Keith Wyness reveals Everton takeover 'verified' timeline

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness estimates the takeover process will take five to seven months, with verification of bidders alone requiring four to six weeks.

Keith Wyness, who served as Everton's chief executive from 2004 to 2009 and has advised on several Premier League takeovers, has outlined the timeline for the club's ownership change. Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness explained that the entire process typically takes between five and seven months, starting from November.

The verification stage alone can take four to six weeks, with bidders required to provide proof of funds before the Friedkin Group progresses to due diligence and names a preferred bidder. The process then moves into the Premier League's owners and directors test before completion.

Wyness maintains that an end-of-season completion remains realistic, aligning with expectations for a new owner to be in place by next summer. He also noted that Amanda Staveley's chances of acquiring the club have "increased" following Michael Dell's withdrawal from the running, though he believes she needs to publicly identify her financial backers to have a genuine chance of success.