significant clubs. The Toffees have won nine First Division/Premier League titles — the last in 1987 — and nine FA Cups, with their most recent Cup triumph coming in 1995. The consortium's investment ambitions are aimed at restoring Everton to that level of competitiveness.
