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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Dominic Booth (later) and John Brewin (earlier)

Everton announce full takeover, Premier League set to return – as it happened

Manchester United Jadon Sancho the Premier League Arsenal
Goodison Park
Everton are now under new owners after Farhad Moshiri sold his 94.1% share in the club to 777 Partners. Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

That’s all for today, folks. Thanks very much for humouring me; it’s been a pretty busy Friday and now, blessedly, the Premier League is less than a day away from returning to banish international break back into nothingness. Bye!

Maximilliano Allegri on Paul Pogba's provisional ban

Juventus manager Max Allegri has extended his sympathies to Paul Pogba after the player was handed a provisional suspension from football for failing a drugs test.

High levels of testosterone were found in Pogba’s system – with the ex Manchester United man denying knowingly taking a banned substance – but he could be banned for up to four years if found guilty of doping.

Allegri said: “I am sorry for Pogba. A procedure is under way, there are people involved and it is right to wait for the end of the proceedings. He has been suspended, [so] let’s wait for the ruling and then I will be able to say what changes for Juve.

“Paul will not be with us against Lazio and Sassuolo and then we’ll see.”

It’s official, everyone. The tedious legendary rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is over, according to one of the great men.

The Manchester United absentee list is quite something at the moment:

  • Antony

  • Jadon Sancho

  • Luke Shaw

  • Tyrell Malacia

  • Mason Mount

  • Kobbie Mainoo

  • Sofyan Amrabat

  • Raphaël Varane

Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof, mercifully for United fans, are set to be available against Brighton.

This is well worth a few minutes of your time – on surprise Championship table-toppers Preston North End.

Sofyan Amrabat won’t be making his Manchester United debut tomorrow, though, with Erik ten Hag confirming the ‘minor’ injury that curtailed the midfielder’s Morocco involvment will sideline him for the time being. Not a long term one, it’s thought.

Bournemouth could UNLEASH their new signing Luis Sinisterra for his debut against Chelsea on Sunday, manager Andoni Iraola has hinted.

“We signed him two weeks ago, but today [Friday] was the first day he could train with his teammates. I think he is ready. But it is true that today was the first training he has done with his teammates.”

Sinisterra arrived on loan from Leeds on deadline day, having impressed in fits and starts at Elland Road. The winger should get bums off seats at the Vitality Stadium.

Bournemouth new signing Luis Sinisterra
Smile, Luis, the weather is better down here. Photograph: Robin Jones/AFC Bournemouth/Getty Images

Updated

The latest Football Daily has landed. Subscribe, read, subscribe and read!

An email from Peter Oh, following on from my Ange love-in earlier:

“Postecoglou is so popular that the Rolling Stones – who’ve got a tune called ‘Angie’ and a new one named ‘Angry’ – are bound to do a song about him.” Angey?

Speaking of Liverpool, Wolves’ Gary O’Neil has been talking about the challenge that awaits his side in tomorrow’s lunchtime kick-off at Molineux. Is there any chance Wolves can spring an upset?

It’s going to be a tough test. We’ve got a good game plan in place that allows us to be aggressive when we’re ready to, allows us to have good spells with the ball, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the boys can produce.

Klopp doing Klopp things:

Seriously look at this. Pep knows best, though, I guess.

Pep Guardiola – who says he’s fit and well, by the way, after returning from back surgery – seems to think his new signing Matheus Nunes needs to improve.

He has to improve with his first touch, it’s not good enough yet. His energy is good and he played he last games with Wolves as a winger. He has so many qualities.

(If Nunes’ first touch isn’t good enough for Pep, I dread to think what he makes of 90 per cent of Premier League players).

Spanish court imposes restraining order on Rubiales

Sam Jones reports from Madrid:

Sorry to go all Max Rushden on you, but Ange is great isn’t he? Breath of fresh air, breath of fresh air (read in Harry Redknapp voice).

Pep Guardiola delighted to see Kyle Walker stay

Pep Guardiola is thankful Kyle Walker agreed to sign a two-year extension with Manchester City this week after a summer of rumour about his future.

Walker will stay at City until 2026, despite consistent rumours that Bayern Munich were interested in his services.

Guardiola said: “Really really important, like Nathan [Aké] and Bernardo [Silva] and Rico [Lewis] and [Scott] Carson extending their contracts. Kyle is an important figure for us. He’s a player where his teammates demanded he could not leave. At the end he decided to stay and he is really very important for us.

