A spokesman for Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and investor Alisher Usmanov has denied the latter’s involvement in the latest share purchase, claiming that the Toffees remain Moshiri’s project.
As reported on the club’s official website, Moshiri’s stake in the club has increased from 49.9% to 68.6%, and that is expected to increase further to 77.2% by July 2019.
Usmanov’s recent exit as shareholder at Premier League rivals Arsenal has led to speculation of increased investment in Everton, with the Russian being partners with Moshiri at USM, who own the naming rights to the Toffees’ training ground, Finch Farm.
However, as reported by Guardian journalist David Conn on Twitter, a spokesman for the pair has denied Usmanov involvement in today’s development.
Farhad Moshiri & Usmanov spokesman, asked if Usmanov is involved in the latest share purchase, says it remains the case that Everton is “Farhad Moshiri’s project.” #efc
— David Conn (@david_conn) September 11, 2018
OPINION
This update from Conn will come as a bit of a blow to Everton fans who will have been hoping for increased investment from Usmanov. The Uzbek-born Russian magnate is one of the richest men in the country and would bring riches that have never been seen before to the blue half of Merseyside. Moshiri’s personal fortune pales in comparison to his business partner’s, and many supporters will have been hoping for some kind of Usmanov involvement in today’s development. That being said, this comment from the spokesman merely says that the club remain Moshiri’s project, and falls short of denying Usmanov’s financial involvement in such a move. On the other hand, the Everton statement claim that today’s share purchase from Moshiri was part of the original agreement made at the time of his initial investment, and that would suggest he is alone involved. It is hard to fully determine what exactly is going on, but all in all this is good news for the club as they look to build on a decent start to the season.