EPL side Everton's new major shareholder Farhad Moshiri will prioritize "plunging money to the club’s stadium project and gradually increase his stake in the club with a view to a full takeover," according to Law & Bascombe of the London TELEGRAPH. Sources close to the Goodison board believe Moshiri "will eventually assume complete control, despite Bill Kenwright initially staying on as chairman." Moshiri has bought out the 23% shareholding of American businessman Robert Earl as well as "diluting the stake of Kenwright" and Deputy Chair John Woods. As well as buying more shares, Moshiri’s "immediate focus is to finance Everton’s stadium project -- whether the club moves to a new site or looks again at redeveloping Goodison Park." He is "also certain to make funds available to manager Roberto Martinez in the summer, building on the foundations of an exciting young side." The question for Moshiri is "how much he can change and how soon." Regardless of "how much is at his disposal there are long-standing problems in need of remedy." The stadium "is top of that list." The redevelopment or relocation of Goodison Park has become "a burden to Kenwright throughout his reign." It divided the fanbase when a move to Kirkby "as part of a supermarket development was proposed," and the current idea of moving to Walton Hall Park with the help of taxpayers’ money has "always looked fanciful." The overall cost of that development -- which also includes retail and housing -- "has been estimated" at £300M ($418M). Moshiri is "likely to want to review all options, including assessing if it is really feasible to remain at Goodison rather than commit to a new arena." Staying has "always seemed unlikely." Goodison Park currently holds 39,572 and Everton knows it either needs to "significantly add to that capacity or move to a larger home to remain competitive with the biggest clubs in the Premier League" (TELEGRAPH, 2/28).