“His mind is there and he has genetics like few players I have seen with all the conditions. As much as he enjoys his life, it will not be a problem.

“He’s really important in the locker room and he has made a step forward with specific qualities that you cannot find all around the world. He can control the best wingers on the planet and I believe he is getting better on the ball so he is getting ready to compete with Erling Haaland for goals.”

Updated

Arsenal injury news now, and there’s good bits and bad bits from Mikel Arteta’s press conference today:

  • Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka are fit, having previously been doubts

  • Thomas Partey is still out – but is ‘progressing well’ apparently

  • Jurrien Timber is a long-term absentee as he recovers from ACL surgery

The Gunners visit newly-taken-over Everton on Sunday afternoon.

Get your eyes around this. Brave new world.

Back to Ten Hag for a moment, and while Jadon Sancho dominated the agenda at today’s United presser, Harry Maguire was another talking point after the defender suffered a rough time with England up at Hampden Park.

I have said many times that it’s disrespectful, he doesn’t deserve it, he’s a great player and has given many great performances. It’s unjustified. He has had a great career and has lots to come. He has to block this.

Harry Maguire in England action against Scotland
Harry Maguire put one into his own net for England against Scotland. Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA

This is quite the portfolio.

Sean Dyche on Everton takeover

The Toffees boss has been asked about the takeover from the 777 Partners consortium, but says it has no impact on him and his players in the short-term, revealing he’s not held any talks with the new owners – “I don’t know their thoughts or what their vision is”.

There’s no impact on me or the players other than the news. As the manager I was aware something was happening. There’s checks so that will take time.

It’s more about the modelling of the club. It’ll be interesting how they see it. They are things to look when everything is signed and sealed.”

Updated

João Palhinha signed a new Fulham contract yesterday after his ‘dream’ move to Bayern Munich collapsed on deadline day.

“I can’t lie, in football, we all have dreams and those are to play in the Champions League and for the best clubs in the world,” he said – before insisting, belatedly, that he’s still committed to Craven Cottage, hence the new contract I guess.

He should be available to face Luton tomorrow, anyway, with Marco Silva reluctant to dwell on the nearly-transfer in today’s press conference: “I don’t want to talk about the market again”.

Ten Hag adds on Brighton: “I love to play them … because they make you sacrifice and suffer.” Hmmm, not convinced his United players will ‘love’ tomorrow’s game at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag asked about Jadon Sancho saga

I think everything is said. So the squad is strong, in good spirits and good mood going into the game.

You have sometimes setbacks in seasons, players are injured or for other reasons are not available, so you construct a squad and the squad is very good. The players who are available [are] motivated to give a good performance.

The United manager will, of course, also be without Antony as well as the exiled Sancho and a plethora of injured stars for his side’s game against Brighton tomorrow afternoon.

Updated

The latest from today’s events from Madrid is in, via our news team.

Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United press conference is nearly upon us.

Should be a quiet one. I can barely think of a single talking point … nope, nothing comes to mind.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during a press conference
Poor old Erik faces another media barrage this afternoon. Photograph: Matthew Peters/Manchester United/Getty Images

Quiz time. Why not? It’s Friday lunchtime, after all.

More August awards business – and this Kaouru Mitoma beauty was rightly named Premier League goal of the month. It’s worth watching again.

Jürgen Klopp has been rather honest about Jordan Henderson in today’s Liverpool presser, going into detail on the talks between the pair that precipitated the midfielder’s exit to Saudi Arabia.

If Hendo would have performed, he’d have played. I thought it was important to talk openly. Hendo is a super guy but he is not great when he is not playing. He was my captain. I didn’t want to lock horns because he thought he [should] be starting. He took that to mean we didn’t want him here. I couldn’t tell him he would start and that is why it is better that he moved on.

What a welcome, thanks John. Aside from the Everton stuff, we’ve got Premier League press conferences by the bucket-load to get through this afternoon, alongside my chicken and halloumi wrap.

Right, taking on the afternoon session is Dominic Booth, Poynton’s finest, aside from Jamie Jackson and Jimmy Murphy, with special mention to Dame Sarah Storey and whoever designed the traffic plan.

The Times’ sports news correspondent has his say on the new Everton deal.

No Trent for Liverpool this weekend: Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of Saturday’s lunchtime trip to Wolves. The England right-back did not participate in international duty because of a hamstring injury.

Jurgen Klopp is hopeful he can resume full work next week.

