Rap icon Jay-Z may soon expand his business ventures into the world of English soccer as reports suggest he could help fund the Everton takeover. The Grammy-winning artist is in discussions with American businessman John Textor, who is currently negotiating to buy a majority stake in the Premier League club as soccer gains momentum across the country.
Why is Jay-Z interested in Everton?
John Textor, who already owns French League club Lyon, is looking for partners to help finance the purchase of Everton. While Textor could potentially buy the club on his own, he prefers bringing in other high-net-worth individuals like Jay-Z.
This move could echo other high-profile American celebrities entering the soccer world, such as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who recently took over Wrexham AFC, and Tom Brady, who invested in Birmingham City.
How does Jay-Z’s involvement tie with LeBron James?
Soccer club ownership among American celebrities is not new. LeBron James, one of Jay-Z’s peers in the entertainment and business world, owns a stake in Liverpool, Everton’s fierce city rival. This parallel has sparked speculation among fans as to whether Jay-Z’s possible involvement with Everton could ignite a similar level of fan engagement.
Why is Everton about to be sold?
Everton fans may be excited by the prospect of Jay-Z’s involvement, especially given the club’s current struggles. The team has had a difficult start to the 2024/25 Premier League season, losing their first four matches. Meanwhile, ownership negotiations have been ongoing for months, with several failed bids in the past.
Is Jay-Z a soccer fan?
Jay-Z, worth approximately $2.5 billion (£1.9 billion), has been involved in various business ventures, but this would mark his first major foray into the Premier League. While he’s been vocal about his support for Arsenal, he has shown a general passion for soccer, attending events like the UEFA Champions League final.
With Textor leading the charge and possibly securing backing from one of the world’s most recognizable faces, Everton’s future could be looking a lot brighter than it has in recent years. For fans curious about the future, the next few weeks will reveal more about the potential partnership between Jay-Z and Textor.