Alan Brazil claims Alisher Usmanov is trying to return to Everton

Alan Brazil has claimed Alisher Usmanov is trying to become involved with Everton again, although the talkSPORT presenter stressed that he could not confirm the information.

Usmanov had significant financial links with Everton during Farhad Moshiri’s ownership, including through USM Holdings’ sponsorship of the club’s Finch Farm training ground. Brazil said on talkSPORT that he had heard Usmanov was “trying to get back in at Everton”, adding that the billionaire has “serious, serious money”.

However, there has been no confirmation from Everton, Usmanov or The Friedkin Group that an approach or talks have taken place. Brazil’s claim comes amid uncertainty over The Friedkin Group’s future at Everton, with the owners considering a sale less than two years after completing their takeover.

Why an Usmanov return appears unlikely

There is a significant obstacle to the scenario outlined by Brazil, with Usmanov remaining subject to UK sanctions. Everton suspended commercial sponsorship arrangements with USM, MegaFon and Yota in March 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Usmanov’s subsequent sanctioning.

Although the European Union removed Usmanov from its sanctions list in September, the UK has not followed suit and his designation remains in place. That makes any immediate involvement with Everton highly unlikely while the restrictions continue, regardless of Brazil’s claim.

For now, there is no evidence of formal talks and Brazil himself described the information as something he had heard rather than something he could confirm.

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