He is not available, we knew that before. He didn’t train with the team once yet and will take a little bit. It is not the worst hamstring injury you can have but it’s a hamstring injury and they barely heal in two weeks -and this one didn’t, either. As he is running already, we hope he can start ball work early next week and then we will see and go from there.

Women's Champions League second qualifying round draw

  • Apollon v Benfica

  • FC Zurich v Ajax

  • AS Roma v FC Vorskla

  • Valur v St. Polten

  • Slavia Prague v Olimpia Cluj

  • Glasgow City v SK Brann

  • Spartak Subotica v Rosenborg

  • BK Hacken v FC Twente

  • Real Madrid v Valerenga

  • Eintracht Frankfurt v Sparta Prague

  • Paris FC v VFL Wolfsburg

  • Manchester United v Paris Saint-Germain

Maddison and Postecoglou win August awards

A fair dinkum choice after a flamin’ ripper of a first month

The main man at the roast himself.

Rubiales arrives in court as players continue lock-out

Rubiales himself is appearing in court today to to face “questioning by a judge over a complaint of sexual assault stemming from his allegedly unsolicited kiss on the lips of player Jenni Hermoso”.

Luis Rubiales arrives at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid on September 15, 2023.
Luis Rubiales arrives at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid on September 15, 2023. Photograph: Thomas Coex/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

Further 777 detail from PA Media’s Carl Markham

  • 777 Partners is an investment platform which began offering litigation funding to lawyers in return for part of any settlement fee and has subsequently branched out into sports club ownership. In addition to its football interests it also owns London Lions basketball team and a 45 per cent share in the British Basketball League. Outside of sport there are investments in Australian and Canadian budget airlines and global film studio STX Entertainment.

  • So why Everton?
    777 has not hidden its desire to gain a foothold in the Premier League, the most high-profile league in the world, and Everton’s huge losses - more than £430million over the last five years - and Moshiri’s decision to get out after ploughing in more than £700m, with an unfinished stadium still to pay for, essentially make the club a distressed asset and ripe for a takeover.

  • What are the stumbling blocks?
    The Premier League would have to satisfy itself no rules on club ownership are being broken, while there are also new regulations on leveraged buy-outs and proof of funding - and the extent of any borrowing to complete the purchase. Co-founder Wander also only ended a long period of probation in 2018 relating to a 2003 drugs charge which he admitted so would come under additional scrutiny for the owners’ and directors’ test. There are also a number of legal claims against the company still outstanding.

  • What’s 777’s track record?
    Not immediately encouraging for Everton fans, who have seen more than half-a-billion pounds spent in the last seven years with little success to show for it. Vasco de Gama fans have staged protests over a perceived lack of investment and, in early September, Liege fans held demonstrations inside their ground with banners such as ‘No money, no ambition’. The recent launching of a supporters’ bond to help fund Genoa’s new training ground also did not go down well. Hertha Berlin were relegated from the Bundesliga last season and face having to repay a £34m loan at high interest.

777 Partners, for the record, also own Serie A team, Genoa, back in Serie A after promotion last season, Vasco da Gama in Brazil, Hertha BSC in Germany, Standard de Liege in Belgium, Red Star FC in France, Sevilla FC in Spain, and Melbourne Victory FC in Australia. Everton join that portfolio. NB: 777 are not majority owners of all of the above. Serial Europa League winners Sevilla have only a minority 777 ownership.

Some background from Ed Aarons’ piece earlier this week.

Any takeover would be subject to the Premier League’s owners and directors test, which was beefed up in March and enables them to block people from becoming directors if they are under investigation for conduct that would result in a “disqualifying event” if proven. There remain doubts over whether 777 Partners would pass the test having been accused of fraud and breach of contract in a civil case by Timothy O’Neil-Dunne, who worked at 777 Partners between 2018 and 2021, and before that as chief commercial officer at Flair Airlines. A statement released by 777 Partners strenuously denied the allegations.

Wander was also arrested in 2003 after being caught with 31 grams of cocaine that were sent to his address in the post, which he later admitted was for him and a friend. He was sentenced in 2004 and released on a long period of parole, which ended in 2018. 777 Partners told the Brazilian newspaper O Globo that the “single misdemeanour charge from 20 years ago” was “ancient history”. In a statement the company said: “Josh put this small incident behind him and went on to become the co-founder of 777 Partners, making it one of the most successful companies in the business.”

The WSL window has SLAMMED SHUT and Sophie Downey has the lowdown.

