When John Textor quietly began exploring a £400 million bid for a Premier League club in late October 2025, few expected it to ignite such a firestorm — especially since he hasn’t owned a top-flight English team since 2016. The news, first reported by Football London and later picked up by The Athletic, has sent shockwaves through London’s football circles, even as no formal application has been filed with the Premier League. The twist? Textor, the American billionaire behind Digital Domain Holdings Limited, already owns Olympique Lyonnais in France and has a major stake in the NFL’s Washington Commanders. So why now? And why here?
From Selhurst Park to the Edge of the Premier League
Textor’s first taste of English football came in 2015 when he led a consortium to buy a controlling stake in Crystal Palace Football Club. He was hailed as a visionary — bringing tech-driven analytics, global marketing, and a fresh financial outlook to a club that had spent decades hovering near relegation. But by May 2016, after just nine months, he walked away. The reason? A bitter rift with longtime chairman Steve Parish over spending priorities. Parish, who still runs the club today, favored cautious reinvestment. Textor wanted to spend big on transfers and infrastructure. The split was messy. Textor called it "a clash of cultures." Parish later told reporters, "Some people think football is a balance sheet. We know it’s a community." Since then, Textor has built a global sports empire. He bought Lyon in 2022 for €85 million and turned it into a European powerhouse. He invested in the Commanders in 2023, helping rescue the franchise from off-field chaos. He’s now reportedly eyeing a return to England — not to settle scores, but to build something bigger.The £400 Million Question
The rumored £400 million bid — roughly $500 million — is substantial, but not outrageous. For context, Chelsea FC sold for £4.25 billion in 2022. Even mid-table clubs like West Ham United were valued at £1.1 billion last year. So why £400m? Because Textor isn’t chasing a top-six club. Sources suggest he’s targeting a team in financial distress — possibly one struggling under debt, with a stadium in need of upgrades, and a fanbase eager for change. Rumors point to Leeds United, which has been under scrutiny from the Premier League for financial irregularities, or Everton, which narrowly avoided administration in 2023.The Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test is a formidable gatekeeper. It scrutinizes funding sources, personal conduct, and financial stability. Textor’s track record is clean — no sanctions, no bankruptcies, no controversial ties. But the league will want to know: Is this another speculative play? Or is he ready to commit long-term? One insider told me, "He doesn’t do half-measures. If he’s in, he’s all in."
What This Means for English Football
Textor’s potential return to the Premier League isn’t just about money. It’s about influence. He’s one of the few owners who blends Silicon Valley thinking with European football tradition. He’s invested in AI-driven scouting, fan engagement apps, and sustainable stadium operations. If he buys a club, expect data analytics to become central to recruitment. Expect ticket prices to be tied to performance. Expect a digital-first approach to merchandising.But fans are wary. After years of American owners who treated clubs as assets — not institutions — there’s deep skepticism. The 2024 collapse of Manchester United’s fan trust under the Glazers still lingers. Textor knows this. That’s why he’s reportedly been quietly meeting with supporters’ groups in Leeds and Everton. He’s not just seeking approval. He’s seeking legitimacy.
What’s Next?
The Premier League has 20 clubs. Five are publicly traded. Three are owned by families with generational ties. The rest? Mostly private, often under financial pressure. Textor’s move could trigger a domino effect. If he succeeds, other U.S. investors may follow. If he fails, the league may tighten its ownership rules further. Either way, the landscape is shifting.As of October 27, 2025, no official bid has been submitted. The Premier League has declined to comment. Textor’s spokesperson says only: "He’s always been interested in English football. Nothing’s confirmed, but he’s listening."
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about one man’s ambition. It’s about the future of the Premier League itself. As global capital flows into football, the gap between the haves and have-nots grows. Textor represents a new kind of owner: not a billionaire with a toy, but a professional investor with a strategy. If he lands a club, he won’t just change its fortunes. He’ll change how we think about ownership in the world’s most watched league.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is John Textor interested in the Premier League now?
Textor has been quietly building a global sports portfolio since leaving Crystal Palace in 2016. With Lyon thriving and the Washington Commanders stabilized, he’s now looking to re-enter European football at the highest level. The Premier League’s global reach and financial power — £5.5 billion in 2022-23 revenue — make it the logical next step. He’s not chasing fame; he’s chasing scale.
Which club is he likely targeting?
Leeds United and Everton are the two most plausible targets. Leeds is under Premier League financial investigation, and its owner, Andrea Radrizzani, is reportedly open to selling. Everton, despite recent stability, carries £200 million in debt and has a stadium project stalled since 2021. Both clubs have passionate fanbases and room for operational improvement — exactly what Textor excels at.
Has Textor ever failed at a football takeover before?
His Crystal Palace tenure lasted only nine months and ended in a public split with Steve Parish. But he didn’t lose money — he sold his stake at a profit. More importantly, he left behind improved youth infrastructure and a more professional back office. In Lyon, he turned a club in decline into a Champions League regular. His record isn’t flawless, but it’s consistently strategic.
Could the Premier League block this bid?
Yes — but only if Textor fails the Owners’ and Directors’ Test. That means proving his funds are legitimate, he has no criminal ties, and he can demonstrate financial strength. His net worth exceeds $2 billion. His companies are profitable. His past record is clean. The real hurdle? Convincing the league he won’t treat the club like a financial instrument. That’s why he’s meeting fans — not just executives.
What would this mean for Crystal Palace fans?
For many, it’s bittersweet. Textor helped lift Palace into Premier League stability in 2016, but his departure left scars. If he buys another club, some will see it as a betrayal. Others will say he’s finally proving he had the vision all along — just not for Palace. Steve Parish has said nothing publicly, but insiders say he’s "curious, not angry." The real question: Would Textor ever buy Palace again? Unlikely. The wounds are too deep.