Everton CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale has addressed recent ownership rumours amid speculation over Farhad Moshiri’s stance on investment.
The Toffees owner penned a letter to fans earlier this month, with his view on ‘potential investment opportunities’ sparking discussion that he is open to selling the club. The British-Iranian businessman was keen to stress that Everton is not for sale, rather he is taking a ‘pragmatic’ approach to improving the financial situation on Merseyside.
And Barrett-Baxednale has echoed the owner’s earlier point within another address to fans, adding that the arrivals of Ruben Vinagre and Dwight McNeil this week underline the club’s diligent work in signing quality players while maintaining their financial structure under the Everton owner.
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“Ruben Vinagre and Dwight McNeil this week became our second and third summer signings, following the arrival of James Tarkowski.” The Toffees CEO wrote. “I would like to welcome Dwight, Ruben and James to the Club and wish them well for their time here.
“Our Director of Football Kevin Thelwell and manager Frank Lampard are working diligently with support from our Chairman to further strengthen the playing ranks of our men’s squad, operating within a clear financial structure and with appropriate pragmatism. And, in terms of pragmatism, whilst we were all sad to see Richarlison leave, we secured a good transfer fee in the context of the current market for a player who felt it was the right time to seek a new adventure.
“We understand the disappointment felt by so many Evertonians, but it is also important that - as our Majority Shareholder has made clear, and as the implementation of our strategic review serves to prove - we demonstrate the learnings from previous transfer windows have been heeded and we trade smartly to maintain a sustainable squad development model
“As well as the usual transfer rumours, the summer has brought media speculation over the ownership of the Club. Mr Moshiri made clear in his open letter to fans earlier this month that it is prudent for him to explore investment opportunities, but that does not mean his majority shareholding is available for sale.”
Tuesday, July 26 marked one year since Everton were handed the keys to the Bramley-Moore Dock site ahead of starting to build their state-of-the-art 52,888-seater stadium. The 12 months since have seen an incredible change in the waterfront landscape, most recently with the four pillars outlining where the mammoth new ground will stand.
And Barrett-Baxednale used her recent address to the fans to announce the imminent opportunity for Everton fans to enjoy a ‘unique premium matchday experience’.
“As we approach the anniversary of the breaking of ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, it is a suitable time to acknowledge the exceptional work done in bringing us to this point.” She added. “The impressive structure is beginning to take shape on our city’s skyline, thanks to the astute work in having secured a contract for the remaining period of the build that gives us financial certainty in uncertain times.
“When the evertonstadium.com website goes live in early August, it will reveal the first details of the innovative and unique premium matchday experience at our new home. Those experiences will be the first to go on sale, and include firsts never seen before in British football – providing a glimpse into the bold new outlook to matchdays our stadium has given us the opportunity to present.”
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