WSL news: Beth England has been named Tottenham captain for the new season under new boss Robert Vilahamn.

England said: “It means a great deal. I’m very humbled and thankful that I’ve been given the opportunity to lead this football club. I’m excited to get going with the girls, get out onto that pitch and hopefully give some good moments - and some good winning moments especially - to the club.

“I’ve obviously met Robert a few times now, I’ve seen the style of play that he’s trying to implement and it’s great to see how much the girls have taken that on board.

Callum Wilson has signed on with Newcastle until 2025

Here’s what the new owners have to say:

Josh Wander, Founder and Managing Partner of 777 Partners, said:

We are truly humbled by the opportunity to become part of the Everton family as custodians of the Club, and consider it a privilege to be able to build on its proud heritage and values.

“Our primary objective is to work with fans and stakeholders to develop the sporting and commercial infrastructure for the men’s and women’s teams that will deliver results for future generations of Everton supporters. As part of this, we are committed to partnering with the local community over the long-term, working on important projects such as the development of Bramley-Moore Dock as a world class stadium venue, allowing thousands more Evertonians to attend our home matches and contribute to the economic and cultural regeneration of Merseyside.

Closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2023 and remains subject to regulatory approval, including from the Premier League, the Football Association, and the Financial Conduct Authority.

Out of respect for this process, 777 Partners will not be providing any further comment during this period of regulatory review.

That last bit seems a little unsatisfactory for those fans wanting answers.

Updated

Everton 'new ownership agreement reached'

Club statement: “777 Partners has signed an agreement with Farhad Moshiri to acquire his full stake in Everton Football Club, which accounts for 94.1% of the club’s shares.”

Farhad Moshiri, a shareholder since 2016 and majority shareholder since 2018, said:

The nature of ownership and financing of top football clubs has changed immeasurably since I first invested in Everton over seven years ago. The days of an owner/benefactor are seemingly out of reach for most, and the biggest clubs are now typically owned by well-resourced PE firms, specialist sports investors or state-backed companies and funds.

I have been open about the need to bring in new investment and complete the financing for our iconic new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, on the banks of the Mersey, which I have predominantly financed to date. I have spoken to a number of parties and considered some strong potential opportunities. However, it is through my lengthy discussions with 777 that I believe they are the best partners to take our great Club forward, with all the benefits of their multi-club investment model.

As a result of this agreement, we have an experienced and well-connected investor in football clubs who will help maximise the commercial opportunities, and we have secured the complete financing for our new stadium, which will be the critical element in the future success of Everton. Today is an important next step in the successful development of Everton and I look forward to closely following as our Club goes from strength to strength.

Of course, none of this could have been achieved without the hard work of everyone at the Club. From our team at the training ground, our commercial and support teams through to matchday employees, I extend my sincerest gratitude.

And to our fans, the last few years have been challenging but you have supported the Club through it all and consistently been our twelfth man. You are the best fans and deserve success.

Updated

Manchester United v Brighton on Saturday has the look of the key fixture of the weekend.

Here’s 10 things to look out for.

Seems like we may be waiting for an apology from Jadon Sancho for some time here.

Important interview with Jamie Jackson here. Alex Williams was a City mainstay in my youth, and on my trips to Maine Road was a familiar face, as someone who retained a link with the club as it used to be.

Preamble

The Premier League is back, and with it comes another Manchester United in crisis story, that of Jadon Sancho, banished to train alone, his manager awaiting an apology. More on that as we get it. In the meantime, there’s a full round of fixtures to build up to.

Wolves v Liverpool gets us underway, strugglers versus hopefuls in the 12.30 kick-off, then at 3pm Marco Silva will continue his war against officialdom for Fulham v Luton. Ange Postecoglou’s entertainers versus Paul Heckingbottom’s battlers for Tottenham v Sheffield United, before West Ham v Manchester City will be a measure of the Hammers’ early-season surge. Manchester United v Brighton takes the eye, and is another test of Erik Ten Hag’s wobbling regime, then Aston Villa v Crystal Palace has a mid-table look about it.

On Sunday, Bournemouth v Chelsea is the latest examination of Mauricio Pochettino trying to work out what to do with all those players, before Everton v Arsenal sees Sean Dyche seek to lift the gloom by beating Arsenal, like he did last season. Monday night? Nottingham Forest v Burnley is Steve Cooper, last season’s survivalist, against Vincent Kompany, attempting the same.

All that and all the news throughout the day.

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