Alisher Usmanov will not be investing in Everton, according to talkSPORT journalist Jim White.
White was talking on his talkSPORT show (Wednesday, 10am) after Usmanov was quoted as saying he would be “happy” to help his friend and former business partner Farhad Moshiri, majority shareholder at Everton.
Ever since Usmanov sold his stake in Arsenal to Stan Kroenke for £600million in August, there have been reports and rumours that he might be ready to invest in Everton.
However, White said a reliable source has told him Usmanov explained away his quotes by saying that he was simply answering a question about a friend’s club, and that the help he was referring to was morale support and not money.
“There is nothing more to any link with Everton,” White said. “Categorically there is no likelihood of Usmanov investing in Everton.”
OPINION
We’re not surprised about this update. It would have seemed strange to us for Usmanov to sell his stake in Arsenal only to move into another English club. And this seems to put the lid on any rumours that he’s about to write a blank chequebook and revolutionise the Goodison Park club. You can see where the story came from but it looks like it’s come down to a simple case of lost in translation. Everton are in need of something though. If you take them and West Ham, two clubs that both suffered last season, it seems that the Hammers have kicked on, with huge investment in players and a manager who’s got them playing. Last night’s game and the start of the Premier League season have shown that things aren’t as rosy at Goodison. Marco Silva seems to be struggling, some of the new signings aren’t performing and the club isn’t moving forward. Money wouldn’t necessarily solve the problem, but it would help.