Everton's future owner takes the blame for failed transfer to Fulham, where a player disappeared
Everton's prospective new owner has taken the blame for trying to force one of his players into joining Fulham on transfer deadline day.
John Textor is the owner of Lyon and was at the centre of the drama with Ernest Nuamah heavily linked with a move to Craven Cottage.
An agreement had been reached between Lyon and Fulham for the transfer of the winger with only a medical to complete when the deal began to unravel.
According to reports in France, Nuamah He was not very enthusiastic about moving to England and decided to go AWOL. – refusing to answer his phone or show his face as those around him tried to facilitate his medical with the Premier League club.
Nuamah never wanted the move and reportedly cried at the prospect of a transfer to Fulham, with the deal pushed through by Textor and the French club's hierarchy who were keen to balance the books.
Instead, the 20-year-old Ghanaian wanted to stay and fight for his place with Lyon set to compete in the Europa League.
After privately apologising to the player, Textor spoke about the saga in a press conference saying: “He didn't want to leave.
“I got in touch with Ernest (Nuamah) very quickly, apologized and learned a lot.
“He is a very valuable person.
“These kinds of decisions make players say that OL is a great club with extraordinary facilities, that we are in the Europa League.”
Textor is the top name on the list to buy Everton Football club with the American in a period of exclusivity on an agreement.
Textor, which currently owns a 45 percent stake in Crystal Palacehas hinted that a deal for the Merseyside outfit is close, something Everton interim CEO Colin Chong has chosen to play down.
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Writing on Everton's official website, Chong said: “The club is aware of comments made by John Textor in relation to the potential purchase of the club.
“While positive discussions and progress continue to be made with Mr Textor to formalize any agreement with him, there is still work to be done to complete the transaction.
“Therefore, the comments made by Mr Textor simply represent his personal views on club matters.
“Everyone at the club is focused on providing the best possible support to Sean (Dyche) and the team as we head into this weekend’s fixture.
“The club will provide updates regarding the new investment when there are significant developments to communicate to supporters and other stakeholders, and this will be done through official club channels.”
