Alisher Usmanov Linked With Potential Everton Return as Club Explores Sale
Alisher Usmanov has reportedly emerged as a possible figure in Everton’s changing ownership story, with the sanctioned billionaire said to be interested in returning to the Merseyside club. The reports come after Everton’s current owners confirmed they are exploring a complete sale, opening the door to fresh speculation about who might take control of the Premier League side.
Usmanov previously maintained close commercial links with Everton, although he never became the club’s owner. His past association, combined with reports that he may be keen to invest again, has made his name a talking point among supporters. However, any potential return would depend on the details of the sale process, the club’s financial position and the regulatory requirements facing prospective investors.
Everton’s sale process creates new uncertainty
The confirmation that Everton’s owners are considering a full sale marks a significant moment for a club that has spent recent seasons navigating financial pressure, changes in leadership and uncertainty over its long-term direction. A change of ownership could provide a chance to reset the club’s strategy, but it would also bring important questions about funding, debt, recruitment and the completion of Everton’s new stadium project.
For supporters, the central issue is not simply who buys the club, but what a new owner would be prepared to do. Everton need a stable financial plan that supports the first team while protecting the club’s wider operations. Investment in the squad may be essential, but spending alone cannot guarantee improvement. A successful takeover would also need to address recruitment, football operations, youth development and the club’s ability to comply with financial regulations.
That context helps explain why reports of Usmanov’s interest have attracted attention. His previous relationship with Everton gives him a degree of familiarity with the club, while his wealth has led to speculation that he could provide significant resources. Yet interest, if confirmed, would be only the beginning of a complex process. A prospective buyer would need to demonstrate the source and structure of any investment and satisfy the relevant checks before a takeover could proceed.
What Usmanov’s previous Everton links mean
Usmanov was associated with Everton through commercial arrangements and his connection to Farhad Moshiri, the club’s former majority shareholder. His companies previously held sponsorship agreements with the team, including a naming-rights deal involving the club’s Finch Farm training ground. Those ties made him a prominent presence around Everton, even though he did not hold a direct ownership stake.
That history is relevant, but it does not automatically indicate that a new investment would be straightforward. The circumstances surrounding Usmanov have changed, and he has been subject to sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom and other authorities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Any reported plan to return would therefore face substantial legal, regulatory and political scrutiny. The precise implications would depend on the proposed arrangement and the rules applicable at the time.
It is also important to distinguish between speculation and confirmed developments. A reported willingness to invest is not the same as a formal bid, an agreement with Everton’s owners or approval from football authorities. Until the club or a prospective investor provides verified details, Usmanov’s possible involvement remains a developing story rather than a completed takeover plan.
Could new investment change Everton’s football prospects?
Everton’s immediate sporting challenge is to build greater consistency and reduce the distance between their ambitions and their results. A new owner might be able to provide capital for recruitment, facilities and long-term planning, but the quality of decision-making would be just as important as the size of the budget. Football clubs can spend heavily without improving if recruitment is poorly coordinated or if short-term fixes take priority over sustainable progress.
A credible ownership plan would likely need to balance several goals: strengthening the squad, retaining key players, developing young talent and maintaining financial discipline. Everton’s new stadium also represents a major part of the club’s future. Once fully operational, it could support higher matchday income and help the club compete commercially, though those benefits would depend on strong attendance, effective management and continued success on the pitch.
For fans assessing a possible takeover, the most useful indicators may include a buyer’s record in sport, the clarity of their funding, their approach to debt and their willingness to invest in the club beyond headline transfers. Supporters will also want to know whether a new owner intends to appoint experienced football executives and establish a clear sporting structure.
Everton takeover prediction: caution before certainty
Any prediction about Everton’s ownership future should be treated carefully. The club’s decision to explore a sale could attract interest from several parties, and the final outcome may depend on factors that are not yet public. Usmanov’s reported interest may add another layer to the story, but it does not establish that he is the leading bidder or that a deal is likely to be approved.
The next phase will be shaped by the sale process itself: whether credible offers are received, how the club’s financial obligations are assessed and whether potential investors can meet the necessary legal and regulatory standards. Everton’s owners may also weigh the certainty and structure of a proposal, rather than simply choosing the bidder promising the largest investment.
For now, Everton supporters have reason to watch developments closely without assuming that a return is imminent. Usmanov’s past links make the speculation notable, but the club’s future will ultimately depend on a transparent ownership arrangement and a practical plan for sustainable growth. Whoever takes charge will be judged not only by the money they bring in, but by whether Everton can turn that backing into stronger performances, improved stability and a clearer direction in English football.
