Yes. The whole 2 years hasn't made sense for me either though. Why did Koeman leave a stable job at Southampton and risk it all. Why did Allardyce come out of retirement (and be so cheesed off when he was sacked whereas at other clubs he happily left) etc. Why has Brands resisted Arsenal and turned down Chelsea to join Everton, if he had to sell 15% of the wage bill before he could buy?
There may be another explanation, I know a lot of fans don't see how odd the above is because we rightly hold Everton in very high regard. When you live in the city thats true. If you grew up outside of it, we are another regional club who've gone 2 decades since winning something. Our name and reputation alone is not a big enough pull in my view, and even with Moshiri's finances being significantly deeper than what's likely reported it's unlikely his are enough as well.
It would not surprise me if the Chinese debt facility was used. I am not entirely sure why it was negotiated, though I do wonder if further down the line we may see some Chinese investment/involvement and it's a precursor. However yes that can be wiped off without sanction. Also any fees paid can also be made available for spending going forward and they can also convert debt into equity, so they have some options available to them.
This window seems to have shifted pace. My own theory would be that brands and Silva felt the initial window may be difficult as it would be touch and go if Usmanov could come but future windows there would be significant funds available (probably far greater than what we've done over the last 2 years and over a longer period). Maybe Usmanov has got wind of the offer coming in and later in the window then we started signing players.
If he comes in over the next day or so (which reporters like Bascombe who is well connected are openly suggesting) expect a mental deadline day. I would rule nothing out. I really wouldn't rule out a bid for Hazard or things completely off the wall like that. It's a bit like Christmas as a kid this!
There does seem an oddness as you say to many things in manager/DOF recruitment mate. Building on what you have said the devil may care attitude to hiring and firing managers and coaches to the tune of 50 million with what seems like very little apprehension fiscally also lends its self to this. What strikes me is any snippet we have read from the Mayor and Allardyce is that they have been forthright in illustrating the Everton ownership are serious backers a bit covertly but suggestively, reading between the lines it looks like Moshiri may be the vanguard here.
I tend to agree with you, we have a profile, but its an historical one, i dont think we have the pulling power in the modern era, to make Silva down tools at Watford (that can be career suicide) or attract Brands and also the other decisions you mention, without a serious external pull or other information.
Even looking at our lending partners the Chinese bank is the biggest in the world and Stantender are no slouches. Its a long way from Barckleys and our overdraft we could never pay back. It seems in football circles it may be "well known" who is or could be involved.
The other thing i find intriguing is Mayor Joe, saying recently Everton are exploring other options about stadium financing beyond the council. Now to be frank that surprised me, considering we couldn't pull together two bob for a ground for 30 years, we are now tendering to other sources on who wants to give us money, or possibly could it be financed by an owner, which is perfectly allowed under FFP - i think.
The other thing that has my suspicions up is Watford and their reluctance to let the alleged tapping up thing go, they are looking for a pay day maybe knowing a big spender is coming along. Given that context it was amazing just how easy they let Richy go. Yet hold firm on their claim - the two things dont lend themselves to the other.
The obvious things are well documented USM etc.
As you say the timing of all this does raise suspicions, two days before the end of the window, many deals already set up and agreed and a good few targets close to being over the line. If it were to happen it makes sense to do it now and not be fleeced.
I know you say Hazard tongue in cheek, but if we do get six in and we know we have no money in the business, it does lend itself to Usminov coming in.
I never thought it could happen given it never made sense diluting a stake in Arsenal for just Everton, but i suspect a catalyst might be the investment at the docks, not just the ground but associated developments. 600million is a decent return on the Arsenal stock. With a land deal in the offing at Everton.
